The Promise

Ezra Becomes a Mouthpiece for the Lord

During the remaining years of his life, whether near the court of Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, he communicated to others the truths he learned. He was the Lord’s witness to the world that Bible truth has power to ennoble daily life. 2TC 300.4

Ezra’s efforts to revive interest in studying the Scriptures yielded permanent results because of his painstaking, lifelong work of preserving and multiplying the Sacred Writings. He gathered all the copies he could find and had these transcribed and distributed. The pure Word, placed in the hands of many people, gave knowledge that was of priceless value. 2TC 300.5

Ezra’s faith led him to tell Artaxerxes that he wanted to return to Jerusalem to help his people restore the Holy City. As he declared his perfect trust in God, the king was deeply impressed. His confidence in Ezra was so great that he granted the request, gave him rich gifts for the temple, and conferred on him extensive powers for carrying out the intentions in his heart. 2TC 301.1