Ezra 7:10

For Ezra had prepared(R.V. set) his heart&c. The precise meaning of the -for" which determines the connexion of the verse, is not very evident. The verse eitherexplains the preceding clause and attributes God's favour towards Ezra during the journey to the latter's devotion to the Divine Law, oris added as a general comment on the whole preceding section, explanatory of Ezra's resolve and expedition. Those who take the former view illustrate it by ch. Ezra 8:31-32. But the latter interpretation of the verse is to be preferred. It corresponds better with the somewhat abrupt mention of Ezra's rule of life. It harmonizes with the description of Ezra's character. -Ezra had set his heart &c." That fact lay at the bottom of the religious movement which he set on foot. It explained something very much more than the mere fortunate issue of the journey.

-Had set his heart". A not uncommon phrase, cf. 2 Chronicles 12:14; 2Ch 19:3; 2 Chronicles 30:19. In every instance the R.V. has rightly changed -prepare his heart" to -set his heart". The idea of the original is not -preparedness for the unforeseen", but -fixity and stability of purpose". Compare the expression -my heart is fixed" (Psalms 57:7; Psalms 108:1; Psalms 112:7) where the same verb occurs.

to seek the law of the Lord Cf. Psalms 119:45; Psalms 119:155; 1 Chronicles 28:8. The search, no mere investigation of the letter, but for the sake of ascertaining the true principles of practical life embodied in the law, cf. 2 Chronicles 14:4 -(Asa) commanded Judah to seekthe Lord the God of their fathers, and to dothe law and the commandment".

and to teach Those principles are self-diffusive, the teaching by example as much as by precept, cf. 2 Chronicles 17:9 -And they (the priests) taught in Judah, having the book of the law with them". Ezra's purpose to searchfor truth, to liveby it and to teachit his countrymen is an epitome of the ideal scribe's career. We may compare Acts 1:1 -All that Jesus began both to doand to teach".

statutes and judgments These words in the Hebrew are singular, and are rendered -a statute and an ordinance" in Exodus 15:25; Joshua 24:25, where they are found together. The singular is generic. The two words are frequently found together in the plural: e.g. Leviticus 26:46; Deuteronomy 4:1; Deuteronomy 4:5; Deuteronomy 4:8; Deuteronomy 4:14; Deuteronomy 5:1; Deuteronomy 5:31; Deuteronomy 11:32; Deuteronomy 12:1 &c.; 2 Chronicles 7:17; 2 Chronicles 19:10 and Malachi 4:4 -statutes and judgments". -Statutes" are the appointed rules or regulations of conduct or ceremony, -judgments" are the duties and rights determined by equity, authority, or custom. The phrase is however used very generally without any close distinction in the shades of meaning.