CHARACTER STUDY OF EZRA – LED RELIGIOUS REFORMS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ezra 7:10
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."
Supporting Texts:
Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 7:6, Nehemiah 8:1-8, Psalm 119:9-11, 2 Timothy 2:15
INTRODUCTION:
Ezra was a scribe and priest who played a key role in the spiritual restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. He was not just a scholar of the Law of Moses but a man committed to living it and teaching it to others.
After the Israelites returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and rebuilt the temple, there was still a great need for spiritual revival. Ezra led this reform, calling the people to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's laws. His life is a powerful example of devotion, integrity, and leadership in restoring true worship.
Through Ezra, we see that religious revival does not happen by accident; it requires dedication, study, teaching, and practical obedience to God's Word.
1. EZRA’S BACKGROUND AND CALLING
a) A descendant of Aaron (Ezra 7:1-5)
Ezra was a direct descendant of Aaron, making him part of the priestly lineage.
b) A skilled scribe in the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6)
He was well-versed in the Scriptures, making him an authority on God's commands.
c) He was favoured by King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:11-12)
The Persian king gave Ezra permission and resources to lead spiritual reform in Jerusalem.
d) His mission was to restore the worship of God (Ezra 7:25-26)
He was not only a teacher of the law but a reformer, ensuring that God's Word was upheld.
e) Biblical Example: Like Moses, Ezra was called to teach and establish God's laws (Exodus 24:12).
2. EZRA’S JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM AND HIS LEADERSHIP
a) He gathered exiles to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:1-14)
He led a group of Israelites back to their homeland, ensuring they followed God's will.
b) He sought God’s protection through fasting and prayer (Ezra 8:21-23)
Instead of relying on the king's army, Ezra trusted in God's divine protection.
c) He ensured proper worship and sacrifices (Ezra 8:35-36)
Upon arrival, he re-established temple worship by offering sacrifices.
d) He taught the people the laws of God (Ezra 7:10)
His primary goal was to instruct the Israelites in righteousness.
e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also led a group of exiles back to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:17-18).
3. EZRA’S SPIRITUAL REFORMS
a) He confronted intermarriage with foreign women (Ezra 9:1-2)
Ezra realised that Israel had disobeyed God by marrying pagan women, leading them into idolatry.
b) He led the people in repentance (Ezra 9:5-15)
In deep sorrow, Ezra prayed and wept, confessing the nation's sins before God.
c) He called for national purification (Ezra 10:1-17)
The Israelites responded by putting away foreign wives and renewing their commitment to God.
d) He restored true worship and obedience (Ezra 6:19-22)
He ensured that the people observed the Passover and other religious laws.
e) Biblical Example: King Josiah also led a revival by restoring the reading of the Law (2 Kings 23:1-3).
4. EZRA’S TEACHING MINISTRY
a) He read and explained the Law to the people (Nehemiah 8:1-8)
Alongside Nehemiah, Ezra gathered the Israelites and publicly read the Law, ensuring they understood it.
b) He inspired national commitment to God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:9-12)
The people rejoiced and repented upon hearing and understanding the Scriptures.
c) He led in renewing the covenant (Nehemiah 9:38)
The Israelites made a fresh commitment to obey God’s commands.
d) His teachings had a lasting impact (Nehemiah 10:28-29)
His influence led to long-term obedience and national revival.
e) Biblical Example: Paul also dedicated his life to teaching and strengthening the church (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
5. CHARACTER TRAITS OF EZRA
a) He was a man of deep devotion (Ezra 7:10)
He diligently studied, obeyed, and taught God’s Word.
b) He was a leader with integrity (Ezra 8:21-23)
He led by example, trusting in God's power rather than human strength.
c) He was bold in confronting sin (Ezra 9:1-4)
He did not compromise when he saw the people disobeying God.
d) He was humble and prayerful (Ezra 9:5-15)
He did not act in pride but sought God’s mercy for Israel.
e) Biblical Example: Samuel was also a righteous leader dedicated to God’s service (1 Samuel 3:19-21).
6. STRENGTHS OF EZRA
a) He had a strong knowledge of God’s Word (Ezra 7:6)
He was a skilled scribe, deeply rooted in Scripture.
b) He was committed to personal holiness (Ezra 7:10)
He lived out what he taught.
c) He had a heart for revival (Ezra 10:1)
He led Israel into repentance and renewal.
d) He was a man of faith and prayer (Ezra 8:23)
He trusted God for protection and provision.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel also remained faithful to God despite living in exile (Daniel 6:10).
7. WEAKNESSES OF EZRA
a) He struggled with the people's persistent disobedience (Ezra 9:2-4)
Despite his efforts, Israel repeatedly fell into sin.
b) He was emotionally overwhelmed at times (Ezra 9:3-5)
His deep sorrow for Israel’s sins sometimes left him distressed.
c) His reforms were met with resistance (Ezra 10:15)
Not everyone accepted his call for change.
d) He focused more on external obedience than heart transformation (Ezra 10:2-4)
While he restored worship, true spiritual change took time.
e) Biblical Example: Moses also faced opposition and frustration with the Israelites (Exodus 32:19-20).
8. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF EZRA
a) God’s Word is the foundation of true revival (Ezra 7:10)
A nation can only be transformed when it returns to Scripture.
b) Leadership requires both knowledge and character (Ezra 8:21-23)
Ezra was both a scholar and a man of faith.
c) Prayer and fasting bring divine intervention (Ezra 8:23)
Trusting in God leads to victory.
d) Boldness is needed to confront sin (Ezra 9:1-4)
Ezra was not afraid to call people to repentance.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus also taught and lived by God's Word, calling people to true worship (Matthew 5:17-20).
CONCLUSION:
Ezra was a faithful leader who prioritised God’s Word and worship. His dedication to teaching and spiritual reform led Israel into a renewed covenant with God. His life teaches us the power of faith, prayer, and godly leadership in bringing revival.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to be devoted to Your Word like Ezra.
2. Father, grant me the boldness to lead spiritual revival.
3. Lord, give me wisdom and integrity in my leadership.
4. Let my life inspire others to love and follow You.
5. Help me to stand firm in righteousness despite opposition.
