APPENDIX B

Ezra’s return from Babylon to Jerusalem stands as one of the most remarkable restoration events in biblical history. It was not merely a physical journey, but a divinely ordered return centered on the re-establishment of God’s Law among His people.

     Understanding why Ezra received extraordinary favor from a foreign king helps illuminate both the historical credibility of the biblical account and the theological pattern of God granting favor for redemptive purposes.

Ezra was both a priest and a scribe, uniquely qualified for his mission.

Scripture introduces him as:

“Ezra the priest, a scribe expert in the Law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given.”
— Ezra 7:6
 

Key qualifications:

• Priestly lineage: Ezra descended directly from Aaron, Israel’s first high priest (Ezra 7:1–5). 
• Scholar of the Law: He was trained in the Torah and recognized for his expertise. 
• Spiritual integrity: His authority rested not in political power, but in obedience and devotion.
   

Ezra’s calling is summarized in a pivotal verse:

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
— Ezra 7:10

This preparation of heart becomes the foundation for everything that follows.

Ezra’s journey occurred during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia (465–424 BC), one of the most powerful rulers of the ancient world. Persia governed through a policy of relative religious tolerance, allowing subject peoples to practice their faiths as long as they remained loyal to the empire.

     This political climate made restoration possible—but it does not fully explain the extraordinary favor Ezra received.

In the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign, the king issued a decree granting Ezra permission to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:11–26). The decree included provisions that go far beyond mere travel authorization.

Ezra was granted:

• Permission to lead any willing Israelites back to Jerusalem
• Authority to appoint judges and magistrates
• The right to enforce the Law of God
• Exemption of Temple servants from taxes
• A vast allocation of silver, gold, and supplies for Temple worship
   

The scale of this support is striking.

Ezra himself explains the source of this favor:

“And the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.”
— Ezra 7:6
 

Again, later:

“Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart… and has extended mercy to me before the king.”
— Ezra 7:27–28
 

The narrative consistently attributes royal favor not to diplomacy alone, but to God’s sovereign hand.

Several factors help explain why Ezra received such extraordinary authority:

Ezra’s life demonstrated integrity. He was not seeking personal gain, power, or political control. His mission was clearly defined: the restoration of God’s Law.

Persian rulers often supported local religious systems to maintain order. A people governed by strong moral law were less likely to rebel.

Scripture emphasizes repeatedly that God Himself influenced the king’s heart. Ezra’s success is presented as an act of providence, not coincidence.

Ezra departed Babylon on the first day of the first month (Nisan 1):

“On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon.”
— Ezra 7:9
 

The journey lasted four months and ended safely in Jerusalem.

Ezra notes:

“The good hand of our God was upon us.”
— Ezra 8:18

This timing aligns Ezra’s mission with the biblical pattern of new beginnings, renewal, and restoration associated with Nisan.

Ezra did not return to rebuild walls or structures. His work was deeper.

He returned to:

• Restore obedience to the Law 
• Call the people to repentance 
• Re-establish covenant faithfulness
   

This spiritual restoration laid the foundation for Israel’s survival as a people of the Book, especially during centuries without a Davidic king.

Ezra’s journey was not fueled by ambition, politics, or human strategy. It was grounded in preparation of heart, obedience to God, and trust in divine providence.

The favor he received from a pagan king illustrates a recurring biblical truth:

God grants authority and favor when His purposes require it.
 

Ezra’s story reinforces the central theme seen throughout Scripture:
When God initiates restoration, He also opens doors—often in unexpected places—and supplies everything needed to complete the work.

• Ezra 7–8 
• 2 Chronicles 36:22–23
• Proverbs 21:1 
• Nehemiah 2:8