From Splendor to Shadow

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 of the power of Bible truth to ennoble daily life. SS 315.2

The efforts of Ezra to revive interest in the study of the Scriptures were given permanency by 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 inestimable value. SS 315.3

Ezra's faith led him to tell Artaxerxes of his desire to return to Jerusalem to assist his brethren in restoring the Holy City. As he declared his perfect trust in God, the king was deeply impressed. So great was his confidence in Ezra that he granted his request, bestowing on him rich gifts for the temple, and conferring on him extensive powers for carrying out the purposes in his heart. SS 315.4