In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how the elders asked, “Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? We asked their names also, to certify you, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up”, and in chapter five and verse twelve of Ezra, Ezra shared how “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” included this statement made by the people of Israel in their letter to Darius, “after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath” where we read,
But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
The verse reads, “But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, ...” Ezra began with the words, “but after that our fathers” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover following the time that our, the people of Israel's, forefathers, male ancestors and progenitors” “had provoked the God of heaven” which means “enraged and made angry the Supreme Deity belonging to the visible skies and the sidereal heavens which is the abode of God” “unto wrath” or “to anger that wrinkles the nostrils and nose”, “he gave them” which means “he, Jehovah God, delivered and yielded them, the people of Israel “into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar” or “into the power, might and strength belonging to Nebuchadnezzar whose name means may Nebo protect the crown” “the king of Babylon” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to Babylon and was the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive”, “the Chaldean” or “the clod-breakers who were a group of people usually associated with the area around Babylonia”. Ezra shared how the people of Israel told “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” that their forefathers caused Jehovah God to be angry with them, and He delivered them over to “Nebuchadnezzar” who was a “clod-breaker” and the royal ruler of “Babylon”.
The verse goes on to say, “... who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.” Ezra continued with the words, “who destroyed this house” or “who, Nebuchadnezzar demolished, hid and removed from sight the sacred habitation, abode and dwelling place of Jehovah God”, “and carried the people away” which means “and removed and took into exile the human beings of Israel separate and apart from their homeland” “into Babylon” or “into Babylon whose name means confusion and was known as Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates”. Ezra shared how “Nebuchadnezzar” demolished the temple of Jehovah God in Jerusalem and moved the people of Israel to “Babylon”.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how the people of Israel explained to “Tatnia, Shetharboznai and their companions” how the people of Israel caused Jehovah God to be angry with them, so He allowed the royal ruler “Nebuchadnezzar” to demolish Solomon's temple and take them as exiles into the land of “Babylon”. They relayed this message to “Darius, the king of Persia”, and although this information might prevent them from having to cease building the temple, God was watching and would come to their rescue. God loves the people of Israel, and even after they caused Him to be angry, lost their temple and homeland and were taken as exiles to “Babylon”, He would rescue them. God loves us as well, and He will forgive the sins and grant everlasting life to every person who puts their faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. Let all who read these words consider this history of Israel, and surrender to God's perfect will and purpose for their lives.
Next time Ezra shares what happened, “in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon”, 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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