THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE COVENANT

PROCLAMATION

“They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of The Lord our Lord, and His judgments and His statutes.”  Nehemiah 10:29 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  Chapter ten begins with a listing of the names of the people who sealed the new covenant. (Nehemiah 10:1-27)  The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, and the temple servants, along with all who separated themselves from the people of the land, took an oath not to give their daughters to the people of this land or to take their daughters for their sons. (Nehemiah 19:28-30)  They also agreed not to buy any goods or grain from the people of the land on the Sabbath or any holy day.  They pledged to bring money, bread, grain, and meat for burnt offerings and certain feasts.  They agreed to dedicate their first born sons to The Lord as it is written in the law.  They agreed to bring the first fruits of their crops, cattle, and herds to the house of The Lord as their tithes.  The children of Israel and the children of Levi agreed to bring offerings of new wine and oil to the temple to fill the vessels of the sanctuary. (Nehemiah 10:31-39)

 

APPLICATION

It is not good enough to just read The Word of God, or to listen to it being proclaimed, or to recite verses from it, we must also be committed to live by it.  “… Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)  Our actions will speak much louder than any words we will ever say.  When we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we agreed to follow Him and His teachings.  Our faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)  We must “walk the walk, and not just talk the talk.” (Unknown)  We need to walk in the way of righteousness. (Proverbs 2:20 and 8:20)  Our baptism will not save us; it is only an outward display of our inner commitment.  Our behavior and our lifestyle says more about us that our words.  Christ said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) 

 

THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL CONFESSED THEIR SINS

PROCLAMATION

“And they stood up in their place, and read the book of the law of The Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped The Lord their God.”  Nehemiah 9:3 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  After Ezra had read the law to them and the Levites had taken them in small groups and explained the law to them, (Nehemiah 8:1-18) the children of Israel gathered in sackcloth and fasted, and the prayed and confessed unto The Lord their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. (Nehemiah 9:1-3)  They worshiped and praised The Lord.   The even recounted the blessing and mercies bestowed upon past generations after their sins. (Nehemiah 9:4-35)  They admitted that they were His servants and that they were enjoying the fruits of the land which He gave to their fathers.  They said that because of all of these things that they were writing a covenant which was to be sealed by their princes, priests, and the Levites. (Nehemiah 9:36-38)

 

APPLICATION

If we are honest with ourselves we will all admit that we have sinned.  We need to confess our sins to The Lord God and ask to be forgiven.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)  Today we are in sad shape individually and as a country.  We need to humble ourselves, and we need to pray; and we also need to turn from our wicked ways. (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

 

 

THEY READ THE BOOK OF THE LAW

PROCLAMATION

“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up; … So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”  Nehemiah 8:5-8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  After Nehemiah had counted all of the people, they gathered in front of the water gate and Ezra the priest read to them from the book of the law of Moses. (Nehemiah 8:1-3)  Ezra stood upon a wooden pulpit so that he was above all of the people and could be seen by them.  When he opened the book all of the people stood up.  And as he read, the men standing with him explained it to the people so that all of them understood it. (Nehemiah 8:4-8)   Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites taught the people saying, “This day is holy unto The Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep.”  They said this because the people wept when they heard the words of the law.  They told the people to go their way, to eat and drink, and to give portions to the people for whom nothing had been prepared for the day was holy. (Nehemiah 8:9-12)  The next day they came together to study the words of the law.  They found that they were commanded to live in booths (temporary shelters) during the feast of the seventh month.  They published this and proclaimed it throughout the land and in all of the surrounding towns, and the people made themselves booths of tree branches for them to dwell in for the seven days of the feast. (Nehemiah 8:13-18)

 

APPLICATION

To paraphrase an old quote, “When we know better, we should do better.”   The quote actually said, “Do your best until you know better; then do better.” (Maya Angelou)  In order to know it for ourselves; we need to read and study The Word of God.  Then we ought to do what it says.  We are responsible for doing that which is right in the sight of The Lord.  “Ignorance of the law is no excuse…” (Thomas Jefferson and Oliver Wendell Holmes)  This quote is first revealed in The Bible as: “And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of The Lord; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.” (Leviticus 5:17)  We should be doers of The Word. (James 1:22)

 

 

