The Good Hand of the Lord

“And the king granted him all he requested because the hand of the Lord his God was upon him.”

Ezra 7:6 (NASB 95)

While most Persian kings maintained order within the empire through military might, Artaxerxes I was known for having a different disposition. The ancient historian Plutarch described him as “among all the kings of Persia the most remarkable for a gentle and noble spirit.”[1] Artaxerxes played a prominent role in Israel’s return from exile. Although initially halting the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem (Ezra 4), Artaxerxes later authorized Ezra’s return, generously providing resources to complete the work. Yet while Artaxerxes played a vital part in Ezra’s success, the Bible points to someone else as the true source: God Himself. As often seen throughout history, the Lord uses a variety of people to further and fulfill His plans.

The book of Ezra provides many details regarding Israel’s return from exile. After 70 years in exile due to disobedience to the Lord’s commandments, the Lord graciously began to restore them. The Lord had indicated that He would not only judge them but restore them again (cf. Jeremiah 30:3). What a reminder of the Lord’s grace even in our disobedience. Ezra chapters 1-6 cover the period from King Cyrus to the rebuilding of the Second Temple. Chapters 7-10 cover the period of Ezra’s return to address the spiritual condition of the people. While the Lord used Gentile rulers, ultimately it is the Lord working through them to fulfill His promises. 

“The king’s heart is like channels of water

in the hand of the Lord;

He turns it wherever He wishes.”^[2]

In Ezra 7:6, we begin to see the theme of the Lord at work in the life of Ezra. Specifically, all that Ezra requested from Artaxerxes was given to him. This happened not because of Ezra, but rather because “the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.” Throughout the Bible, this expression is used to indicate the Lord’s presence, power, and guidance. For Ezra, this becomes a dominant theme and reason for his successful ministry. No fewer than six times, this expression is used in relation to certain aspects of Ezra’s ministry. For instance, the Lord’s hand involved such things as the favor of the king, a successful journey, and protection from his enemies. It is worth noting that it was not simply God’s hand, but His “good” hand. This was not a heavy hand, but a loving and gracious hand.

“All the way my Savior leads me;

Oh, the fullness of His grace!

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.”^[3]

Many times in our own lives the Lord’s “good hand” is upon us. Perhaps it is through unexpected people such as Ezra experienced with Artaxerxes or in countless other ways. One important lesson is to learn to recognize and give thanks for the Lord’s invisible hand at work in our lives. Ezra gives us a beautiful picture of doing just that in his benediction provided in Ezra 7:27-28. Why not stop now and thank Him for His good hand in your life?

Lord, I admit that I often do not take time to recognize Your good hand upon me. I get busy and forget to follow Ezra’s example. Forgive me and help me to grow in being thankful for Your gracious and good hand upon me. Amen.

[1] https://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/artaxerx.html. Accessed July 2026.

[2] Proverbs 21:1 NASB 95.

[3] Fanny Crosby. “All the way my Savior leads me.”