"Ezra became a mouthpiece for God, educating those about him in the principles that govern heaven. During the remaining years of his life, whether near the court of the king of Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, his principal work was that of a teacher. As he communicated to others the truths he learned, his capacity for labor increased. He became a man of piety and zeal. He was the Lord's witness to the world of the power of Bible truth to ennoble the daily life. PK 609.2"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of being a witness for God and influencing others through one's life and actions. Ezra's role as a teacher and his impact on those around him aligns with the principle of letting one's light shine as described in Matthew 5:16.
"The efforts of Ezra to revive an interest in the study of the Scriptures were given permanency by his painstaking, lifelong work of preserving and multiplying the Sacred Writings. He gathered all the copies of the law that he could find and had these transcribed and distributed. The pure word, thus multiplied and placed in the hands of many people, gave knowledge that was of inestimable value. PK 609.3"
"And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:"
Both passages highlight the importance of preserving and distributing God's law. Deuteronomy 17:18 commands the king to write a copy of the law, while the EGW passage describes Ezra's efforts to transcribe and distribute copies of the law to the people. The connection lies in the act of copying and distributing the scriptures.
"Ezra's faith that God would do a mighty work for His people, led him to tell Artaxerxes of his desire to return to Jerusalem to revive an interest in the study of God's word and to assist his brethren in restoring the Holy City. As Ezra declared his perfect trust in the God of Israel as one abundantly able to protect and care for His people, the king was deeply impressed. He well understood that the Israelites were returning to Jerusalem that they might serve Jehovah; yet so great was the king's confidence in the integrity of Ezra that he showed him marked favor, granting his request and bestowing on him rich gifts for the temple service. He made him a special representative of the Medo-Persian kingdom and conferred on him extensive powers for the carrying out of the purposes that were in his heart. PK 609.4"
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
The EGW passage illustrates Proverbs 21:1 by showing how God influenced King Artaxerxes' heart to favor Ezra's request. The king's actions demonstrate the principle that God can direct the hearts of rulers.