NUMBERING THE PEOPLE THE ANIMALS AND THE GIFTS

PROCLAMATION

“The whole congregation together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty.”  Nehemiah 7:68 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  After the wall had been rebuilt and the doors had been set, the gatekeepers and singers were appointed.  Nehemiah appointed his brother Hanani and Hananiah the ruler of the palace to be the rulers over Jerusalem, for they were faithful and God-fearing men. (Nehemiah 7:1-2)  Then he said let not the gates of Jerusalem be open until the sun is hot.  And while they are standing guard, let the gates remain closed.  He appointed guards from among the people of Jerusalem.  He noted that the city was large and great but there were very few people within it, and no houses had been rebuilt. (Nehemiah 7:3-4)  The remainder of chapter seven includes a listing of the genealogy of the people. (Nehemiah 7:5-65)  There were forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty people.  In addition to seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven manservants and maidservants; plus two hundred and forty-five singing men and women.  He also counted the horses, mules, camels, and donkeys. (Nehemiah 7:66-70)  There was a record kept of what the head of each of the families gave into the treasury. 

 

APPLICATION

It has been said that there is strength in numbers.  However, being on The Lord’s side puts us on the winning side.  If He is for us, then no one can stand against us. (Romans 8:31)  It is not always good to follow the crowd.  The crowd is fickle, easily influenced, and it can change on you very quickly.  Remember, one day they were shouting “Hosanna” for Jesus, The Christ, (Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9-10, and John 12:13) and the next week they were shouting, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22-23, Mark 15:13-14, and John 19:6)  The majority of people will follow the crowd down the well-travelled road and it will lead them to their destruction. (Matthew 7:13)  It is the narrow, less-travelled road which leads to everlasting life but only the few will go that way. (Matthew 7:14)  Just because everyone is doing it does not make it right.  Let us follow The Lord God and go His way.

PEOPLE OF GOD DO NOT LIVE IN FEAR

PROCLAMATION

“And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me; for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.  Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid …”  Nehemiah 6:12-13 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  When Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that the Jews had rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem that they sent a message to Nehemiah saying that they wanted to meet with him in one of the surrounding towns.  However, Nehemiah replied that he was doing a great work on the wall and the he would not stop working and come down off of the wall.  They sent four such messages to Nehemiah and each time his reply was the same. (Nehemiah 6:1-4)  Then on the fifth time, Sanballat sent his servant with an open letter to Nehemiah stating that they were planning to rebel and that Nehemiah was to be the king of the Jews.  Nehemiah replied that none of that was true and that he was making it up in order to frighten them. (Nehemiah 6:5-9)  Afterwards Nehemiah went to see Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel.  He said for them to meet in the house of God, and to close the doors of the temple because those who were coming to kill him would come at night and slay him.  Nehemiah responded should a man such as he flee from his enemies; and what kind of man would hide in the temple?  So he did not go to the temple.  Then Nehemiah perceived that God had not sent Shemaiah, he was hired by Sanballat and Tobiah. (Nehemiah 6:10-13)  So when the wall was finished, all of the surrounding nations were afraid of them because they thought that this work could only have been accomplished by the help of God.  However, many of the nobles of Judah had sworn allegiance to Tobiah and sent letters to him because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah.  They reported the good deeds of Tobiah to Nehemiah, but Tobiah kept sending letters to Nehemiah to make him afraid. (Nehemiah 6:14-19)

APPLICATION

All of the attacks against us by our enemies are not physical.  Some of the time our enemies will say things or do things in order to strike fear in our hearts.  But The Lord God did not give believers the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)  Psychological warfare can be very effective, it can weaken the resolve of some people.  That is why we must put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand all of the attacks against us including those of spiritual wickedness. (Ephesians 6:11-18)  The Bible says, “fear not” in seventy-five different verses.  “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

 

NEHEMIAH STOPS THE OPPRESSION OF THE POOR

PROCLAMATION

“Then … I rebuked the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them, ‘Ye exact usury, every one of his brother.  And I set a great assembly against them.”  Nehemiah 5:7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  As the people were building the wall there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their Jewish brothers.  They felt that they were sacrificing for them but were being treated unfairly. (Nehemiah 5:1-5)  When Nehemiah heard this he was very angry.  He rebuked the nobles and the rulers.  He told them to restore that which they had taken from the people and to stop charging them for services. He also called the priest and had the leaders take an oath that they would do according to their promise. (Nehemiah 5:6-13)  Nehemiah would not take the rations from the people which former governors had taken because he feared The Lord God.  He and his men ate what was prepared for them but did not take anything extra.  And he continued to work on rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.  He asked God to remember the good which he had done to the people. (Nehemiah 5:14-19)

