In the book of Ezra, Ezra said after fifteen years delay the temple in Jerusalem was authorized to be rebuilt again, and when they began to build, “came Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who has commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter”, and in chapter five and verse six of Ezra, Ezra shared about, “the copy of the letter that Tatani … sent to Darius the king” where we read,
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
The verse reads, “The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites ...” Ezra began with the words, “the copy of the letter” which means “the written matter or transcript” “that Tatnai” which means “that Tatnai whose name means gift and was a Persian governor in Syria who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem”, “the governor on this side the river” or “the captain and controller on the western side of the Euphrates River”, “and Shetharboznai” which means “and star of splendor who was a Persian officer in the reign of Darius”, “and his companions” or “and their, Tatnai and Shetharboznai's, fellow citizens and associates” “the Apharsachites” whose name means “as causers of division or I will divide the deceivers” and was perhaps officers or officials. Ezra shared how a transcript that “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” who were “Apharsachites”were dispatched according to the following.
The verse goes on to say, “... which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:” Ezra continued with the words, “which were on this side the river” or “that existed upon the western side of the Euphrates River”, “sent unto Darius”which means “transmitted, conveyed and delivered to Darius whose name means lord and was the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC)” “the king” or “the royal ruler and leader”. Ezra shared how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” who were on the western side of the Euphrates River transmitted “the letter” to “Darius” the royal ruler of Persia.
When we consider Ezra's words in this verse, we see how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” were purposed to deliver their “letter” to king “Darius”, and we shall discover the result in our next few verses. For now let us think about the determination of these people who were opposed to the work of the people of Israel and Jehovah God. The enemy of Israel was implacable, and nothing would satisfy these adversaries until they stopped the rebuilding of the temple and the barrier walls of Jerusalem. God is aware that people today encounter adversaries and foes to receiving Jesus Christ who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, however, when we receive Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us the power and strength through His Holy Spirit to resist our foes and endure until live with Him in Heaven someday. (See Matthew 10:22; James 4:7)
Next time Ezra shares how, “they sent a letter unto him”, 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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