The exodus under Ezra.
"After these things," viz; the events which culminated in the dedication of the temple, and consequent ordering of the service of God. "In the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia," after an interval of nearly sixty years, during which the house of the Lord had so fallen into disrepair as to need "beautifying," and the civil state of the children of the restoration had become disordered, and needed readjustment. With these purposes, and with a view to leading back to Judaea another detachment of Israelites, Ezra received a commission from the king. In the text—
I. HE AUTHENTICATES HIMSELF AS THE LEADER OF THIS EXODUS.
1. He evinces his social qualification.
2. He evinces his moral qualifications. "He was a ready scribe," etc.
(2) This is the law, therefore, to be studied. Its author, God. Its matter, truth the most sublime. Its spirit, holiness. Its end, heaven.
(3) A ready scribe (not a skilful penman only, but an able expounder also) of such a law has the noblest qualifications to be a leader of men.
3. He evinces his political qualification.
II. HE RELATES THE SUCCESS OF HIS UNDERTAKING.
1. In the muster.
2. In the journey.
3. In the blessing of God.
(a) With God.
(b) With the king.
(c) With the people.