What happensPermalink
During the reign of Artaxerxes, many years after the temple is completed, Ezra the priest returns to Jerusalem with another group of exiles. Artaxerxes provides silver, gold, and animals for sacrifice and authorizes Ezra to appoint judges to teach and enforce the Law of God.
Why it mattersPermalink
Ezra’s mission is to restore covenant faithfulness by teaching and establishing the Mosaic law among the returned exiles. The generous support of Artaxerxes again demonstrates God’s providential rule through foreign kings. Ezra himself models the pattern of covenant renewal: studying God’s law, obeying it, and teaching it to others.
Key versePermalink
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.