“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10 ESV).
Ezra, a priest descended from Aaron and a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, led the second major return of exiles to Jerusalem around 458 BC, during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia. Nearly eighty years had passed since Zerubbabel’s first group had rebuilt the temple, but the people were in need of spiritual renewal. Appointed and empowered by the Persian king, Ezra came not merely with silver and gold for temple worship, but with a heart set on teaching God’s Word. This verse summarizes his life and ministry in three deliberate commitments: to study the Law of the Lord, to practice it, and to teach it in Israel. His order of priorities was intentional—understanding God’s Word first, living it out personally, and then faithfully instructing others. Ezra’s ministry was holistic: head (study), heart (obedience), and hands (teaching).
We, too, are called to set our hearts on God’s Word in this same threefold way. Like Ezra, we must study Scripture diligently, not content with a surface reading but seeking deep understanding. Yet knowledge alone is not enough—God calls us to do it, to let His Word shape our thoughts, decisions, and daily conduct. Only when the Word has first transformed us can we effectively teach it to others, whether in formal settings or in everyday conversations. This progression guards us from hypocrisy and fuels authentic witness. In a time when many voices compete for our attention, the Church needs leaders and members whose hearts are steadfastly devoted to God’s Word in both life and ministry.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the example of Ezra, who set his heart to study, obey, and teach Your Word. Give us the same devotion in our lives. Help us to be faithful students of Scripture, eager doers of what we learn, and loving teachers of Your truth to those around us. May our lives reflect the transforming power of Your Word, so that others might be drawn to You. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.