Person · Bible dictionary

Ezra

A priest and scribe who led a second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem — devoted to studying and teaching the Law of God to a people learning to live again under it.

Ezra returned from Babylon about 458 BC. The book that bears his name says he «set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel» — a foundational model for any teacher of Scripture.

He led reforms among the returnees, including a public reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8) where the people wept as they understood it. His ministry helped Israel rebuild not just walls but worship.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Ezra 7:10 “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Nehemiah 8:8 “So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.”

Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.