Ezra 6:8-12
March 5, 2021
Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. Also, I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”
Have you had one of those days where things didn't go as planned, what is happening to Tattenai and his other governor buddies on the other side of the river? Their goal was to stop the Temple from being rebuilt, but it backfired on them, King Darius has told them they will take from the royal revenue, of the tribute of the province from beyond the River. And not only that but any livestock needed for a burnt offering to the God of heaven, plus wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests of Jerusalem require, not once but each day without fail. Now King Darius had more fear and faith in the God of Heaven than many who go by the name Christian, for he desired the priest to pray for him and his sons.
Often when things do not go as planned it a not your worst day, but the King is not through, he adds to King Cyrus’s degree with this statement: Also, I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”
If your goal was to stop the worship of God, you did not have any understanding with whom you were picking a fight with! These governors did not nor do the governors today whom they have taken on. But I pray that the ones today experience the same end as these guys.
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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