 

APPLICATION

“Just because you can doesn’t mean that you should.” (Sherrilyn Kenyon and William Taylor)  Situations in life may put us in positions where we can take advantage of someone, but that does not mean that we have to do it.  We should do the right thing and be fair with others at all times.  “Character is determined by what you do when no one is looking.” (Unknown)  We should do what is right in the sight of The Lord. (Deuteronomy 21:9, 1 Kings 11:38, and 1 Peter 2:20)

 

NEHEMIAH GETS HELP BUILDING THE WALL

PROCLAMATION

“And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, from all places whence ye shall return unto us … Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.”  Nehemiah 4:12-13 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  Chapter three of Book of Nehemiah includes a listing of the men who went with Nehemiah to Jerusalem and the section of the wall which they were responsible for rebuilding.  Beginning with Eliashib the high priest and the sheep gate, then proceeding with the men of Jericho next to them.  Next to them was Zaccur the son of Imri.  And so they worked on the wall and the gates all around the city of Jerusalem all at the same time. (Nehemiah 3:1-32)  When Sanballat heard that they were rebuilding the wall he became angry.  He spoke with his brothers and with the army of Samaria about them and he criticized the wall they were building. (Nehemiah 4:1-3)  Nehemiah prayed to God that He would turn the reproach of their enemy back upon them.  The people continued to build the wall and all the sections were joined but they were only half of the planned height.  At this point Sanballat and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites were all upset and conspired against Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 4:4-8)  Nehemiah continued to pray, and he set a watch, day and night, because of them.  The people working on the wall complained that there was too much rubble to remove and that would prevent them from building the wall.  Then the Jews who lived in the surrounding towns offered their assistance and Nehemiah assigned each of the clans to certain stations to help and protect. (Nehemiah 4:9-13)  He told the nobles and the officials and the rest of the local people to remember The Lord and do not to be afraid of their enemies.  From that time forward half of the people worked on the construction of the wall and the other half held the spears, shields, and bows.  Those who were building the wall worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other hand.  They all had a sword strapped to their side.  He told them that because they were so spread out while working, if they hear the sound of the trumpet then they should rally to that point.  So that they were ready to fight if needed, the men slept fully dressed and kept their weapon close by. (Nehemiah 4:14-23)

APPLICATION

Sometimes our help can come from what may appear to be strange places.  The Lord God may move on the hearts of some people that we did not expect to cause them to be a blessing to us.  God can frustrate the plans of our enemies before they bring them to fruition. (Nehemiah 4:15)  We just need to continue to pray and to continue working for The Lord.  

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

PROCLAMATION

“And the king said unto me, (the queen also was sitting by him) ‘For how long shall thy journey be?  And when wilt thou return?’  So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.”  Nehemiah 2:8 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  It came to pass that as Nehemiah took a cup of wine and gave it to the king that the king noticed that he was sad.  When the king inquired as to why the sad face, Nehemiah answered that his city, the city of his fathers, lies in ruins and its gates are burned. (Nehemiah 2:1-3)  The king asked what did he want him to do about it.  Nehemiah replied if it would please the king, then send him to Judah to rebuild it.  He also asked for letters to the governors beyond the river to allow him safe passage; and to Asaph the keeper of the forest so that he would give him timber. (Nehemiah 2:4-8)  The king sent captains and horsemen along with Nehemiah.  When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite heard this they were grieved.  It took Nehemiah three days to reach Jerusalem.  When he arrived he went out by night with a few men to assess the situation.  He did not tell the leaders or the priests where he was going. (Nehemiah 2:9-16)  Afterwards he told the people that Jerusalem lies in waste.  Then he told that the hand of God was upon him, and that the king had given him permission to rebuild the city.  However, Sanballat and Tobiah, along with Geshem the Arabian, laughed at them and scorned and despised them.  They asked were we rebelling against the king.  I answered them saying , “The God of heaven, He will make is prosper; and we His servants will rise up and build … and you have no claim in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:17-20)

APPLICATION

Nehemiah wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed when he heard about the situation in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:4)  Here we learn that The Lord God answered his prayer and moved upon the heart of the king to allow Nehemiah to do something about the situation. (Nehemiah 2:3-5)  The Lord God hears and answers the prayers of those who trust in Him. (1 Chronicles 5:20)  The sincere and fervent prayer of a righteous man produces much. (James 5:16)  We just need to make sure that what we pray for is within the will of God and will give Him glory, and is not for our personal pleasure.

