Day 256 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 13 September 2025 reflections
Day 256, 13 September 2025
1) Ezra 2, Ezra 3, Ezra 4
Ezra 2
The List of Returning Exiles
Ne 7:6-73
1 (2Ki 24:14-16; 25:11) Now these are the people of the province who went up
from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah.
Each returned to his own city.
2 (Ne 7:7; Hag 1:12) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.
The number of men of the people of Israel were:
3 (Ezr 8:3; 10:25) The sons of Parosh— 2172;
4 the sons of Shephatiah-three hundred and seventy-two;
5 (Ne 7:10) the sons of Arah-seven hundred and seventy-five;
6 (Ne 7:11) the sons of Pahath-Moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab-
two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
7 the sons of Elam - one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
8 (Ne 7:13) the sons of Zattu-nine hundred and forty-five;
9 the sons of Zakkai-seven hundred and sixty;
10 the sons of Bani-six hundred and forty-two;
11 the sons of Bebai-six hundred and twenty-three;
12 (Ne 7:17) the sons of Azgad-one thousand two hundred and twenty-two;
13 (Ezr 8:13) the sons of Adonikam-six hundred and sixty-six;
14 the sons of Bigvai-two thousand and fifty-six;
15 (Ne 7:20) the sons of Adin-four hundred and fifty-four;
16 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah - ninety-eight;
17 the sons of Bezai-three hundred and twenty-three;
18 the sons of Jorah-one hundred and twelve;
19 (Ne 7:22) the sons of Hashum-two hundred and twenty-three;
20 the sons of Gibbar - ninety-five.
21 The sons of Bethlehem - one hundred and twenty-three;
22 the men of Netophah-fifty-six;
23 the men of Anathoth-one hundred and twenty-eight;
24 the sons of Azmaveth-forty-two;
25 the sons of Kiriath Arim, Kephirah, and Beeroth- 743 ;
26 the sons of Ramah and Geba-six hundred and twenty-one;
27 the men of Mikmash-one hundred and twenty-two;
28 (Ge 12:8) the men of Bethel and Ai-two hundred and twenty-three;
29 the sons of Nebo-fifty-two;
30 the sons of Magbish-one hundred and fifty-six;
31 (Ezr 2:7) the sons of the other Elam- 1254 ;
32 the sons of Harim-three hundred and twenty;
33 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono - 725;
34 (1Ki 16:34) the sons of Jericho-three hundred and forty-five;
35 the sons of Senaah-three thousand six hundred and thirty.
36 Those who came with the priests were:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua-973;
37 (1Ch 24:14) the sons of Immer-1052;
38 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur-1247 ;
39 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim-1700.
40 (Ezr 3:9) Those who came with the Levites were:
the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah-74.
41 (1Ch 6:39) Those who came with the singers were:
the sons of Asaph-128.
42 The sons of the gatekeepers were:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon,
the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai
-in all 139.
43 (1Ch 9:2) Those devoted to the temple as servants were:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,
47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
54 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
55 (1Ki 9:21) The sons of Solomon's servants were:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
57 (Ne 7:59) the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
58 (1Ki 9:21; 1Ch 9:2) All those devoted to the temple as servants
and the children of Solomon's servants were 392.
59 These were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub,
Addon, and Immer; but they could not prove their father's house
or their descent, whether they were of Israel:
60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda-652;
61 (2Sa 17:27; 1Ki 2:7) and of the sons of the priests:
the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, and the sons of Barzillai
(whose ancestor married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite
and was thereafter called by their name).
62 (Nu 3:10) These sought their records in the genealogy register,
but they were not found. Therefore, they were disqualified
(as polluted) from the priesthood.
63 (Ex 28:30; Lev 2:3) The governor advised them not to eat of the most
holy things until a priest consulted with the Urim and Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was 42 360,\
65 (2Sa 19:35) besides their male and female servants
(these numbered 7337); they also had two hundred singing men and women.
66 Their horses numbered seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
67 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; and their donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 As some of the heads of households came to the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem, they volunteered to erect the foundations for the house of God.
