Of Ezra, Meshullam - Nehemiah 12:13

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirteen of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “of Ezra, Meshullam” where we read,

Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; 

The verse reads, “Of Ezra, Meshullam;” Nehemiah began with the words, “Of Ezra” whose name means “belonging to Ezra whose name means help and was the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem”,“Meshullam” or “friend”. Nehemiah shared how “Meshullam” the descendant of “Ezra” was among the priests.

The verse goes on to say, “of Amariah, Jehohanan;” Nehemiah continued with the words, “of Amariah” or “belonging to Amariah whose name means Jehovah speaks or Yah(u) has promised”, “Jehohanan” whose name means “Jehovah has graced”. Nehemiah shared how “Jehohanan” who was a descendant of “Amariah” was also a “priest” who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. 

When we think through Nehemiah's words in this verse, we discover how the descendants of “Ezra and Amariah” were also among the priests who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. One by one these families were being recognized by God through Nehemiah, and all of them were important to the worship of Him. God wants us to be involved in His Kingdom, and entrance is gained by believing and trusting in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead three days later. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put us in positions in His Kingdom which shall bless Him in this life and in the eternal life to come. 

Next time Nehemiah says, “of Melicu, Jonathan”, 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".