 

NEHEMIAH PRAYED FOR THE PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

“I said, ‘Please, Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and faithfulness for those who love Him and keep His commandments; let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open, to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins … which we have committed against You …’ ”  Nehemiah 1:5-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  He led the third return of the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.  While he was in Chislev, Nehemiah, the son of Hacallah, met some of the men who had come from Judah.  He asked them about the Jews who had survived captivity and escaped to Jerusalem, and he also asked them about the status of the city of Jerusalem.  They told him that the people were in distress and disgrace, and the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates were burned. (Nehemiah 1:1-3)  When he heard this, he wept and mourned for days.  He also fasted and prayed to The Lord God of heaven on behalf of the people of Israel.  He confessed that the people had sinned against God and not kept His commandments.  He also reminded God that He said if the people return to Him that You would gather them together and bring them to the place that You chose for them. (Nehemiah 1:4-9)  He also told God that these are Your servants and Your people whom He redeemed by His great power and His strong hand.  Then Nehemiah prayed for God’s mercy. (Nehemiah 1:10-11)

 

APPLICATION

There is a song which is entitled, “Somebody Prayed For Me.” (Dorothy Norwood)  The words of that song are as appropriate for us now as they were for the children of Israel back then.  We may not even know the names of all of the people who prayed for us.  In fact, some of our blessings may be the answer to a prayer which was prayed by someone else.  We need to pray for believers everywhere because everybody is dealing with or going through something.  All of us are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or heading into a storm.  We all need help so we should pray for one another. (James 5:16)

 

THE PEOPLE CONFESSED

PROCLAMATION

“Then all the assembly replied with a loud voice, ‘It is our duty to do exactly as you have said.’ ”  Ezra 10:12 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  While Ezra was praying, weeping, and making confession lying prostrate in the house of God, a large crowd gathered around him and they wept.  Shecaniah the son of Jehiel son of Elam said, “We have been unfaithful to our God and married foreign women … let us make a covenant with our God to send away all the wives and their children … and let it be done according to the Law.” (Ezra 10:1-3)  Then the priests, and the Levites, and all of the people present took the oath.  Ezra issued a proclamation throughout all of Judah and Benjamin to all of the exiles to meet in Jerusalem in three days.  When they all were assembled in the public square, trembling because of their situation and the rain, Ezra stood up and said, “You have been unfaithful and married foreign wives, adding to the guilt of Israel.  Now therefore, make a confession to The Lord God … and separate yourselves from the people of the land and from the foreign wives.”  All the assembly agreed with a loud voice. (Ezra 10:4-12)  Chapter ten ends with a list of the names of all the men of Israel who had taken foreign wives including the priests, and the Levites, and the singers. (Ezra 10:18-44)

 

APPLICATION

When these people were called out, and told of their sin, they stopped doing wrong and took actions to correct their mistakes.  We should do likewise.  “Do the best you can until you know better.  Then when you know better, do better.” (Maya Angelou)  None of us is perfect.  “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” (Vince Lombardi)  Or as I would prefer to say, “Perfection is not attainable, but it is a goal that is well worth striving for.” (Wendell Wharton)  We should all pray to The Lord God to help us become more Christ-like each day.

 

A PRAYER OF CONFESSION

PROCLAMATION

“And I said, ‘My God, I am ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God, for our wrongful deeds …”  Ezra 9:6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  After they had traveled safely to Jerusalem and delivered the gold, silver, and the vessels to the chief priests, the officials approached Ezra and told him that the people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites had not separated themselves from the people of the land.  They had taken the daughters of the local people as wives for themselves, and for their sons, and intermingled with them. (Ezra 9:1-2)   When Ezra heard this, he tore his garment and his robe, pulled out some of his hair and beard, and just sat down appalled for the remainder of the day.  That evening he went to the evening offering wearing his torn garments.  He bowed down prostrate before the altar for The Lord God and confessed that in spite of all that He had done for them, the Israelites had sinned and intermarried with the unclean people of the land.  He said that we have done what You said not to do by taking their daughters as wives. (Ezra 9:3-12)  After all of the evil that we have done, and since You have spared us by inflicting upon us less than our wrongdoings deserve, and allowing us to escape captivity, and now we break Your commandments and intermarry with the people who committed that which You consider abominations.  Ezra said, “Lord God of Israel, You are righteous … we are before You in our guilt, for no one can stand before You because of this.” (Ezra 9:13-15)  

