What are the Names? - Ezra 5:4

In the book of Ezra, after fifteen years of delay for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, Ezra shared how “Haggai and Zechariah” spoke to the people of Israel, and “then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who has commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?”, and in chapter five and verse four of Ezra, Ezra shared how Tatnai asked, “what are the name of the men that make this building?” where we read,

Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?

The verse reads, “Then said we unto them after this manner, ...” Ezra began with the words, “then said we unto them” which means “at that time uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” “after this manner” which means “in keeping with and according to the following fashion”. Ezra shared how “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” questioned “Zerubbabel, Jeshua and their companions” according to the following fashion

The verse goes on to say, “... What are the names of the men that make this building?” Ezra continued with the words, “what are the names” or “whatsoever are the titles, designations and labels” “of the men” which means “belonging to the male human beings” “that make this building” or “who erect and rebuild this edifice or temple”? Ezra shared how “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” wanted to know the “names” of the male human beings who were rebuilding the temple of Jehovah God. 

When we meditate upon Ezra's words in this verse, we discover how “ Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” began to cause trouble for the people of Israel once again. They wanted the “names” of the “men” who were rebuilding the temple as though they were going to report them or bring great difficulty into their lives. Satan acts similar to this behavior, (See Job 1:6-11) and he is constantly accusing those who believe and trust in God's Son Jesus who was crucified for the sins of all mankind as their personal “Savior and Lord”. God loves us and will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us not only the knowledge that Satan takes down our “name” but also how to resist him and his attempts to spoil our faith. (See James 4:7) 

Next time Ezra says, “the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Tatnai - Ezra 5:3

In the book of Ezra, after fifteen years delay in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, Ezra said, “then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them”, and in chapter five and verse three of Ezra, Ezra shared, “at the same time came to them Tatnai” where we read,

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who has commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

The verse reads, “At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, ...” Ezra began with the words, “at the same time” which means “at the selfsame and identical season” “came to them” which means “entered and arrived to Zerubabbel, Jeshua and the people of Israel” “Tatnai” whose name means “gift and was a Persian governor in Syria who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem”, “governor on this side the river” which means “captain and controller on the western side of the Euphrates River”, “and Shetharboznai” whose name means “star of splendor who was a Persian officer in the reign of Darius”, “and their companions” which means “and their, Tatnai and Shetharboznai's, fellow citizens and associates”. Ezra mentioned “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” who were opposing officials of Israel on the western side of the Euphrates River who asked the following question. 

The verse continues, “... and said thus unto them, Who has commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?” Ezra added the words, “and said thus unto them” or “and uttered, declared, proclaimed and therefore asked them, Zerubbabel, Jeshua and their companions”, “who has commanded you” which means “what person has set, made and appointed a decree” “to build this house” or “to make and erect this, Jehovah God's, habitation, abode and dwelling place”, “and to make up this wall” which means “and to erect and rebuild this, the city of Jerusalem's, barrier wall”? Ezra said “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” questioned who told “Zerubbabel, Jeshua and their companions”that they could erect and rebuild the dwelling place of Jehovah God and the barrier walls which surrounded Jerusalem. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how once again adversaries and foes arose against the people of Israel. “Zerubbabel, Jeshua and their companions” began rebuilding the temple of Jehovah God after the prophetic words of “Haggai and Zechariah”, but “Tatnai the governor, Shetharboznai and their companions” began to defy their ambition. Satan, our adversary, does not stop His opposition to us either. He first wants to keep us from a personal relationship with God whose Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. Then, when we receive Jesus as our “Savior and Lord”, Satan will attempt to cause us to have doubt and be ineffective as a witness for Jesus. God loves us, and when we submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and make us aware of our adversary's efforts and plans to stop our progress with God. (See John 16:13; Revelation 12:10)

Next time Ezra shares how Tatnai asked, “what are the name of the men that make this building?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Beginning to Build the Temple - Ezra 5:2

In the book of Ezra, Ezra said, “then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them”, and in chapter five and verse two of Ezra, Ezra shared how Zerubbabel and Jeshua, “began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem”where we read,

