Ezra 7:10

Authorized King James Version

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֶזְרָא֙

H5830

For Ezra

ezra, an israelite

הֵכִ֣ין

H3559

had prepared

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לְבָב֔וֹ

H3824

his heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לִדְר֛וֹשׁ

H1875

to seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תּוֹרַ֥ת

H8451

the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלַֽעֲשֹׂ֑ת

H6213

and to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

וּלְלַמֵּ֥ד

H3925

it and to teach

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#11

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

חֹ֥ק

H2706

statutes

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

#13

וּמִשְׁפָּֽט׃

H4941

and judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?