Free group study handout
Ezra 7: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Ezra 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Ezra’s heritage is traced back to Aaron, the chief priest (vv. 1-5). He is a skilled scribe in the law of Moses.
Key verse
“For Ezra had set his heart to seek Yahweh’s law, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 (WEB)
Outline
- Ezra 7:1–5 Ezra's Heritage and Role
- Ezra 7:6–10 Ezra's Mission to Jerusalem
- Ezra 7:11–20 The King's Decree
- Ezra 7:21–26 Authority to Govern
- Ezra 7:27–28 Ezra's Reflection on God's Favor
Discussion questions
- What does Ezra seek to teach in v10?
- In vv. 9-10, what does Ezra's journey show about God's guidance?
- Artaxerxes' decree in vv. 12-13: why does he emphasize willingness among the people?
- In v28, how does Ezra describe the king's favor toward him?
- How might you respond when you recognize 'the good hand of God' on your endeavors?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Ezra 7: Ezra 8, Ezra 6, Nehemiah 2.
Before next time: read Ezra 8.