עזרא, פרק ז׳, פסוק ט׳

The return journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was a complex operation that demanded careful planning and preparation. Spanning exactly four months, from the first of Nisan to the first of Av, the expedition ultimately succeeded because it was guided by divine intervention.

The exact nature of the journey's beginning is understood in a few different ways. The primary approach among commentators is that this initial date marks the physical start of the travel, much like laying the foundation of a new building marks the start of construction [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. It was the established, fixed time for their departure [ר' סעדיה גאון]. However, others suggest the starting point was more conceptual than physical, rooted in counsel and decision-making. In this view, the first of Nisan was when the final decisions and consultations took place, while the actual movement on the road began later, on the twelfth of the month [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, this beginning refers to the foundation of Ezra's personal leadership. On this day, his greatness began to flourish as he earned the respect of the Persian king, securing the royal authority needed to travel to Jerusalem and guide the people [רלב״ג, ר' סעדיה גאון].

The safe and successful arrival in Jerusalem is entirely credited to God's kindness and the success He granted the mission [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This divine assistance allowed Ezra to travel with remarkable speed, almost as if a higher power was actively pushing him forward [מצודת דוד]. Yet, this special providence and the favor he found with the king were not granted without reason. They were a direct reward for Ezra's personal dedication. Because he had prepared his heart to study God's teachings, practice them, and instruct the people in law and justice for the public good, God ensured his journey would triumph [רלב״ג].