MPV Commentary

1-2. Ezra went to Jerusalem during the reign of Artaxerxes, also known as Ahasuerus (the king in Esther). He was a grandson or great-grandson of Seraiah, who had been the high priest before being executed by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah (2 Kings 25:18). This event occurred about 130 years before Ezra's journey to Jerusalem. As a descendant of Jeshua, who held the office of high priest and accompanied Zerubbabel in the first group of returning exiles, Ezra likely had a strong connection to his heritage.

6. This Ezra was an accomplished scholar of the law of Moses, known as a scribe. The term "scribe" refers not only to a skilled writer but also to a learned expert in Jewish law and customs. Such individuals held significant authority and influence (compare Matthew 23:25; Mark 12:28).

The king granted Ezra all his requests, entrusting him with an important mission to be carried out in Jerusalem. The details of how he obtained this position are explained later in the passage. Here, it's noted that the king was favorably disposed towards Ezra's goals due to divine grace and goodness.

8. Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month, which corresponds to late July or early August. Given that he left Babylon on the Jewish New Year (Ezra 7:9), his journey likely took around four months. However, it was necessary for him to travel at a slow pace and make frequent stops due to the large caravan of people, including women, children, and their belongings (see Ezra 8:24).

10. Before arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra had prepared himself to study God's law, seeking to understand its principles, institutions, privileges, and requirements. Now, driven by love and zeal, he dedicated himself to teaching, reforming, and edifying others through his knowledge of the law.