Ezra 7:25

“And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.”

Context: The Book of Ezra is part of the historical books in the Old Testament of the Bible. It provides an account of the Jewish people’s return from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and the subsequent efforts to rebuild the temple and restore their religious practices.

In this particular verse, Ezra is granted authority by King Artaxerxes of Persia to appoint magistrates and judges who would administer justice according to the laws of God among the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon.

Key Points:

• Authority and Wisdom: God granted Ezra wisdom, which he was to use in his leadership role. As believers, we should recognise that wisdom and authority come from God. It is important to seek God’s wisdom and guidance when we are entrusted with positions of authority or leadership.
• Establishing a System of Justice: Ezra was instructed to appoint magistrates and judges. This demonstrates the importance of establishing a system of justice and governance within a community. God desires His people to live justly and to uphold His laws. It is crucial for society to have fair and impartial judges who administer justice based on God’s principles.
• Knowledge and Teaching: Ezra was directed to appoint individuals who were knowledgeable about the laws of God to be judges. This emphasises the significance of understanding and following God’s laws. Additionally, Ezra was commanded to teach those who were not familiar with the laws. This highlights the responsibility of believers to pass on the knowledge of God’s Word and His commandments to others.

• Outreach and Discipleship: The instruction to teach those who did not know the laws of God suggests the importance of outreach and discipleship. As followers of God, we are called to share His truth with others and disciple them in His ways. It is crucial to actively engage in spreading the knowledge of God and helping others grow in their understanding and obedience.

Application:

• Seek God’s Wisdom: Whenever we are entrusted with authority or leadership positions, whether in the church, workplace, or community, it is important to seek God’s wisdom. We should rely on His guidance and seek to lead with integrity and justice.
• Uphold God’s Laws: Just as the judges appointed by Ezra were to judge according to the laws of God, we should also strive to live according to His principles. God’s laws are not merely rules but guidelines that promote justice, righteousness, and love for one another.
• Teach and Disciple Others: Like Ezra, we have a responsibility to teach and disciple others in the ways of God. We should actively share God’s Word with those who do not know Him and help them grow in their faith and obedience. This can be done through personal relationships, small groups, or other avenues of ministry.
• Work for Justice: Establishing a just and fair society is important to God. As believers, we should strive to promote justice, both in our personal lives and in society at large. This may involve advocating for the rights of the marginalised, addressing systemic issues, and supporting initiatives that uphold God’s principles of justice and righteousness.

In summary, Ezra 7:25 highlights the authority, wisdom, and responsibility entrusted to Ezra to establish a system of justice based on God’s laws. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom, upholding His laws, teaching others, and working for justice in our communities.