Sermon Tone Analysis

Opening Discussion

Question: "How would you describe the Wisdom of God?"

God’s wisdom described

God’s wisdom is beyond measure

God’s wisdom is profound

God’s wisdom is superior to human wisdom

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7:1–5  Ezra son of . . .

Aaron.

Lengthy genealogies in the Bible were usually attached to important persons, and this is one of the longest genealogies given for an individual in an Old Testament narrative, so the reader is being signaled that the character entering the narrative here is special.

As a descendant of Aaron, Israel’s first high priest (), he is eminently qualified to handle affairs related to the temple, which is an important part of the mission described in this chapter.

7:6  teacher well versed in the Law of Moses.

The other feature that makes Ezra special is his expert ability to teach God’s law.

This is the second major aspect of his mission.

As priest and lawgiver, Ezra effectively embodies the roles of both Aaron and Moses for the community of the new exodus.

the hand of the Lord . . . was on him.

As in and , God causes the king to assist the restoration process.

“According to the hand of the king” is a Hebrew idiom that refers to a king’s generosity (used in ; ; ).

By inserting “God” in place of “king” here in the context of Artaxerxes’s grant, the text makes the point that it is ultimately God’s generosity at work.

7:9  He had begun his journey . . . on the first day of the first month.

There is disagreement about what the word translated “begun” means.

says that the actual travel begins on the twelfth day of the first month.

probably means either that important preparations begin on the first day of the month or that the initial plan is to leave on that day.

The intention seems to be to make a connection with the exodus from Egypt, in which the Israelites leave Egypt on the first day of the first month.

These preparations or plans are part of God’s redemption of exiled Israel, which is patterned on the redemption from Egypt.

7:10  For Ezra had devoted himself . . . and to teaching.

The Hebrew behind “devoted himself” could be translated “set his heart.”

Ezra has a firm commitment to learning God’s word, applying it sincerely in his own life, and teaching it to other Israelites.

The position of this verse in the present context implies that Ezra both embraces the tasks described and is aided by God because of his devotion to God’s word.

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7:14  is in your hand.

This is an idiom that simply means “you possess” or “is at your disposal.”

It appears again in verse 25.

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7:25  appoint magistrates and judges.

This role, along with teaching the law, presents Ezra as a second Moses (compare ).

Most historians think the intent was for Ezra to teach the law of God only to the Jewish people in Trans-Euphrates.

This may be true historically, but the biblical text is somewhat ambiguous, probably capitalizing on an ambiguity in Artaxerxes’s original edict.

The result is a foreshadowing of the day when all, even the Gentiles, will follow God’s law (; ).

This is an important feature of the prophesied restoration of Israel, moving beyond resettlement in Palestine and reinstitution of temple worship.

7:27  to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way.

shares several themes with this passage: God’s word known by his people (59:21); wealth of the Gentiles coming to Israel (60:5, 11), including specifically silver and gold (60:9); Gentiles supplying sacrificial animals (60:7); and foreign kings contributing to the glory of the Jerusalem temple (60:10–13).

Ezra seems to recognize these parallels and draws attention to them by using the word translated “bring honor,” an infrequently used Hebrew verb occurring in , (NIV “adorn”).

He implies that what is happening in his own day is a foretaste of the blessings of restoration promised in Isaiah.

7:28  extended his good favor to me.

The word translated “favor,” when used of God’s disposition, is typically connected to his covenant relationship with Israel.

Thus, Ezra recognizes from the instructions he has been given that God is working out his covenant promises through him.

As a result, he is encouraged to begin the process of fulfilling his mission.

What I really see is the key to this entire chapter…possibly this entire book is verse 10

Before we get into verse 10, I asked each of you to read .

Was there any verse, did God speak directly to you through any of those 176 verses?

Does anyone want to share?

Ok, let’s go back to

Study, Obey, Teach

Study

You hold a miracle.

Whether digital or paper – it is the revealed Word of God.

Breathed out by the Holy Spirit and breathed in by Jesus-followers all over the world.

By it, we are sustained; and by it, we find revival.

By it, we are sanctified; and by it, we live.

For thousands of years, men and women of God longed to see what you hold.

The complete and Holy Word of God in a language they could understand and study.

In a language they could apply and obey.

In a language they could illuminate and teach.

Ezra was one such believer, an old testament priest with a few scrolls to light his path.

God chose him to oversee the restoration of social and religious order in Jerusalem after Israel’s return from captivity.

God used Ezra as a catalyst for one of the greatest revivals in the Old Testament.

The key to his influence and impact is found in the book of Ezra chapter 7 verse 10. 

“He dedicated himself to study, obey, and teach the Word of God.”

Question: “How do you study the Holy Spirit revealed Word of God?”

In 2016, Lifeway Research published a study of American Christian views on Bible Reading.

It revealed that 70% of U.S. believers rarely systematically read or study their Bibles.

Most of us, according to the study, pick and choose a verse at a time, return to a favorite passage, or simply flip the Bible open and read where our eyes land.

We treat the sixty-six-course living Bread of God like a Chinese buffet.

The Bible is a literary work meant to be read in its entirety.

Imagine the confusion of reading a favorite novel the same way most of us treat the Bible.

Meaningful Bible study begins with prayer.

Prayer is the incense that prepares our minds and hearts to receive the Word of God.

Pray that the Holy Spirit reveals God’s Word to your mind, that your heart receives it, and that your body obeys it.

As you read your Bible, ask yourself these three questions: 

-What was the Holy Spirit saying to the initial audience it was written to?

-What is the Holy Spirit teaching me now? 

-How can I apply it?

Next, spend some time intentionally meditating on a passage that stood out in your study.

Think about it throughout the day.

Hide it in your heart and memorize it.

Additionally, you should read what others have written about that passage.

Many Bible scholars like Matthew Henry, James Strong, Dr. J. Vernon Mcgee, and Dr. Thomas Constable attempted to climb the heights of scripture.

They, and others like them, recorded what they saw so that you might stand on their shoulders and read what the Holy Spirit revealed to them.

We must study God’s word every day.

The Law of God is like a mirror, it reveals our flaws and failures.

The longer we neglect His Word, the further our hearts drift away from God.

This happened to Israel, and they disobeyed God’s command to be a people set apart from the rest of the nations.

When Ezra heard of it, he was immediately heart-broken and felt a personal responsibility for Israel’s sin.

He knew that Israel’s repentance and obedience were necessary for revival and restoration.

Challenge:  As you read today's Scripture ask yourself these three questions:  

What did it mean to them?

What is the Spirit teaching me?