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

The verse reads, “Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem:” Ezra began with the words, “then rose up Zerubbabel” which means “at that time stood and arose Zerubbabel whose name means sown in Babylon and was the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon” “the son of Shealtiel” which means “the male offspring belonging to Shealtiel whose name means I have asked of God and was the father of Zerubbabel”, “and Jeshua” or “and Jeshua whose name means he is saved and was an exilic priest who returned with Zerubbabel”, “the son of Jozadak” which means “the male offspring belonging to Jozadak whose name means Jehovah is righteous and was the grandson of the high priest Hilkiah; son of the high priest Seraiah; and father of the high priest Joshua; he never attained the office of high priest himself because he was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar”, “and began to build” or “and started and initiated the making, fixing and establishing of” “the house of God” which means “the habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to the Supreme Deity” “which is at Jerusalem” or “that is located in Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”. Ezra shared how “Zerubbabel and Jeshua arose and initiated erecting the dwelling place of Jehovah God in “Jerusalem”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and with them were the prophets of God helping them.” Ezra continued with the words, “and with them” or “and alongside and accompanying them, Zerubbabel and Jeshua” “the prophets of God” which means “the spiritual spokesmen and leaders belonging to the Supreme Deity” “helping them” or “sustaining, supporting and giving aid to them, Zerubbabel and Jeshua”. Ezra shared how the spiritual leaders and spokesmen belonging to Jehovah God gave aid and support to “Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the people of Israel” as they rebuilt the temple of Jehovah God. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how the rebuilding of the temple after fifteen years of abandonment was begun again under the leadership of “Zerubbabel and Jeshua”. Although they were delayed in their efforts, the people of Israel were once again abiding by God's commission to erect their sacred worship place with the aid of their spiritual spokesmen. God knew the timing for these things, and He knows the timing for our lives as well. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind because He wants to have an intimate personal relationship with us. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and keep us abiding within His timing for His plans for our lives. 

Next time Ezra shares, “at the same time came to them Tatnai”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Haggai and Zechariah - Ezra 5:1

In the book of Ezra, Ezra said, “Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia”, and in chapter five and verse one of Ezra, Ezra shared about, “Haggai and Zechariah” where we read,

Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

The verse reads, “Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, ...” Ezra began with the words, “then the prophets” which means “at that time the spiritual oracles, seers and diviners”, “Haggai the prophet” which means “Haggai whose name means festive and was the first spiritual oracle, seer and diviner to prophecy after the captivity”, “and Zechariah” or “and Zechariah whose name means Jehovah remembers” “the son of Iddo” which means “the male offspring belonging to Iddo whose name means His witness and was the grandfather of Zechariah”. Ezra referred to the “prophets” “Haggai and Zechariah” who did the following. 

The verse continues, “... prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.” Ezra added the words, “prophesied unto the Jews” or “made spiritual declarations to the Jehudaite or Judaite people of Israel” “that were in Judah” which means “who existed within Judah whose name means praised and was the territory of the tribe of Judah” “and Jerusalem” or “and Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split” “in the name” which means “within the fame, reputation and glory” “of the God of Israel” or “pertaining to the Supreme Deity belonging to Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”,“even unto them” which means “also and indeed toward them, the Jewish people of Judah and Jerusalem”. Ezra shared how “Haggai and Zechariah” made spiritual declarations within the reputation and glory of the Supreme Deity to the Jewish people of “Israel” who were located in “Judah and Jerusalem”. (See the books of Haggai and Zechariah)

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how the “prophets” “Haggai and Zechariah”came on the scene during this cessation of the rebuilding of the temple and city of Jerusalem. Much will be gained in this study by reading the two chapters of “Haggai” and the fourteen chapters of “Zechariah” to discover what they said to the Jewish people, but for now let us consider that God was involved in this process. Although there was a delay in their progress, the temple would be rebuilt. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. When He sent His Son into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, He made a way for everyone who surrenders their life to Him as “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. The prophetic words of “Haggai and Zechariah” served to motivate the Jewish people, and their story should help us in our personal walk with God. 

Next time Ezra shares how Zerubbabel and Jeshua, “began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Work Ceased - Ezra 4:24

In the book of Ezra, Ezra said, “Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power”, and in chapter four and verse twenty-four of Ezra, Ezra said, “then ceased the work of the house of God” where we read,

Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. 

So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

The verse reads, “Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem.” Ezra began with the words, “then ceased the work” which means “at that time and thereupon halted and stopped the service, ritual, worship and business” “of the house of God” which means “pertaining to the dwelling place, habitation and abode belonging to the Supreme Deity” “which is at Jerusalem” or “that is located in Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”. Ezra shared how the worship and business of erecting the temple of Jehovah God in “Jerusalem” stopped.

The verse goes on to say, “So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” Ezra continued with the words, “so it ceased” or “therefore the halting and stopping of the building of the temple continued” “unto the second year” which means “till the second annual passing of days” “of the reign of Darius” or “pertaining to the royalty and kingdom belonging to Darius whose name means lord and was known as Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC)” “king of Persia” which means “royal ruler and leader belonging to Persia whose name means pure and splendid”. Ezra shared how the building of the temple of Jehovah God stopped up until the second annual passing of days belonging to “Darius” who ruled in “Persia”.

When we consider Ezra's words in this verse, we learn how the letter from “Rehum and Shimshai” accomplished it's purpose. “Artaxerxes” stopped the rebuilding of the temple of Jehovah God. God allowed this, and although we do not know why, we know He had a plan for the people of Israel. Sometimes things do not go our way, and we wonder, “where is God in all this”? When these times come, we should be reminded that He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for our sins. That event may have appeared like a failure upon first glance, but it was God's plan of salvation for all mankind. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth even when our plans are halted, delayed or spoiled. 

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Ezra share about, “Haggai and Zechariah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".