In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how “Rehum and Shimshai” were enemies and foes to Israel, and they wrote a letter to“Artaxerxes” the king of Persia in opposition to them which included the words, “Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the king. That search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so shall you find in the book of records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed”, and in chapter four and verse sixteen of Ezra, Ezra shared how the letter continued with what would happen, “if this city be builded again” where we read,
We certify the king that, if this city be builded again,
and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river.
The verse reads, “We certify the king that, if this city be builded again,” Ezra began with the words, “we certify the king that” which means “we, Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the others, inform and cause to know the royal ruler and leader that” “if this city be builded again” which means “whether and in case this habitation, abode and dwelling place is erected and rebuilt and yet another time” the following will happen. Ezra shared how “Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the others” informed the royal ruler “Artaxerxes” that in case the dwelling place of “Jerusalem” is rebuilt another time, the following will occur.
The verse continues, “and the walls thereof set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side the river.” Ezra added the words, “and the walls thereof set up” or “and the barrier walls belonging to the city of Jerusalem are erected, finished and completed”, “by this means you shall have no portion” which means “through this reason and cause you, king Artaxerxes, will not in any way or manner possess or have a part or lot” “on this side the river” or “upon this side, the western side of the Euphrates River or stream”. Ezra shared how “ Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the others” said in case the barriers walls of Jerusalem were erected, it would cause king “Artaxerxes” not to possess any part or lot upon the western side of the Euphrates River.
When we think through the words in this verse, we discover through Ezra how “Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the others” told king “Artaxerxes” in a letter that if the city of Jerusalem was rebuilt and the barriers walls erected, he would no longer possess any part or lot on the western side of the Euphrates River. They were attempting to convince “Artaxerxes” to halt the progress of the Jewish people, and in like manner, our accuser, the devil, attempts to stop any work or advancement that we make in the Kingdom of God. (See Revelation 12:10) God wants everyone to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind as our “Savior and Lord”, and when we do, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and protect and defend us against any opposition who attempts to halt our progress before His eyes.
Next time Ezra says, “then sent the king an answer”, 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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