June 12, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Ezra? Here’s today’s reading:
Ezra 6 (NIV)
The Decree of Darius
1 King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives stored in the treasury at Babylon. 2 A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it:
Ezra 6…dude, if you are going to cite the records, and do so falsely, it might come back to haunt you! So Tatnai and his folks on the other side of the river, compelled Darius to check the records. Darius decreed that they not interfere anymore, and they shall even pay to help Israel build the temple!
When one sues another, there are responsibilities, and sometimes, negative consequences.
We rejoice, Israel built that temple, and the enemies were countered by the law of the land. Romans 13 tells us how to interact with rulers over us. I have seen rebellion within the Christian church against our government when they acted in the best interests of the people, though misguided. Here is a classic example of a pagan government leading its people the way God intended. We do not justify the wicked religions of Babylon, Persia, but I recognize they did right by government.
Guess what I am saying, there is a time to stand like Daniel, and a time to obey. Best wishes and peace, gordy
How wonderful it is when earthly authority recognizes and regards the authority of God and affirms the things God would call His people to do. The days of us expecting that may be over but we can still pray that God grants us favor and influences hearts of officials so they won’t put roadblocks up to prevent the work of God. I couldn’t help but think of God working behind the scenes to make sure the edict from Cyrus was found and that Darius agreed to maintain the same policy. I am sure it was a hard pill to swallow for those who were coming against the Jews. And how worthy is God of worship, sacrifice, remembrance and obedience. How great for these Jews to worship in a rebuilt temple and set things right in the worship of God….and to get back on track celebrating the festivals. We can be thankful it never takes an act of Congress for us to get back to the things of God!
Ezra 6
Ezra 4:6 makes me angry towards the enemies of Judah and sympathetic towards people of Judah, angry for the false accusations made against Judah and Jerusalem, who hasn’t that done to them,? The work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia how long of a period was that?
Ezra 6 the decree giving people of Judah and Jerusalem seems like it was written by very astute Attorney covering all aspects and not leaving any loopholes. I love reading it , it just shows that it’s important to take notes and keep an accurate record of things, the decree appears to have been written by an astute Attorney covering all aspects and not leaving any loopholes, I love reading it , and confirms that it’s important to take notes and keep a accurate record of things that are said and done because you might need it someday.
Certainly government does not frequently help the work of God these days but we are blessed to be able to worship and assemble here in America without needing to jump through hoops or fear for our safety.
Amazing to see in this chapter, despite such opposition Darius upheld what Cyrus had decreed and allowed for the rebuilding of the temple and even better to se the people of God doing it and returning to the ways of obedience and trust in God!
Ezra 6
King Darius saw the letter of the decree from Cyrus and agreed with it and made his own decree. The people of Israel were to allowed to finish the temple under king Darius in his sixth year. No one was allowed to interfere with the building of the temple. Whatever they needed would be provided for them. All the animals needed for sacrifices, tribute[money], wheat, salt, wine, and oil. Also all the lumber that was needed for the temple. And anything else that was needed. The Jewish people were able have the Passover for the first time in along time because they were in captivity. Also they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy. They knew that God had turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands for the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.[ Ezra 6;22]. May He do the same in America and change the heart of our leaders to a one that fears and honors God. Not the worship of man which it is right now. Mankind doing whatever is right in there own eyes which is wickedness. Far away from God with rebellious hearts. Jesus Christ is our only hope. Never in all my years have I seen America so wicked. We need a great revival in America but it starts with each one of us. The Lord brought to mind two hymns. They are; My Faith Has Found a Resting Place and Revive Us Again. Come before Him with singing.
As a side note about last Sunday at the Summer Celebration did anyone notice the mermaid in the water showing the children what a horseshoe crab is after the children ran out of the water from it. She reached into the water and pulled it out and latter two more for other children to see. This mermaid taught the children all about them. Of course the horseshoe crabs were let go. I was so impressed of what she did that I had to tell this story. If you haven`t already guessed the mermaid is my wife Melodye who always refers to herself as a mermaid. Melodye grew up around bays and oceans. God bless you all.
I’d like to add that I was later told by the lifeguard that picking up the horseshoe crab is not allowed and that I am sorry for breaking this rule.
Aw sweet story, Dennis! I used to take a field guide to the beach (this town beach) when my kids were little so we could look up whatever they had collected.
God’s people overcome the bureaucracy by using it against those who challenge them. When dealing with any government or bureaucracy I suspect this caused a long delay. 😀