It is not until chapter 7 that we get to meet the individual whose name titles this book. Ezra was a scribe, and no doubt, the author of both this book and the book of Nehemiah, and perhaps also the books of Chronicles. Close to 50 years had passed since the completion of the temple before Ezra was granted permission by king Artaxerxes to return to the land along with those like minded. During those 50 years, Xerxes (Ahasuerus), the king of Esther’s fame, had reigned.
Ezra’s genealogy is traced back to Phinehas the son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the chief priest. There was no question as to his qualification to serve in the priesthood. Here was a man that could be described as a “ready scribe” in the Law of Moses — one who was skillful and diligent (Ezra 7:6). A little further in the chapter we learn why this was so. “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra. 7:10). It wasn’t simply that Ezra had a good grasp of the law in his head, but he prepared his heart to seek it, and furthermore, to do it. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). This verse does not suggest that we should have answers ready to roll off the tongue (see Mark 13:11), but rather, it refers to our state of soul as the next verse tells us, “having a good conscience” (1 Pet. 3:16). The heart that is full of worldly cares will not have much room for the things of God. A house that is untidy, unkempt and cluttered with goods is not a house into which we readily invite guests — we are embarrassed to bring them in. The heart, however, that is separated unto God will be full of Christ and must necessarily share the things of God with others.
Ezra, it appears, was bold to ask the king for those things that he would need — though we note that he did not seek the king’s protection, but rather, committed himself to the Lord (Ezra 7:22). “The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him” (Ezra 7:6). When we are walking with God, then we have confidence in making request of Him. “If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:21). “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psa. 37:4).