In the book of Ezra, Ezra said “Rehum and Shimshai” included, “the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time”within a letter written to “Artaxerxes the king of Persia” in opposition to the children of Israel, and in chapter four and verse eleven of Ezra, Ezra said, “this is the copy of the letter” where we read,
This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king;
Your servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.
The verse reads, “This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king;” Ezra began with the words, “this is the copy of the letter” which means “the present writing exists as the transcript or written matter” “that they sent unto him” which means “that they, Rehum and Shimshai transmitted, dispatched and conveyed to him, Artaxerxes”, “even unto Artaxerxes” or “indeed to Artaxerxes whose name means I will make the spoiled to boil or I will stir myself in winter who was the son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC” “the king” which means “the royal ruler and leader of Persia”. Ezra shared how the following was the written transcript which was conveyed to “Artaxerxes” who was the Emperor or royal ruler belonging to Persia.
The verse goes on to say, “Your servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.” Ezra continued with the words, “your servants” or “your, Artaxerxes', bondmen, men of servile condition and slaves” “the men” which means “the male human beings” “on this side the river” or “upon the current west side of the Euphrates River”, “and at such a time” which means “and at the current time”. Ezra shared how the letter written by “Rehum and Shimshai” began by referring to themselves as bondmen to “Artaxerxes” who were currently located upon the west side of the Euphrates River.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover through Ezra more about the letter that was written by “Rehum and Shimshai” and agreed upon by various others who were enemies and foes of the children of Israel. We shall discover the intent of this letter in our next few verses, but for now let us consider the position taken by “Rehum and Shimshai” as “servants of Artaxerxes”. This supposed posture was an attempt to gain favor from “Artaxerxes”, and when we see the remainder of the letter, the real motive and drive will be revealed. God knows these things, and He is aware of the opposition that will rise against anyone who is seeking to receive His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind as their “Savior and Lord”. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and come to our defense whenever opposition arises against us regardless of what position or status they assume.
Next time Ezra says, “be it known unto the king”, 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".
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