Artaxerxes Makes a Decree - Ezra 7:13

In the book of Ezra, Ezra said, “Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time”, and in chapter seven and verse thirteen of Ezra, Ezra shared how Artaxerxes wrote, “I make a decree” where we read,

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, 

in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with you.

The verse reads, “I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, ...” Ezra began with the words, “I make a decree” which means “I, Artaxerxes, proclaim and declare a judgment, command and discretion”, “that all they of the people of Israel” which means “that each, every, the whole and everyone of the human being both male and female who belong to Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and nation of descendants of Jacob”, “and of his priests” or “and belonging to his, Jehovah God's, spiritual spokesmen and leaders” “and Levites” which means “and the descendants of Levi whose name means joined to and was specially set aside by God for His service”. Ezra shared how “Artaxerxes” commanded that every one of the people of “Israel, their priest and Levites” do the following. 

The verse continues, “… in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with you.” Ezra added the words, “in my realm” which means “within my, Artaxerxes', royalty, kingship and reign”, “which are minded”or “who exist with thoughts” “of their own freewill” which means “pertaining to their, the people of Israel's, own personal liberal volunteering” “to go up to Jerusalem” or “to depart, ascend and proceed forth to Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”, “go with you” which means “depart, proceed and ascend alongside you, Ezra”. Ezra shared how “Artaxerxes”addressed the people of “Israel” who were freely willing to accompany him as he returned to “Jerusalem”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Artaxerxes” not only addressed him, but also the “people of Israel” who were gladly willing to go back to “Jerusalem” with “Ezra”. God invites all people to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins, and when we freely submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and lead us by His Holy Spirit where He desires that we go and what we are to do when we get there. Let all who read these words hear the invitation of Jehovah God to freely come to Him through His Son Jesus and live with Him for all eternity.

Next time Ezra shares how Artaxerxes wrote in the letter, “forasmuch as you are sent of 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".