Commanded and Searched - Ezra 4:19

In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how the opposition to Israel sent a letter to king Artaxerxes of Persia, “then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. The letter which you sent unto us has been plainly read before me”, and in chapter four and verse nineteen of Ezra, Ezra said, “I commanded, and search has been made”where we read,

And I commanded, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

The verse reads, “And I commanded, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, ...” Ezra began with the words, “and I commanded” which means “and I, king Artaxerxes, appointed, made, set and fixed a decree”, “and search has been made” which means “and an inquiry has been performed”, “and it is found” or “and the following has been disclosed and discovered” “that this city of old time” which means “that the habitation, abode and dwelling place of Jerusalem from the past and antiquity” “has made insurrection against kings” or “has performed and produced rising up, conflict and rebellion in opposition to royal leaders and rulers”. Ezra shared how king “Artaxerxes” confirmed that an inquiry into the records was performed, and he discovered that the people of Israel in Jerusalem had indeed been rebellious and caused conflict for previous royal rulers and leaders.

The verse continues, “... and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.” Ezra added the words, “and that rebellion” or “and that resistance, uprising and revolt” “and sedition” which means “offense, infraction and violation” “have been made therein” or “have been performed, wrought and executed”. Ezra shared how “Artaxerxes” confirmed that resistance and violation was perpetrated by the people of Israel in the city of “Jerusalem”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “king Artaxerxes” not only performed the search of the ancient records and found the people of Israel in Jerusalem to be just as Rehum and Shimshai described. Their past insolence and sinful behavior was true. The same may be said for us. We “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), and the “wages for sin is death” (See Romans 6:23a). However, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (See Romans 6:23b) “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (See John 3:16), and God's desire is for us to humble ourselves, repent of our sinful past and receive Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”. When we do, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us an assurance that regardless of our sinful past, He is able to cleanse us from all sin and give us the assurance that we will be with Him for all eternity. (See Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 John 1:9)

Next time Ezra shares how the king says, “there have been mighty kings also over 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".