In the book of Ezra, Ezra wrote how Cyrus the king of Persia asked, “Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem” and in chapter one and verse four of Ezra, Ezra shared how King Cyrus said, “let the men of his place help him” where we read,
And whosoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
The verse reads, “And whosoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place help him ...” Ezrabegan with the words, “and whosoever remains” or “and whatever person whether male or female is left over, behind and reserved” “in any place where he sojourns” which means “within whatsoever location that the person abides, inhabits and continues”, “let the men” or “allow and permit the people whether male or female” “of his place help him” which means “belonging to his, the person's, location bear up, give aid, support and sustain him, the person”. Ezra shared how “Cyrus”the king of “Persia” directed the people who were left over within their locations to be allowed to give them aid with the following gifts.
The verse goes on to say, “... with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.” Ezra continued with the words, “with silver” or “accompanied by silver metal”, “and with gold” which means “and accompanied by gold metal”, “and with goods” or “and accompanying possessions, property, stores and utensils”, “and with beasts” or “and accompanied by cattle, livestock and animals”, “beside the freewill offering” which means “with and accompanying the voluntary, spontaneous and willing gift” “for the house of God” or “on behalf of the dwelling place, abode, habitation and temple belonging to the Supreme Deity” “that is in Jerusalem” which means “which exists within 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 “Cyrus” instructed the people who were remaining in the location to provide silver and gold metals, moveable utensils, property and voluntary gifts to be used within the temple of Jehovah God.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Cyrus, the king of Persia” also engaged with the people who would remain in their land rather than returning to Jerusalem. They were instructed to bring “silver, gold, goods and voluntary gifts” that would be used within the temple after it was rebuilt. God thru “Cyrus” involved more of the people because they might not return to “Jerusalem” to rebuild the temple, but they would be involved anyway. God uses people throughout the world to carry out His purposes, and because He desires to have a personal relationship with everyone, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us opportunities to fulfill His will in the world. (See John 16:13)
Next time Ezra says, “then rose up the chief of the fathers”, 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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