In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how “Rehum and Shimshai” were as enemies and foes to Israel, and they wrote a letter to “Artaxerxes” the king of Persia in opposition to them which included the following 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”, and in chapter four and verse fifteen of Ezra, Ezra shared how “Rehum and Shimshai” suggested,“that search may be made in the book of records of your fathers” where we read,
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.
The verse reads, “That search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers:” Ezra began with the words, “that search” which means “we suggest that an inquiry” “may be made in the book of the records” which means “might be conducted within the evidence or roll book” “of your fathers” or “belonging to your, Artaxerxes, forefathers and ancestors”. Ezra shared how “Rehum and Shimshai” suggested that an inquiry of the historical “records” belonging to “Artaxerxes forefathers” be carried out.
The verse goes on to say, “so shall you find in the book of records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, ...” Ezra continued with the words, “so shall you find in the book of records” or “therefore, then and on this account you, Artaxerxes, will discover within the evidence or roll book”, “and know that this city” which means “and be informed that this habitation, abode and dwelling place” “is a rebellious city” or “exists as an insubordinate and malcontent habitation, abode and dwelling place”. Ezra shared how “Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the other people who were dispatched to the west side of the Euphrates River” concluded that “Artaxerxes” would discover in the evidence that Jerusalem exists as a insubordinate and malcontent “city”.
The verse continues, “and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time:” Ezra added the words “and hurtful unto kings” which means “and injurious and inflicting loss and damage to royal rulers and leaders” “and provinces” or “and districts, regions and territories”, “and that they have moved sedition” which means “and that they, the people of Israel, have created, performed, wrought and carried out revolt” “within the same of old time” or “in the middle and midst pertaining to the past and previous times”. Ezra shared how “Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the other people who were dispatched to the west side of the Euphrates River” said the people of Jerusalem were injurious to royal rulers and territories, and they revolted in previous time periods.
Finally the verse says, “for which cause was this city destroyed.” Ezra concluded this verse with the words, “for which cause” which means “upon, regarding and on account of the people of Israel's insubordination and revolt” “was this city destroyed” or “this habitation, abode and dwelling place, the city of Jerusalem, was dried up, laid waste and demolished”. Ezra ended this verse by “Rehum, Shimshai and the others” concluding that the insubordination and revolting of the people of Israel was the reason “Jerusalem” was laid waste and demolished.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Rehum, Shimshai, their companions and the people who were dispatched to Samaria on the west side of the Euphrates River” wanted “Artaxerxes” to look carefully into the historical past accounts of the people of Israel. When he did, He would find that they were insubordinate and revolters from “old time”, and they were harmful to royal rulers and districts all around. They said this was the reason their own city, Jerusalem, lie in ruins at the present state. This is very much the way our enemy, Satan, likes to bring up our past when we make a decision to receive God's Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord” because He died on the cross for our sins . When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us to remember that God knows our past and is willing to have us be with Him for all eternity.
Next time Ezra shares how the letter continued with what would happen, “if this city be builded again”, 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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