In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared about, “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: They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goes fast on, and prospers in their hands”, and in chapter five and verse nine of Ezra, Ezra shared how the letter told Darius how they asked the people of Israel, “who commanded you to build this house?” where we read,
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus,
Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
The verse reads, “Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, ...” Ezra began with the words, “then asked we the elders” which means “at that time we, Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions, inquired of and questioned the older, gray and hoary headed members of Israel”, “and said unto them thus” which means “and uttered, declared, proclaimed and questioned them, the elders, with the following words”. Ezra shared how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” inquired of the older men of Israel with the following question.
The verse continues, “...Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?” Ezra added the words, “who commanded you” or “what person has set, made and appointed a decree to you, elders of Israel” “to build this house” which means “to make and erect this, Jehovah God's, habitation, abode and dwelling place”, “and to make up these walls” or “and to erect and rebuild this, the city of Jerusalem's, barrier walls”? Ezra shared how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” told “Darius” about asking the elders of Israel who ordered them to rebuild the temple of Jehovah God and the barrier walls of Jerusalem.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how “Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions” continued their missive writing to “Darius” by telling their story about going to the “elders” of Israel and asking them who gave them an order to rebuild their temple and the barrier walls around Jerusalem. Basically they revealed their disapproval of the people of Israel's work, and they complained to the government about it. The same happens today, and God is aware of every effort that attempts to stop His will. He loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He chose the nation of Israel to be the nation through whom all the nations of the world would be blessed, (See Genesis 12:3) and He sent His Son Jesus into the world through the people of Israel to die 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 put within us a willingness and ability to accomplish His work according to His Divine purpose and will.
Next time Ezra Tatnai says, “we asked their names also, to certify you”, 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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