That Which They have Need Of - Ezra 6:9

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 in chapter six and verse nine of Ezra, Ezra shared how Darius said what to do with, “that which they have need of” where we read,

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:

The verse reads, “And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, ...” Ezra began with the words, “and that which they have need of” which means “and whatever they, the elders and people of Israel, find necessary”, “both young bullocks” whose name means “including youthful bulls or oxen”, “and rams” or “and male ram animals”, “and lambs” which means “and lamb animals”, “for the burnt offerings”or “to use on behalf of the sacrifices of worship which are burned” “of the God of heaven” which means “pertaining to the Supreme Deity who belongs to the visible sky and the sidereal area where Jehovah God abide”. Ezra shared how “Darius the king of Persia” ordered that “young bulls, rams and lambs” be given to the elders of Israel so they could use them in he sacrificial offerings which are burned. 

The verse goes on to say, “... 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:” Ezra continued with the words, “wheat, salt, wine, and oil” or “wheat grain, salt seasoning, fruit of the vine and acetic oil”, “according to the appointment” which means “in keeping with the word and command” “of the priests” or “belonging to the sacred spiritual leaders”, “which are at Jerusalem”which means “who are 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”, “let it be given them” or “allow and permit the wheat, salt, wine and oil be granted and bestowed upon them, the people of Israel” “day by day” which means “from each and every sunrise to sunset” “without fail” or “not neglecting, being remiss or at fault for missing”. Ezra shared how“Darius” also gave the directive that “wheat, salt, wine and oil” were to be apportioned to the “priests” within Jerusalem without ceasing every “day”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Darius” made provision for the sacrificial elements of worship for the people of Israel. Not only were the animals given to them, but also the “wheat, salt, wine and oil” were to be furnished every day. God was reestablishing His people and His worship, and because the people of Israel were better off when they put Him first, God reordered their priorities. God wants the same for us. Jesus said, “Seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (See Matthew 6:33), and because He wants to be “first” in our lives, He gave His Son Jesus to the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us to keep Him as the priority of our lives so we may live according to His plan and purpose. 

Next time Ezra shares how Darius says to do this, “that they may offer sacrifices”, 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".