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Royalty and Ruin
Ezra Becomes a Mouthpiece for the Lord
During the remaining years of his life, whether near the court of
Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, he communicated to others the truths
he learned. He was the Lord’s witness to the world that Bible truth
has power to ennoble daily life.
Ezra’s efforts to revive interest in studying the Scriptures yielded
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permanent results because of his painstaking, lifelong work of pre-
serving and multiplying the Sacred Writings. He gathered all the
copies he could find and had these transcribed and distributed. The
pure Word, placed in the hands of many people, gave knowledge
that was of priceless value.
Ezra’s faith led him to tell Artaxerxes that he wanted to return to
Jerusalem to help his people restore the Holy City. As he declared his
perfect trust in God, the king was deeply impressed. His confidence
in Ezra was so great that he granted the request, gave him rich gifts
for the temple, and conferred on him extensive powers for carrying
out the intentions in his heart.
The Third Decree Makes Complete Provision
The decree of Artaxerxes for restoring and building Jerusalem,
the third since the close of the 70 years of captivity, is remarkable
for its references to the God of heaven and for its liberal grants to
the people of God. The king offered freely “to the God of Israel,
whose dwelling is in Jerusalem,” and he made provision for meeting
many heavy expenses “from the king’s treasury.”
Verses 15, 20
.
“You are being sent by the king,” Artaxerxes declared to Ezra,
“to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, with regard to the Law
of your God which is in your hand.” “Whatever is commanded by
the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God
of heaven.”
Verses 14, 23
.
Artaxerxes arranged to restore the members of the priesthood to
their ancient privileges. “It shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute,
or custom” on them. He also arranged for civil officers to govern
the people. “You, Ezra, according to your God-given wisdom,” he
directed, “set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people