Ezra 7 9

Ezra 7:9 kjv

For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

Ezra 7:9 nkjv

On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

Ezra 7:9 niv

He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.

Ezra 7:9 esv

For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him.

Ezra 7:9 nlt

He had arranged to leave Babylon on April 8, the first day of the new year, and he arrived at Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 9 Meaning

Ezra 7:9 states that Ezra commenced his significant journey from Babylon towards Jerusalem on the first day of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, a remarkable feat attributed solely to the "good hand of his God upon him." This verse underscores divine timing, providential care, and active enablement by God, ensuring Ezra's successful and timely arrival for his divinely appointed mission to re-establish the Law and spiritual order in Jerusalem.

Ezra 7 9 Context

Ezra chapter 7 opens by introducing Ezra as a priest and scribe, descended from Aaron, meticulously dedicated to studying, practicing, and teaching God's Law. It then records a significant decree issued by King Artaxerxes of Persia, authorizing Ezra's return to Jerusalem with others who desired to go. The king provides resources and directives for Ezra's mission: to bring a special offering, to inquire about the state of Judah and Jerusalem according to God's Law, to establish and enforce God's laws, and to organize temple worship. Ezra 7:9 details the successful start and completion of Ezra's journey under the sovereign hand of God. This journey marked the second major return of exiles from Babylon (following Zerubbabel's initial return under Cyrus), occurring around 458 BC, about 60 years after the temple was rebuilt and 13 years before Nehemiah's arrival. The precision of the dates underscores the deliberate and divinely ordained nature of this mission.

Ezra 7 9 Word analysis

• For: Introduces the reason or explanation for Ezra's successful departure mentioned in the previous verse (Ezra 7:8), namely the good hand of God.
• upon the first day: Heb. b'echad (בְּאֶחָד) - "on the first." Marks a specific, precise beginning. In the ancient world, specific dating was significant for official records. This choice of date suggests a deliberate, perhaps religiously significant, commencement.
• of the first month: Heb. lachodesh ha'rishon (לַחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן) - referring to the month of Nisan (also called Abib). This month held immense significance in the Hebrew calendar, being the month of Passover and new beginnings (Exod 12:2; 40:2; Ezek 45:18; 2 Chron 29:17). Its choice might signify a new exodus or spiritual rebirth.
• began he to go up: Heb. huchal la'`aloth (הוּחַל לַעֲלוֹת) - "he began to go up" or "it began to go up." `alah (עָלָה) means "to ascend," indicating the uphill journey geographically to Jerusalem (which sits at a higher elevation) and metaphorically to a place of spiritual importance.
• from Babylon: The capital of the pagan empire, symbolic of the place of exile and spiritual captivity. Leaving Babylon signified freedom and a return to the covenant land and spiritual center.
• and on the first day: Again, precision in dating emphasizes the deliberate nature of events.
• of the fifth month: The month of Ab. This was also a significant, though often tragic, month, as it historically marked the destruction of both the First and Second Temples (Jer 52:12-14). Ezra's arrival on the first of this month may signify a turning point or a fresh start in the face of past sorrow.
• came he to Jerusalem: The destination and central focus of God's redemptive plan for His people and the place of worship. The journey was long and perilous, approximately 900 miles.
• according to the good hand of his God upon him:
  • according to: Implies causation and direct correlation. The journey's success was because of God's good hand.
  • the good hand: Heb. yad tobah (יַד טוֹבָה) - "hand good." This idiomatic expression denotes powerful, active, benevolent, and effective divine favor, providence, protection, and enablement. It indicates that God was not just present but actively working for Ezra's well-being and success. It implies guidance, provision, and removal of obstacles.
  • of his God: Emphasizes the personal relationship and specific care God extended to Ezra as His chosen instrument for this task. It highlights the covenantal faithfulness of God to His servant.
  • upon him: Signifies God's direct application of power, influence, and oversight on Ezra. It suggests an active, guiding presence influencing Ezra's actions and circumstances throughout the journey.

Ezra 7 9 Bonus section

• The approximately four-month journey for Ezra and his large company, including significant temple offerings, indicates not only logistical challenges but also potential dangers from brigands or environmental factors. Their safe passage strongly points to the miraculous protection of God's "good hand."
• Ezra's prior commitment (Ezra 7:10) to "study the Law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel" precedes and sets the stage for God's "good hand" being upon him. This highlights that divine enablement often accompanies human diligence and obedience to God's calling.
• The emphasis on "first day" for both departure and arrival might be more than mere chronology. It can subtly underscore the "beginning" or inauguration of a significant phase for Judah's spiritual restoration.
• The repeated phrase "good hand of his God" serves as a literary motif throughout Ezra-Nehemiah, attributing all successful endeavors related to the return and rebuilding to divine agency, fostering faith and dependence on God among the returning exiles.

Ezra 7 9 Commentary

Ezra 7:9 encapsulates the divine orchestration behind Ezra's mission. The meticulous dating of his departure and arrival highlights God's sovereignty over time and events. Starting on the first day of the first month, a period associated with new beginnings and redemption, and concluding on the first day of the fifth month, a period marked by both sorrow and opportunity, the four-month journey of approximately 900 miles was fraught with peril. Yet, it was completed safely and precisely, not by chance, nor by human might alone, but "according to the good hand of his God upon him." This recurring phrase in Ezra and Nehemiah is a theological conviction, affirming that divine favor, active guidance, and supernatural enablement were the sole reasons for Ezra's successful transit and the effectiveness of his subsequent ministry. It teaches us that God’s presence brings not just protection, but active help and wisdom for specific assignments, demonstrating His commitment to accomplishing His will through prepared and obedient servants.