God Caused His Name to Dwell There - Ezra 6:12

In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how Darius the king of Persia said, “I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this”, and in chapter six and verse twelve of Ezra, Ezra shared how Darius said, “the God that has caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people” where we read,

And the God that has caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed. 

The verse reads, “And the God that has caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, ...” Ezra began with the words, “and the God” which means “and the Supreme Deity” “that has caused his name” whose name means “who has made his, Jehovah God's, fame, reputation and glory” “to dwell there” or “to live, reside and abide in that place, Jerusalem” “destroy all kings” which means “overthrow each, every, the whole and everyone of the royal rulers and leaders” “and people” or “and human beings both male and female”. Ezra shared how “Darius” wanted Jehovah God to overthrow every other ruling authority and people group who seek to do the following. 

The verse goes on to say, “... that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem.”Ezra continued with the words, “that shall put to their hand” which means “who will set forth their physical hand” “to alter and to destroy” or “to change, transform and frustrate as well as to hurt and ruin” “this house of God” which means “this habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to the Supreme Deity” “which is at Jerusalem” or “that is located in 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”. Ezra shared how “Darius” declared that God would overthrow any “king or people group” who sets forth their physical hand to change or ruin Jehovah God's temple in “Jerusalem”.

Finally the verse says, “I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” Ezra concluded this verse with the words, “I Darius” which means “I, king Darius of Persia whose name means lord and was Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC)” “have made a decree” or “have proclaimed, declared and appointed a judgment, discretion and command”; “let it be done with speed” which means “allow and permit it, the rebuilding of the sacred worship place, to be performed, wrought and executed hastily”. Ezra ended this verse by sharing “Darius'” personal declaration and command that the rebuilding of the sacred worship temple was to be performed in haste. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Darius” knew Jehovah God the Supreme Deity caused His fame, reputation and glory to reside in “Jerusalem”, and He would be responsible for overthrowing every royal ruler and people group who desired to ruin His dwelling place. “Darius” made a proclamation that the temple and the restoration of worship was to be reestablished quickly. God was working to accomplish His will, and He does the same today as He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield our lives to Him as our “Lord and Savior”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us realize through His Holy Spirit that God is at work to bring all who will into a personal relationship with Him. 

Next time Ezra says the people, “did it speedily”, 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".