69 (Ezr 8:25-34) They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work
6100 drachmas [About 1,100 pounds, or 500 kilograms.] of gold,
five thousand pounds [About 3 tons, or 2.8 metric tons.] of silver,
and one hundred priestly garments.
70 (Ne 7:73) So the priests and the Levites, along with some of the people,
the singers, the porters, and those donated as temple servants,
lived in their cities, with the result that all Israel resettled
in their cities.
Ezra 2
[1] Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the
captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem
and Judah, every one unto his city;
[2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of
the people of Israel:
[3] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[4] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[5] The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
[6] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand eight hundred and twelve.
[7] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[8] The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
[9] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[10] The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
[11] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
[12] The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
[13] The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
[14] The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
[15] The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
[16] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[17] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
[18] The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
[19] The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
[20] The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
[21] The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
[22] The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
[23] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[24] The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
[25] The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred
and forty and three.
[26] The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[27] The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
[28] The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
[29] The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
[30] The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
[31] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[32] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[33] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
[34] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[35] The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[36] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[37] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[38] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[39] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[40] The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of
Hodaviah, seventy and four.
[41] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
[42] The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of
Hatita,the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
[43] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[44] The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
[45] The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of
Akkub,
[46] The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
[47] The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
[48] The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
[49] The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
[50] The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
[51] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
[52] The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
[53] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
[54] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[55] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
[56] The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of
Giddel,
[57] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
[58] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[59] And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub,
Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their
seed, whether they were of Israel:
[60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
[61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the
children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the
daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
[62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put
from the priesthood.
[63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
[64] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[65] Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven
thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two
hundred singing men and singing women.
[66] Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two
hundred forty and five;
[67] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand
seven hundred and twenty.
[68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of
the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set
it up in his place:
[69] They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore
and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one
hundred priests' garments.
[70] So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the
singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all
Israel in their cities.
Ezra 3
Rebuilding the Altar
1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
2 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 2:2) Then Joshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers
the priests stood up, along with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel
and his brothers, and they built the altar of the God of Israel in order
to offer burnt offerings on it, as it had been written in the Law of Moses,
the man of God.
3 (Nu 28:2-8; Ezr 4:4) They set the altar upon its foundations and,
because they were living in fear of some of the peoples of the region,
they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord-morning and evening.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[2] Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests,
and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar
of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in
the law of Moses the man of God.
[3] And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of
the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto
the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.
Rebuilding the Temple
7 (1Ki 5:6; Ac 9:36) They gave money to the masons and carpenters,
and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and to the people of Tyre
so that they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, at Joppa,
according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house
of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Joshua the son
of Jozadak, along with the remnant of their brothers the Levitical priests
and all who had come out of captivity back to Jerusalem, began work
and appointed the Levites twenty years old and older to supervise
the work on the house of the Lord.
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
12 (Hag 2:3) Now many of the older Levitical priests and chiefs
of the fathers' households who had seen the first temple wept
with a loud voice as the foundation of this temple was laid
before their eyes, though many others shouted exuberantly for joy.
13 As a result, the people could not distinguish the noise
of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people
since the people had raised such a loud noise that could be heard
from afar off.
[7] They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat,
and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar
trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had
of Cyrus king of Persia.
[8] Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and
Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and
the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto
Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to
set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
[12] But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were
ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this
house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted
aloud for joy:
[13] So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from
the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud
shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Ezra 4
Resistance to Rebuilding
1 (Ezr 1:11) Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that
the descendants of the captivity built the temple unto the Lord God of Israel,
2 (2Ki 19:37; 17:24) they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefs
of the fathers' households, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for,
like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the days
of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here."
3 (Ne 2:20) But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chiefs
of the fathers' households of Israel said to them, "This is not for you!
It is for us to build the temple of our God, so we ourselves together
will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as Cyrus the king of Persia has
commanded us."