 

APPLICATION

All of us have sinned. (Romans 3:23)  None of us are righteous. (Romans 3:10)  The Bible says that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)  If we are sincere, all of our sins can be forgiven.  The only sin which will not be forgiven is blasphemy of The Holy Spirit. (Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10)  With respect to all other sins, we need to pray and as to be forgiven.  However, The Bible also says we should humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and we should turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear our prayers. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

FASTING AND PRAYING FOR PROTECTION

PROCLAMATION

“Then I proclaimed a fast … before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods … So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.”  Ezra 8:21-23 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  Ezra began chapter eight listing the genealogy of the men who went up from Babylon to Jerusalem with him. (Ezra 8:1-14)  He gathered together these men, about fifteen hundred of them, and they slept in tents near the reiver for three days.  Ezra noticed that there were no Levites among them so he sent several of the elders to Iddo the chief at Casiphia go get men to serve as ministers in the house of God.  They brought back Sherebiah, the son of Mahli the son of Levi, and his eighteen sons and kinsmen.  They also brought back Hashabiah and Jesshaiah, sons of Merari, and their twenty sons and kinsmen.  This was in addition to two hundred and twenty temple servants whom King David had set aside to attend to the Levites. (Ezra 8:15-20)  Then Ezra proclaimed a fast that the people might fast and pray for safe passage to Jerusalem.  He did not want to ask the king for a band of soldiers to protect them from the enemy because he had already told the king that the hand of God was upon them.  So they fasted and implored God for protection. (Ezra 8:21-23)  Ezra then charged twelve priests to guard the gold and silver and to transport them to the chief priests at Jerusalem.  The priests took the gold and silver and departed for Jerusalem.  The hand of The Lord God was upon them and they arrived safely without being attacked or ambushed.  Upon their arrival there everything was counted and weighted, and recorded. (Ezra 8:24-34)  Then the people celebrated with a burnt offering unto The Lord God of Israel with twelve bullocks, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and a sin offering of twelve he goats. (Ezra 8:35-36)

 

APPLICATION

Man ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1)  There are some things that we have not because we have not asked for them. (James 4:2)  However, for some things prayer alone is not sufficient, it is better to fast and pray. (Matthew 17:21 and Mark 9:29)  The effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)  May we enjoy God’s protection. (Psalm 5:11)

 

EZRA WAS PUT IN CHARGE

PROCLAMATION

“And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand; set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.”  Ezra 7:25 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  After the people celebrated the Passover, when Artaxerxes was king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, from the line of Aaron the priest, went up from Babylon to  Jerusalem. (Ezra 7:1-8)  Ezra had prepared to study the Law of The Lord, and to do it, and to teach it to the people of Israel.  He had in his possession a letter from King Artaxerxes which decreed that all of the people of Israel who wanted to go to Jerusalem with him could go.  The king also decreed that they could carry gold and silver from Babylon along with a freewill offering from the people of the land. (Ezra 7:9-16)  The king told Ezra to buy whatever was needed for the house of God.  If anything else was needed, it could be given to him out of the king’s treasure house. (Ezra 7:17-20)  He also decreed that it was not lawful to touch, impose a toll or custom on any of the priest, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, or any other servants of the house of God.  Ezra was given the authority to appoint magistrates and judges for the people.  The king said that whosoever did not obey the law would be judged and either put to death, banished, or imprisoned and his goods confiscated. (Ezra 7:21-26)  Ezra said, “Blessed be The Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of The Lord which is in Jerusalem. … And I was strengthened as the hand of The Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered … men to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:27-28)   

APPLICATION

Ezra was prepared to study The Word of God, to live it, and to teach it to others (Ezra 7:10) before he was promoted and put in charge. (Ezra 7:25)  Promotion comes from the hand of God.  “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor the west, nor from the south.  But God is the judge; He putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7)  The Lord God had blessed each one of us with a gift.  The Bible says, “A man’s gift maketh room for him …” (Proverbs 18:16)  Maybe if we exercise our gift more often, and use it for the glory of God, then we would see how God uses us in different arenas.  Believers should prepare themselves for promotions with more prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and Bible study, (2 Timothy 2:15) and then become doers of The Word and live it. (James 1:22)

 

