Ezra 7:8-10 (NASBStr)
He came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. For on the first of the first month he began to go up from Babylon; and on the first of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, because the good hand of his God was upon him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra was determined, in his life, to make a difference for God. The remnant of Israelites who were returning from captivity needed a leader; someone who could encourage them and motivate them to finish the work. God sent Ezra. God sent Ezra and placed His hand on him. This was tough work. The rebuilding of the temple was not popular, often fought against and never really looked like the last temple (see the first 6 chapters). The times were so bad that the people wanted to quit and God sent Haggai and Zachariah to assist Ezra in the motivation of the people. Because Ezra was willing to study God's Word and learn it and practice it, God put His hand on him. God does that. When we "set" our hearts to find God's Word, learn it and obey it, good things happen. God puts His hand on people who do that. The word "set" in the above verse means to establish it. Ezra established his heart. He put the reading of God's word, learning it and practicing as his main thing. He didn't worry about the outcome. From studying God's word he knew what the outcome would be. Those who believe God's Word have God's hand upon them.
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