In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared how Darius the king of Persia said, “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail”, and in chapter six and verse ten of Ezra, Ezra shared how Darius said to do this, “that they may offer sacrifices” where we read,
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
The verse reads, “That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors unto the God of heaven, ...” Ezra began with the words, “that they may offer sacrifices” which means “so the people of Israel might approach and draw near with offerings” “of sweet savors” whose name means “which are acceptable” “unto the God” or “to the Supreme Deity” “of heaven” which means “belonging to the visible skies, atmosphere and sidereal heavens where God abides and other spiritual beings”. Ezra shared how Darius said the animals, wheat, salt, wine and oil would be useful in allowing the people of Israel to present acceptable offerings to Jehovah God who is the Supreme Deity in “heaven”.
The verse continues, “... and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.” Ezra added the words, “and pray” which means “and bow and make orations” “for the life” or “on behalf of the living” “of the king” which means “belonging to the royal ruler and leader”, “and of his sons” or “and his, the royal ruler and leader's, male offspring and progeny”. Ezra shared how Darius wanted the people of Israel to include his “life” and his “sons' lives” within their orations made unto “God”.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Darius” not only confirmed that the people of Israel were to rebuild their temple and sacrificial altar in Jerusalem, but he also desired to insure they had what they needed to give acceptable offerings to Jehovah God in Heaven. He also wanted them to include him and his family in their “prayers”. God was on the move, and He was reestablishing not only their relationship with Him, but also their worship to Him. God wants to have a personal intimate relationship with everyone, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind to make this possible. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire to offer sacrifices of praise to Him and prayers for our leaders as we have opportunity.
Next time Ezra shares how Darius says what shall happen to, “whosoever shall alter this word”, 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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