Sending for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan and Jarib - Ezra 8:16

In the book of Ezra, Ezra said, “I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi”, and in chapter eight and verse sixteen of Ezra, Ezra said, “ then sent I for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan and Jarib” where we read,

Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding. 

The verse reads, “Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men;” Ezra began with the words, “then sent I for Eliezer” which means “at that time I, Ezra, summoned, requested and demanded Eliezer whose name means God is help”, “for Ariel” whose name means “lion of God”, “for Shemaiah” whose name means “heard by Jehovah”, “and for Elnathan” or “and for Elnathan whose name means God has given”, “and for Jarib” which means “and for Jarib whose name means he contends”, “and for Elnathan” or “and for Elnathan whose name means God has given”, “and for Nathan” whose name means “giver”, “and for Zechariah” or “and for Zechariah whose name means Jehovah remembers”, “and for Meshullam” which means “and for Meshullam whose name means friend”, “chief men” or “tip top, summit, choice and head male human beings”. Ezra summoned “Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, another Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and Meshullam” who were all “choice male human beings” who went back to “Jerusalem” with him. 

The verse goes on to say, “also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding. ” Ezra continued with the words, “also for Joiarib which means “even so and indeed for Joiarib whose name means Jehovah contends”, “and for Elnathan” or “and for Elnathan whose name means God has given”, “men of understanding” which means “male human beings with discernment, perception and knowledge”. Ezra likewise summoned “Joiarib and Elnathan” who were men who had discernment and perception. 

When we think through Ezra's words in this verse, we learn how he began to address the absence of the “Levites” among the “chief men” who were returning to “Jerusalem” with him. He called “Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam” who were “chief men”, and he also called for “Joiarib and Elnathan”. These men were known for their wisdom and understanding, and Ezra knew their counsel and advice would help him know what to do. God loves to surround us with like kind people who have received His Son Jesus, who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, as their “Savior and Lord”. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and place us in the midst of people with wisdom and understanding in His Kingdom.

Next time Ezra says, “I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia”, 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".