DO NOT MESS WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, … and your companions … be ye far from thence; Let the work of this house of God alone …”  Ezra 6:6-7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  After being called out to do so, King Darius issued a decree for a search of the archives in Babylon and a scroll was found containing the decree by King Cyrus concerning the building of the house of God in Jerusalem. (Ezra 6:1-5)  Then Darius the king told Tatnai the governor to stay away from the Jews in Jerusalem and let the work on the house of God continue.  Additionally, Darius decreed that Tatnai should pay the men of Jerusalem and provide them with bullocks, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings and wheat, salt, wine, and oil as needed by the priests daily. (Ezra 6:6-10)  Darius also decreed that anyone who does not keep his decree should have a beam pulled out of his house and he shall be hanged thereon.  That person’s house should be made into a dunghill. (Ezra 6:11-12)  Then Tatnai and his companions quickly did as Darius had decreed.  The elders of the Jews finished the house of God and the wall around it.  Then they offered a celebration and dedication of the house of God offering a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and then twelve he goats for a sin offering for all Israel.  Later they kept the Passover and slaughtered the Passover lamb, and they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. (Ezra 6:13-22)

 

APPLICATION

Be careful with respect to how you treat the people of God.  Here the attack on the people of God backfired on their enemies. (Ezra 6:6-11)  The evil that our enemies have planned for us can be turned back upon themselves.  Remember that Haman was hanged on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai. (Ester 7:10)  We are to love our fellow believers, (John 13:34) as well as love our enemies and pray for them. (Matthew 5:44)  The Lord God will take care of those who do wrong unto us. (Romans 12:19)

 

CHECK THE RECORDS FOR THE FACTS

PROCLAMATION

“Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there a Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”  Ezra 5:17 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo prophesied unto the Jews that were in Jerusalem and Judah in the name of the God of Israel.  Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak began to build the house of God at Jerusalem.  The prophets of God were helping them. (Ezra 5:1-2)  At that time Tatnai the governor and Shethar and their companions came and asked them who had commanded them to build this house and the wall.  They also wanted to know the names of the men who were building the house and wall.  But the eye of God was upon the elders of the Jews and they did not building until the word came from Darius the king of Persia. (Ezra 5:3-5)  Tatnai the governor sent a letter to Darius the king telling him that the people of Judah were building  temple and a wall around it using huge stones and timber.  He said that he asked them who gave them permission to build it and what their names were, and they responded that they were “… servants of The God of heaven and earth …”  They said that Cyrus the king decreed that the temple be build, and that he gave them the gold and silver vessels to put in the temple, and he named Sheshbazzar the governor. (Ezra 5:6-14)  Then Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation for the temple and they have been working on it since then.  Tatnai said that the king should search the royal archives for such a decree from Cyrus, and then do as he wishes concerning this matter. (Ezra 5:16-17)

APPLICATION

People will ask us questions, not believe our responses, and then they will ask someone else or they will check the records for the facts.  There is nothing wrong with checking the facts, but why didn’t they just do that in the first place.  We should verify what we hear with the Word of God.  Some people only want to hear what they want to hear, the truth is not important to them. (2 Timothy 4:3)  There is a saying, “Never explain - your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.”  (Elbert Hubbard)  The world will always question Christian behavior because they will never understand it, or Christ.  Only believers will understand The Word of God. 

ALL WHO OFFER TO HELP ARE NOT SERIOUS

PROCLAMATION

“Now when the adversaries of Judah … heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple … they came … and said unto them, ‘Let us build with you; for we seek your God …’  But … Israel said unto them, ‘Ye have nothing to do with us …’ Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building.”  Ezra 4:1-4 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  After the people of Judah had built the temple and celebrated the Passover, their adversaries came and offered to help them build the wall around Jerusalem.  But the children of Israel told them that they would do it by themselves.  Then their adversaries began to trouble them and frustrate them as they built the wall. (Ezra 4:1-5)  They sent a letter to Artaxerxes king of Persia to turn him against the people of Judah.  The letter contained false accusations against Judah. (Ezra 4:6-16)  The king sent them a reply which basically stated that he had read their letter and that he would search and see if what they claim is true.  The king also commanded that all the work on the wall be halted until he had inspected the city and then issued a command for the to resume building. (Ezra 4:17-21)  When their adversaries heard the king’s reply, they went to Jerusalem and made sure that the work stopped.  The work was halted until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezra 4:22-24)

 

APPLICATION

Some people will claim to be our friend, or that they want to help us, when what they really to do is to get close enough to us to cause us to fail.  They may do things themselves to work against us, or they may convince others to oppose us based upon misinformation or lies.  Unfortunately, we cannot believe everything that people tell us.  “Smiling faces sometimes tell lies.” (Song by Undisputed Truth)  The devil is the father of lies. (John 8:44)  He can deceive people and get them to do his will.  The serpent that approached Eve was very crafty. (Genesis 3:1)  Remember, one third of the angels in heaven were with the devil when he was kicked out of heaven. (Revelation 12:9)  Pray for discernment to see people as they really are and not as the pretend to be.

