Ezra 7:10 - The Model of Devotion
In Ezra 7:10, we read, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezr 7:10 NASB). This verse provides a succinct yet profound portrait of Ezra’s mission and character, highlighting his dedication to God’s Torah (תּוֹרָה). Ezra’s threefold commitment—to study, to practice, and to teach—demonstrates a model of devotion and discipleship that resonates deeply with Israel’s covenant identity and its commitment to the Law.
The phrase “set his heart” (hekhin libo—הֵכִין לִבּוֹ) signifies more than mere intellectual interest; it denotes a profound, intentional alignment of will. In Hebrew thought, the “heart” (lev—לֵב) encompasses not only emotions but also intellect and volition, indicating that Ezra’s entire being was devoted to understanding God’s law. The Old Testament elsewhere recognizes this holistic devotion to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Dt 6:5). Ezra’s “setting of heart” aligns with this command, marking him as a model for a community facing the challenges of post-exilic restoration.
Ezra’s commitment begins with the study of God’s law, a fundamental step that involves deep engagement with Scripture. The Hebrew term darash (דָּרַשׁ), meaning “to seek” or “to study,” implies a diligent search, a desire to uncover God’s will through the Torah. Psalm 1 similarly extols the one who “meditates day and night” on the law (Ps 1:2), emphasizing that true understanding of God’s word requires persistence and dedication. Ezra’s resolve to seek understanding demonstrates that any effective teaching ministry must be rooted in this kind of intentional, faithful study.
However, study alone is not sufficient; Ezra also commits himself “to practice” the law. The verb laʿasot (לַעֲשׂוֹת), “to do,” carries a practical weight, indicating that knowledge of God’s word must translate into action. This principle is central to Israel’s covenantal life, as reflected in Deuteronomy 4:5-6, where Moses instructs Israel to “keep and do” the commandments so that the surrounding nations may see Israel’s wisdom and discernment. Ezra embodies this mandate, bridging knowledge with practice.
Finally, Ezra’s dedication extends to teaching God’s statutes and ordinances. He acts as a priestly mediator, instructing the community in God’s will, as seen in the public reading of the law in Nehemiah 8. Here, Ezra and the Levites “read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading” (Neh 8:8). This act of teaching ensures that God’s people do not merely hear the law but grasp its meaning and apply it in their lives.
Ezra’s model finds resonance in the New Testament, where James exhorts believers to be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers” (Jas 1:22). Both Ezra and James emphasize that genuine engagement with God’s word requires the integration of learning, practice, and instruction. In Ezra 7:10, therefore, we find a timeless blueprint for spiritual leadership and covenantal faithfulness, one that challenges every follower of God to engage deeply, live consistently, and teach faithfully.
