Wednesday: Artaxerxes’ Decree
Read Ezra 7:11-28. What were the components of the king’s decree? Why were these instructions important for the people of Israel?
The decree of Artaxerxes resembles Cyrus’s first decree. The king counsels everyone who is willing, especially from the priestly lines, to make the journey to Jerusalem. Although according to the Murashu historical documents, the majority of the Jews ultimately remained in Persia (as demonstrated in the story of Esther), there were those who had waited for the opportunity to start a new life in the homeland of their ancestors.
Artaxerxes
The king directed most of his comments to the treasurers of the Trans-Euphrates territory. The treasurers were to provide Ezra with whatever he needed to restore the city and “to beautify the house of the LORD” (Ezra 7:27, NKJV). Ultimately, the king commissioned Ezra to ensure the proper observance of the Law of God as well as the law of the land, by setting up the judicial system. The order and organization that this command would produce are important aspects of any society. Moreover, the king made it easier for Ezra and the Israelites to restore their homeland.
Does the king’s concern for the rebuilding of the city and the temple indicate that he had become a believer in Ezra’s God? Artaxerxes calls God, the “God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 7:15, NKJV). The terminology the king uses about the God of Israel implies that he saw the Lord as just another local deity who needed to be appeased by gifts. He didn’t want this local god to be angry with him and his sons (Ezra 7:23). Additionally, we should note that 457 B.C. is also the year of an Egyptian revolt against the Persian government; thus, it is likely that the amenable actions of the king were designed to gain loyalty from the province of Judah.
Unfortunately, despite the interaction the king had with both Ezra and Nehemiah, it didn’t make him a believer in God. At least nothing in the texts indicates that he had become one, which means that the Lord can use even unconverted people to do His will on earth.
| Even amid so much pain and suffering, how can we learn to trust in God’s sovereignty over the world, as seen here? |
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Ezra the priest - Many moved to the Persian empire were to remain in the new found life. In spite of their difficult circumstances the parents of Ezra had brought him up in the foundation of the faith.
Even in my own life as comforts increase the desecration of the Sabbath also increase. It was easier for me to keep the Sabbath holy in my poverty then in my luxury. Maybe that is one of the reason God does not bless me with the riches of this world. Perhaps this is a safe zone for me to enter into heaven.
Offering
Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem.
Offering must be given as freewill.
Offering of Christ yielding to the cross was not to appease an angry but God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son. The love of the Father allowed the yielding of the Son to the cross. Offering not motivated by the love of God would eventually lead to questions on the offering.
When God's love is understood all human shackles will loose it's power on humanity and we will be willing to die for Him.
To live is Christ, to die is gain. Amen.
Holy Spirit guide me.
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah. Pilgrim through this barren land. I am indeed weak but you are mighty.
This world is full of sorrows, pain, suffering, heart breaks, sickness, discouragement etc. Despite this, how can one trust God as the Sovereign ruler in his/ her life?
It is in man’ nature that we do evil and have all the characters of the enemy of Jesus. When faced with pain and sorrow we question God, we always want an answer as to why me, but why not me?
Those characters though negative will remain in this world until Christ comes but we have to rejoice in Christ that this world is not our home.
I think that Artaxerxes had the wrong idea about the God of Israel:
1) that He was limited to a geographical area
2) that He executed those who didn't obey Him
Where did he get these wrong ideas? from Ezra? or maybe he just assumed He was like the pagan gods that were dreamed up by man?
What message do I convey to others about the LORD?
First I have to interrogate my view of the character of God.
Do I believe there is only one way things can work and God has to abide by these ways? or do I believe that He created the Principles of Life because He is all knowledgeable and created the universe and all living things?
Do I believe the Word when it tells us that the LORD said:
Love Me and do what I command, meaning do you want to be with Me? If so, listen, I created you and I know what will achieve the purpose of people living in harmony, peace and happiness?
Do I believe He gives us a choice? or does He just say Do or Die? Do I believe He is going to rid the world of evil or just let it go on until it destroys itself? Does He discipline His people? Does He sometimes use Tough Love?
We need to examine these and other difficult questions to be sure we are sharing the correct view of the LORD.
Ezra intensively studied the Word so he could lead the people,let us follow his example, especially those who are seen as leaders.
UNCONVERTED BELIEVERS.
Despite the interaction these people have with both the Ezras and Nehemiahs of today, it doesn't make them believers in God.
These are people who culturally identify themselves as Christians but biblically are not followers of Christ.
They believe Jesus is who he said he was and that he did what the bible says he did though such belief doesn't save for even demons believe - and shudder!
One day they will say to Jesus. Lord, did we not preach in your name and cast out demons in your name and built the churches in your name and did many mighty works in your name?
But Jesus will declare to these unconverted believers,I never knew you, depart from me you workers of lawlessness.
Interaction is risky. Christ died for all, very very risky. But He did it anyway. Our interaction may go on 99 deaf ears, but for that 1, it is worth it.
Artaxerxes decree (Ezra 7:11–28) presented many provisions for the people of God to succeed in rebuilding their homeland and His temple.
What is the lesson in the text? ..What message is God trying to convey to us today?
▪︎"Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare. We should not allow the perplexities and worries of everyday life to fret the mind and cloud the brow. If we do we shall always have something to vex and annoy. . . ."
▪︎"You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and darker, and you may be threatened with loss; but do not become discouraged; cast your care upon God, and remain calm and cheerful. . . ."(Steps to Christ pp.122,123).
▪︎"God will do great things for those who trust in Him.The reason why His professed people have no greater strength is that they trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf.He will help His believing children in every emergency if they will place their entire confidence in Him and faithfully obey Him".(Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 493).
Have a trusting day!
"Even amid so much pain and suffering, how can we learn to trust in God’s sovereignty over the world, as seen here?"
It has come to my understanding that God has wonderous love for us. The more we read, recite, and reflect, the more we comprehend the debth, height, lengh, and largeness of His love, that is beyond knowledge. Even while we were yet sinners, the revelation of the atractive loveliness of Christ, subdued us, and melted our stubborn hearts. We are transformed, becoming children of God. All this wonderous gift is bestowed on us because we take the time and effort to read, recite, and reflect. He does the rest. What a bargain. A miracle in us. Believe me it is worth it.