Do Not Fail to Do This - Ezra 4:22

In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how the opposition to Israel sent a letter to the 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 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. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. Give you now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me”, and in chapter four and verse twenty-two of Ezra, Ezra shared how the king said, “Take heed now that you fail not to do this” where we read,

Take heed now that you fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

The verse reads, “Take heed now that you fail not to do this:” Ezra began with the words, “take heed now” which means “be admonished and warned at this time and moment” “that you fail not to do this” which means “that you, Rehum, Shimshai and their companions” in no way or manner neglect to carry this order out”. Ezra shared how king Artaxerxes ordered “Rehum, Shimshai and their companions” not to disregard his command. 

The verse goes on to say, “why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?” Ezra continued with the words, “why should damage grow” or “for what reason or cause was injury and wounds to become great” “to the hurt” which means “to endamage, be hurtful and suffer loss” “of the kings” or “pertaining to the royal rulers and leaders”? Ezra said king Artaxerxes asked for what reason should injury and loss be suffered by the royal rulers and leaders. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how king Artaxerxes warned “Rehum, Shimshai and their companions” not to neglect his order to stop the building of the city of Jerusalem. He followed up his statement with the question as for what reason they should allow there to be suffering to the royal rulers. The desire of the enemies of Israel was fulfilled, and they had their command from king Artaxerxes to stop the men of Israel from building. It appeared at the time that the opposition won, but there is more to this story. God knows our lives, and He is well aware not only of our sinful past, but also of the salvation from sins He provided through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide His Holy Spirit to us who shall guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth to carry out His purpose and plan for our lives. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8) 

Next time Ezra shares how, “a copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read”, 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".