In the book of Ezra, after fifteen years of delay for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, Ezra shared how “Haggai and Zechariah” spoke to the people of Israel, and “then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who has commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?”, and in chapter five and verse four of Ezra, Ezra shared how Tatnai asked, “what are the name of the men that make this building?” where we read,
Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
The verse reads, “Then said we unto them after this manner, ...” Ezra began with the words, “then said we unto them” which means “at that time uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” “after this manner” which means “in keeping with and according to the following fashion”. Ezra shared how “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” questioned “Zerubbabel, Jeshua and their companions” according to the following fashion
The verse goes on to say, “... What are the names of the men that make this building?” Ezra continued with the words, “what are the names” or “whatsoever are the titles, designations and labels” “of the men” which means “belonging to the male human beings” “that make this building” or “who erect and rebuild this edifice or temple”? Ezra shared how “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” wanted to know the “names” of the male human beings who were rebuilding the temple of Jehovah God.
When we meditate upon Ezra's words in this verse, we discover how “ Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” began to cause trouble for the people of Israel once again. They wanted the “names” of the “men” who were rebuilding the temple as though they were going to report them or bring great difficulty into their lives. Satan acts similar to this behavior, (See Job 1:6-11) and he is constantly accusing those who believe and trust in God's Son Jesus who was crucified for the sins of all mankind as their personal “Savior and Lord”. God loves us and will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us not only the knowledge that Satan takes down our “name” but also how to resist him and his attempts to spoil our faith. (See James 4:7)
Next time Ezra says, “the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews”, 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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