Ezra 7 (résumé): Ezra comes to Jerusalem

 About 60 years passed between chapter 6 and 7 of Ezra and now it is the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia. It is now that Ezra appears in the narrative. Ezra was a priest, descendant of Aaron, who came to Jerusalem from Babylon with a new wave of returning exiles. Ezra was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, and the hand of God was on him. He came to Jerusalem in the 7th year of Artaxerxes together with priests, Levites, musicians, gate keepers and temple servants. King Artaxerxes gave Ezra a commissioning letter authorizing him to teach the law and use the gold, silver and free will offerings he received for the furtherance of the work of God and his people.  He also authorized substantial supplies from the treasurers of the Trans-Euphrates and exempted them from taxes or tributes. He also authorized Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to govern in accordance with the Law. Ezra praised God for the king's extraordinary support and backing which he rightly saw a sign that the hand of the Lord was upon him.