Ezra Devoted Himself to Study, Obey and Teach the Bible
Ezra 7:1-28
Key Verse 7:10 “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
1. Who was Ezra? (5, 6) What was the big problem that Ezra had to deal with? (9:1-2) What did he do in response to the problem? (9:5-6)
2. What does it mean that “the gracious hand of the Lord was on him”? (6,9,28)
3. What does it mean that Ezra devoted himself to studying, observing and teaching God’s word? (10; cf. Deuteronomy 6:5-6)
4. What was the king’s attitude toward Ezra and why? (11-12, 23) What further instructions did the king give regarding gold, silver, material things? (18-24) How else did the king show his confidence in Ezra’s wisdom and integrity? (25-26)
5. How did Ezra give thanks to God for answering his prayers? (27-28; 8:21-23) How can we imitate Ezra’s devotion to the word of God in the new year?