Who Was Ezra?
The scribe who loved and taught God’s Word.
Ezra was a priest and skilled scribe living in Persia after many Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes authorized him to travel there with other returning families and resources for the temple. Ezra proclaimed a fast and asked God for a safe journey. In Jerusalem, he discovered serious disobedience and led the community in confession and reform. Years later, Ezra stood on a wooden platform while the people gathered. He read the Law of Moses, and teachers helped everyone understand its meaning. The people first wept, then were told to rejoice because the joy of the Lord was their strength.