Ezra 7:6

6. A ready scribe in the law of Moses Not merely skilled as a copyist, the lowest function of a scribe, but a man thoroughly versed in the history and meaning of the law. From the time of the exile the office of scribe obtained among the Jews a character and worth that it never had before. From being a sort of secretary to the king, (see note on 2 Samuel 8:17,) he now came to be a professional student and expounder of the sacred books. The age of Ezra was a time when the exiles would be especially anxious to gather up and preserve the ancient laws, and all the sacred literature of their nation. The masses of the people had lost the use of the ancient language, and spoke the Aramaic. The times demanded a class of men competent to collect and transcribe the sacred books, and to explain what was difficult and obscure in them. Ezra seemed providentially raised up for this position and work, and, according to Ezra 7:10, “had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” This ever after was the high office and work of the scribes in Israel, an order of men of which Ezra may be called the founder, and which superseded and took the place of the schools of the prophets (1 Samuel 10:5, note) of which Samuel was the founder.

All his request Ezra had probably asked the king for permission and authority to go up with a body of the exiles to Jerusalem. Perhaps he also made request for the silver and gold and other gifts which the king ordered to be given to him. Ezra 7:14-22.

According to the hand of the Lord… upon him According as it was evident from his abilities and devotion to the law of his God, that he was a divinely-chosen instrument for some important mission.