Ezra 7:6 tells us that not only did Ezra come from a significant ancestry, he was also godly and was seeking the kingdom of God.
The phrase “skilled in the law of Moses” tells us that Ezra was swift in the Scriptures. He knew the contents of the Bible, understood the contents of the Bible, and brought the Bible to bear on pressing questions. There are at least two factors at work in any skill: natural aptitude and practice. The Lord had blessed Ezra with abilities, and Ezra had honed the abilities given to him to the point that he could be described as skilled. This means that Ezra had God-given capacities and that Ezra had studied. Ezra probably could have said what Psalm 119:74 states: “Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in Your word.”
These truths were evident in Ezra’s life: He thought that what he needed most was to know the Bible, do the Bible, and teach the Bible (7:10). He believed this was the best way to pursue God’s agenda. He believed the best way to pursue the kingdom was to set his heart to know, do, and teach the Torah.
Notice the order:
- Know
- Do
- Teach
There needs to be a warning sign in any study of the Bible that says, “Warning: There is danger in knowing more about the Bible if the knowledge does not lead to doing the Bible!” We began the course discussing how ignorance leads to ungodliness. We finish the course by adding that knowledge that does not lead to obedience is sin. (I John 2:3-6)
- What have you gained from this course that you can put into practice today?
- What steps do you need to take to continue to be obedient to what you know about the Old Testament?
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