“…the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”

Ezra 7:9-10 ESV

A number of times in the reading today, we’re told how the hand of the Lord or the good hand of his God was on Ezra. One of the psalms I’m learning right now is Psalm 139. Verse 5 says, “You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.” God was protecting David, giving him favor in his circumstances by His hand on David.

Ezra tells the king that God’s hand is for good on those who seek Him. Ezra knew that about God, but was nervous. He chose wisely to not dishonor God by fearful actions and does not turn to the king for protection. Ezra does what he told the king; he seeks God. They all fast and pray. God made good on the word Ezra spoke, and God was more than good to Ezra on the journey.

The verse I pulled out today says why God’s good hand was on Ezra. Ezra set his heart to study God’s word and to do it and to teach it. Jesus says that those who do and teach God’s word are great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:19). God saw Ezra’s heart fully devoted to Him and set out to strengthen him (2 Chron. 16:9) and honor him (Ps. 91:14-15).