In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how king Artaxerxes wrote to him in a letter, “Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-four of Ezra, Ezra shared how Artaxerxes wrote about, “touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims or ministers” where we read,
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
The verse reads, “Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, ...” Ezra began with the words, “also we certify you” which means “even so and indeed we, Artaxerxes and his leaders, inform, cause to know and communicate with you, Ezra”, “that touching any of the priests” which means “that concerning all, the whole and everyone of the spiritual spokesmen and leaders” “and Levites”or “and the descendants of Levi whose name means joined to and were specially set aside by God for His service”,“singers” which means “the musicians and ones who use their voices to make music”, “porters” or “the doorkeepers”, “Nethinims” which means “the temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary”, “or ministers” which refers to “the ones who worship, revere and pay reverence” “of this house of God” or “to the temple or habitation, abode or dwelling place of the Supreme Deity”. Ezra shared how “Artaxerxes” included the “priests, Levites, singers, porter, Nethinims and ministers” as the people who are responsible for the management and service of the temple or dwelling place of Jehovah God.
The verse goes on to say, “... it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.” Ezra continued with the words, “it shall not be lawful” which means “the following will not in any way or manner exist as having permission or authority” “to impose toll” or “to cast, set or place taxes in money”, “tribute” which means “excise on articles consumed”, “or custom” or “or duty” “upon them” which means “on the priests, Levites, singers, porters, Nethimim or ministers” who served in the temple. Ezra shared how “Artaxerxes” said it would be unlawful to excise “toll, tribute or custom” upon the people who served within the temple in Jerusalem.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Artaxerxes” ordered that it would be unlawful for the servants of the temple in Jerusalem to be taxed in any manner. This may seem amazing to us, but because of their position and service, they were helping the better good for the entire society. God takes care of His servants, and He wants us all to serve in His Kingdom. When we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide wages and blessings to us which shall last for all eternity. (See Matthew 5:12; 6:2-4)
Next time Ezra shares how Artaxerxes says, “Ezra … set magistrates and judges”, 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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