According to The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, a "scribe" is a "profession whose business is the study and knowledge of the law" [1956 Edition, Vol. IV, pg. 2704]. Scribes played an important part in the religious lives of God's Old Testament people. They were the copyists of God's word. They were the experts as to the contents of the Law. If you wanted to know anything the Law taught, you sought out a scribe who was faithful to his duties to God.
In Ezra 7:10, a familiar and favorite passage is found. The text reads, "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." The genealogy found in 7:1-5 proves that he was a priest of Aaron's lineage. 7:6 also states that he was a scribe. Ezra would occupy a special role in God's restoration of His people from Babylonian captivity. He led the second return in 458 B.C. Zerubbabel had already been back some 80 years to rebuild the temple. Now it was time to "rebuild the spiritual infrastructure" of the Jews. It was time to teach the Law. The application of this story is still so relevant to N.T. Christians today.
The story of Ezra is the return of the remnant from captivity. The reason for the captivity was sin. Ezra physically led a group back to Jerusalem, but his real leadership was seen in what he did among the Jews after they got back. He taught them the word of God!! Yet, we must notice the order in which success would come. He first set his heart to "study" the law of the Lord. Next, he set his heart to "practice" it. Then, and only then, could he faithfully "teach" it to others. It won't work any other way!!
Are we not in a similar situation? Should we not be busy in the work of leading people who are captive in sin back to God (cp. Jn. 8:34; 2 Tim. 2:24-26)? How will we be successful? Only by following the example of Ezra - having the "heart of a scribe." We must study diligently (1 Tim. 2:15). Next, we must faithfully practice what we learn (Mt. 7:24-27; Jas. 1:22-25). Then, and only then, will we be ready to teach the message of redemption to others (2 Tim. 2:2).
God won't give us such a heart. We must develop it. Have you "the heart of a scribe"?
