Priest and expert scribe in the Law of Moses who led a large group of exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon. He was devoted to studying, living by, and teaching God's Law. He was appalled to learn that the returning Israelites had intermarried with surrounding nations and led a public prayer of confession and reform. He read the Law aloud to the assembled people for hours as Nehemiah rebuilt the city walls.
Relationships
ColleagueNehemiahContemporary, governor who rebuilt the walls
PatronCyrusPersian king whose decree freed the exiles to return
Key Scripture AppearancesKJV
Ezra 7:1
Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,Ezra 7:1, KJV
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.Ezra 7:10, KJV
Ezra 10:1
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.Ezra 10:1, KJV
Nehemiah 8:1
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.Nehemiah 8:1, KJV
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