Ezra 7–9 introduces us personally to Ezra, the priest and scribe whose name is attached to this book.

Ezra was not simply a religious leader.

He was a man who had committed his heart to God’s Word.

Scripture gives us the secret of his life:

Ezra prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, to do it, and to teach it.

That order matters.

He sought God’s Word.

He practiced God’s Word.

Then he taught God’s Word.

Chapter 7 shows God opening another door through King Artaxerxes.

Chapter 8 shows Ezra preparing for the journey.

Chapter 9 then brings a painful surprise.

These chapters teach us to prepare our hearts before teaching others, trust God while acting responsibly, handle resources with integrity, refuse spiritual compromise, and confess sin honestly when God exposes it. ...