 

 

THE FOUNDATION OF THE TEMPLE WAS LAID

PROCLAMATION

“And they sang, praising and giving thanks to The Lord, saying, ‘For He is good, for His favor is upon Israel forever.’  And all the people shouted with a great joy when they praised The Lord, because the foundation of the house of The Lord was laid.”  Ezra 3:11 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  After Cyrus, the new king of Persia, had made his proclamation, and the people had set forth their genealogy, the sons of Israel gathered and went to Jerusalem.  The priests rose up and built an altar to The God of Israel and offered burnt offerings as it is written in the Law of Moses. (Ezra 3:1-2)  From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer daily burnt offerings unto The Lord.  They gave money to the masons and carpenters and work began on the temple.  When the foundation had been laid, the priests came in their apparel with trumpets, the Levites with cymbals, to praise The Lord according to the directions of king David. (Ezra 3:3-10)  The people sang, praising and giving thanks to The Lord.  They shouted with joy because the foundation of the house of The Lord was laid.  The old men, who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice.  The sounds could be heard far away. (Ezra 3:11-13)

 

APPLICATION

The foundation of anything is very important.  Whether it be a building, a bridge, a garment, a person, or a life.  By definition it is the lowest load-bearing part of a building; or it is an underlying basis or principle upon which our beliefs and values are built.  A good, strong, solid foundation can enable us to withstand the storms of life. (Luke 6:47-48)  Believers sing “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” (Song – lyrics by Edward Mote, music by William Bradbury) 

KNOWING OUR GENEALOGY IS IMPORTANT

PROCLAMATION

“Now these were the ones who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they were not able to provide evidence of their fathers’ households and their descendants, whether they were of Israel; the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda, 652.”  Ezra 2:59-60 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  Chapter two of the Bible Book of Ezra begins with a listing of the people who came up out of captivity in Babylon. (Ezra 2:1-35)  Then he listed the priests who returned, (Ezra 2:36-39) the Levites and the temple servants who returned, (Ezra 2:40-54) the servants of the sons of Solomon, (Ezra 2:55-58) and 652 others who claimed to belong to Israel but could not provide proof that their father was from Israel. (Ezra 2:59-60)  Additionally, there were some priests whose genealogical registration could not be located so they were excluded from the priesthood. (Ezra 2:61-63)  The horses, mules, camels, and donkeys were also numbered.

 

APPLICATION

It is very important for Jewish children to know their genealogy.  They must recite it at their coming of age birthday celebration.  It would be nice if more of us knew our genealogy.  Many have dated cousins or half-brothers or half-sisters because they did not know their genealogy.  Having children with ones relatives can produce offspring with genetic disorders. 

 

 

THE PROCLAMATION OF KING CYRUS

PROCLAMATION

“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says, ‘The Lord, The God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to rebuild for Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him …’ ”  Ezra 1:2 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Ezra was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar, according to Jewish tradition.  During the first year of his reign Cyrus, king of Persia, issued a proclamation saying, “The Lord, The God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to rebuild for Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him.  Go up to Jerusalem ...” (Ezra 1:1-3)  Cyrus also said for the people of Persia to support the people of Judah with gold, silver, equipment, and cattle, in addition to a voluntary offering for the house of God in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:4)  As the people of Judah rose up to go to Jerusalem, the people of Persia gave them gifts as Cyrus had decreed.  Cyrus also brought out the articles of the house of The Lord which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem.  When the articles were counted out to Sheshbazzar the leader of Judah, there were 5,400 of them. (Ezra 1:5-11)

 

APPLICATION

Only God can truly change the heart of an individual.  The Lord God can turn our enemies into our helpers.  He can make our enemies our footstool. (Psalm 110:1)  Those who once caused us to fall can be used to be a blessing to us.  Love your enemies, (Luke 6:27) The Lord may use them to bless you.