In the Days of Joiakim - Nehemiah 12:26

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates”, and in chapter twelve and verse twenty-six of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “these were in the days of Joiakim” where we read,

These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, 

and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.

The verse reads, “These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “these were in the days” which means “the time period and season existed within the rule” “of Joiakim” or “pertaining to Joiakim or Jehoiakim whose name means Jehovah raises up” “the son of Jeshua” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Jeshua whose name means he is saved”, “the son of Jozadak” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Jozadak whose name means Jehovah is righteous”. Nehemiah shared the current time was when Joiakim who was “Jeshua's son” and “Jozadak's grandson” ruled in Jerusalem. 

The verse continues, “... and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.” Nehemiah added the words, “and in the days” or “and within the time period and season” “of Nehemiah” whose name means “pertaining to Nehemiah whose name means Jehovah comforts” “the governor” or “the deputy, captain and prefect”, “and of Ezra the priest” which means “and pertaining to Ezra whose name means the spiritual spokesman and leader”, “the scribe” or “the accountant, recorder and enumerator”. Nehemiah referred to the time when he ruled as the prefect and overseer of Jerusalem and “Ezra” served as the recorder and spiritual spokesman. 

When we consider Nehemiah's words in this verse, we see how he referred to the time when “Joiakim” served and he was the prefect of Jerusalem and “Ezra” was the spiritual spokesman and recorder. In other words, God established His leadership over Jerusalem and Judah. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and direct us into positions of authority by His Holy Spirit and according to His Divine purpose and will.

Next time Nehemiah shares about, “the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, 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".