About this song
About this song
This song belongs to the Ezra collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.
- Collection
- Ezra
[Verse 1]
Ezra appears in Artaxerxes' reign as a descendant of Aaron.
The king grants Ezra's request because God's hand is upon him.
The company reaches Jerusalem in the king's seventh year.
God's good hand accounts for the safe arrival.
[Pre-Chorus]
The speeches rose, each certain of its claim,
But certainty alone could not explain.
[Chorus]
Ezra Had Prepared His Heart, let the question open wide,
Human answers fail when pride becomes the guide.
Wisdom cannot be purchased, mined, or seized,
It comes from God, before whom striving ceased.
[Verse 2]
Every willing Israelite in the realm may return with him.
Ezra is sent to inquire concerning Judah according to God's law.
Royal silver and gold and voluntary gifts travel toward Jerusalem.
Remaining funds may be used according to God's will.
[Bridge]
The royal treasury will supply additional legitimate needs.
Temple ministers receive exemption from toll, custom, and tribute.
Ezra may appoint magistrates and judges and teach those who lack knowledge.
The scribe blesses God for the decree and gathers Israel's chief men with renewed courage.
[Final Chorus]
Ezra Had Prepared His Heart, let the question open wide,
Human answers fail when pride becomes the guide.
Wisdom cannot be purchased, mined, or seized,
It comes from God, before whom human pride must cease.
[Outro]
The question stayed when every speech was through.
Wisdom began where human certainty withdrew.
Named in this songEzraAaronJerusalem
About the passage
Ezra 7: Ezra arrives with a prepared heart and a royal commission
Ezra 7 finally introduces the man whose name the book bears, and his arrival marks a new phase after the temple has already been completed. Ezra is established through priestly descent, skill in the law of Moses, and a heart prepared to seek that law, do it, and teach it. Artaxerxes gives him a broad commission: willing Israelites may return with him, offerings and vessels may be carried to Jerusalem, treasury resources may be used, temple servants receive tax exemptions, and Ezra may appoint judges and teach the law. The Book of Ezra does not leave that authority as a royal achievement alone. Its closing first-person thanksgiving attributes the king's favorable disposition to God, and Ezra responds by gathering leaders for the journey ahead.
Study Ezra 7 in depth →