In the book of Ezra, Ezra referred to, “the copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:”, and in chapter five and verse seven of Ezra, Ezra shared how, “they sent a letter unto him” where we read,
They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
The verse reads, “They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus;” Ezra began with the words, “they sent a letter unto him” which means “they, Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions, transmitted and delivered a written missive and account to him, Darius”, “wherein was written thus” which means “in the letter was inscribed and engraved with the following words”. Ezra shared how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” transmitted the “letter” to “Darius”, and the following words were inscribed within it.
The verse continues, “Unto Darius the king, all peace.” Ezra added the words, “unto Darius” or “to Darius whose name means lord and was the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) ”, “the king” which means “the royal ruler and leader”, “all peace” or “the whole and every manner of welfare, prosperity and well-being”. Ezra shared the beginning words of the “letter sent to Darius” which began with a greeting of “prosperity and well-being” in everything.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” delivered their “letter” to “Darius the king”, and their initial greeting was that “peace” should prevail everywhere. It is interesting to note that the content of their letter was to cause conflict, but they began with “peace”. God knows the intent and will of every person, and when they are with Him or against Him and His people, their motives are not hidden. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He had a plan for Israel which included rebuilding the“temple” and the city of “Jerusalem”, and He has a plan for us to be involved in His Kingdom. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put the “peace” of His Holy Spirit within us that shall endure regardless of our circumstances or opposition.
Next time Ezra says, “be it known unto the king”, 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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