In the book of Ezra chapter one and verse one, Ezra wrote, “the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia”where we read,
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, ...
The verse reads, “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, ...” Ezra began with the words, “now in the first year” or “within the first annual division of time” (538 B.C.) “of Cyrus” which means “belonging to Cyrus whose name means possess you the furnace” “the king of Persia” or “the royal ruler, leader and conqueror belonging to Persia whose name means pure or splendid”, “that the word of the LORD” which means “that the speech, utterance, declaration and proclamation belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God” “by the mouth” or “through the means of the orifice in the face used for eating, drinking and speaking” “of Jeremiah” which means “belonging to Jeremiah whose name means whom Jehovah has appointed and was the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth” “might be fulfilled” or “to accomplish, determine, finish and be complete”. Ezra began by sharing about the “first year” of “Cyrus” who was the royal leader of “Persia” when the utterance of Jehovah God spoke through the “mouth” of “Jeremiah” could be accomplished. (See Jeremiah 25:8-13; 29:10-14)
The verse continues, “the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, ...” Ezra added the words, “the LORD stirred up” or “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God roused, awakened, incited and lifted up” “the spirit of Cyrus” which means “the mind, vivacity, vigor and animation belonging to Cyrus whose name means possess you the furnace” “king of Persia” or “royal ruler, leader and conqueror belonging to Persia whose name means pure or splendid”. Ezra shared how Jehovah God aroused the mind and vigor of “Cyrus” who was the royal ruler and leader of “Persia”.
Finally the verse says, “... that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,...” Ezra concluded this verse with the words, “that he made a proclamation” which means “that he, Cyrus, passed on and caused a voice and sound of uttered words” “throughout all his kingdom” or “thru the whole, total and every part belonging to his, Cyrus', royal power, reign, sovereign power and dominion”, “and put it also in writing” which means “and placed it, the proclamation, even so and indeed in handwriting and upon a document”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the words in our next verse. Ezra shared how “Cyrus the king of Persia” not only made a declaration in every part of his royal dominion, but he also put his statement into writing.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how the royal ruler in the nation of “Persia” made a declaration that was entered into writing because Jehovah God's words were to be accomplished which were spoken by the prophet “Jeremiah”. (See Jeremiah 25:12-14; 29:10; 33:7-13) The declarations and commands which were written during the Persian rule were unable to be changed or altered by the ruler, and everyone was to abide by what was written. Jehovah God was at work in the lives of the people of Israel, and they were soon to be returned to their homeland after being held in captivity in Babylon for seventy years. When God speaks, His word will be accomplished, and because He loves people, He sent His Only Begotten 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 as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit so we may be lead into all truth to watch as He fulfills His will with Jerusalem and with us.
Next time Ezra shares how Cyrus says the LORD, “charged me to build him an house at 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".
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