4 (Ezr 3:3) Then the people of the land demoralized the people of Judah
and terrified them while building,
5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose,
all the days of Cyrus king of Persia,
even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
[1] Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children
of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;
[2] Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said
unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do
sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which
brought us up hither.
[3] But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of
Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house
unto
our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel,
as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
[4] Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah,
and troubled them in building,
[5] And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the
days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of
Persia.
[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote
they
The Letter to Artaxerxes
7 (2Ki 18:26; Da 2:4) In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath,
Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia,
and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic,
and interpreted in Aramaic.
8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem
to Artaxerxes the king in this manner:
9 (Ezr 5:6; 6:6) (Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their colleagues, the judges, the officials, the officers, the Persians,
the men of Uruk, and of Babylon, and of Susa-that is, the Elamites-
10 (Ezr 4:17; 4:11) and the rest of the nations whom the great
and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria
and in the rest of the province Beyond the River-and now
11 this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him)-
"To Artaxerxes the king:
"Your servants the men of the province Beyond the River, and so forth.
12 (2Ch 36:13; Ezr 5:3) "May it be known to the king, that the Jews
who came from you have come near to us at Jerusalem
and that they are building the rebellious and evil city,
restoring its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13 (Ezr 7:24; Ne 5:4) "Be it known now to the king, that, if this city
is rebuilt and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute,
and custom, and the revenue of the kings will be impacted.
14 Now because we are under obligation to the king's palace, and it was not
appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent
and notified the king,
15 so that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers.
There you will find in the book of the records and realize that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have
incited revolt within it in former times-for which cause this city
was destroyed.
16 We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired
by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours."
17 The king sent an answer:
"To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:
"Peace, and so forth.
18 "The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19 (2Ki 18:7) I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found
that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings,
and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.
20 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem,
who have ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, and toll,
tribute, and custom was paid to them.
21 Command these men to cease now, so that this city is not built
unless I give the command.
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this.
Why should damage increase to the hurt of the king?"
23 Now when the copy of the letter by King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
24 (Hag 1:15) Then the work of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.
So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[7] And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of
the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian
tongue.
[8] Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
[9] Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites,
and the Elamites,
[10] And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought
over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side
the river, and at such a time.
[11] This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at
such a time.
[12] Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us
are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have
set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
[13] Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom,
and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
[14] Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not
meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and
certified the king;
[15] That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so
shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a
rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have
moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city
destroyed.
[16] We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls
thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the
river.
[17] Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai
the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and
unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
[18] The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
[19] And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this
city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion
and sedition have been made therein.
[20] There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over
all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto
them.
[21] Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city
be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
[22] Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to
the hurt of the kings?
[23] Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and
Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to
Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
[24] Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it
ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 September 2023 Titled
The Message of the Prophets
Jeremiah 28:2-4,10-16
2 "Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:
I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
3 (2Ki 24:13; 2Ch 36:10) Within two full years I will bring back into
this place all the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon.
4 (Jer 22:24; 24:1) And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah
the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah
who went into Babylon, says the Lord, for I will break the yoke
of the king of Babylon."
10 (Jer 27:2) Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the neck
of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it.
11 Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying,
"Thus says the Lord: Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within the space
of two full years." Then the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
12 (Jer 1:2) Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet,
after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck
of the prophet Jeremiah, saying:
13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus says the Lord: You have broken
the yokes of wood, but you have made instead of them yokes of iron.
14 (Dt 28:48; Jer 27:6-7) For thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:
I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations,
that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon;
and they shall serve him. And I have given him the beasts of the field also.
15 (La 2:14; Eze 13:22) Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah
the prophet, "Listen now, Hananiah. The Lord has not sent you,
and you make this people trust in a lie.
16 (Jer 29:32; Ge 7:4) Therefore thus says the Lord: I am about to cast you
from off the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have
taught rebellion against the Lord."
[2] Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have
broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
[3] Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels
of the LORD's house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this
place, and carried them to Babylon:
[4] And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king
of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the
LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.
[10] Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's
neck, and brake it.
[11] And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus
saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of
Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years.
And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
[12] Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that
Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet
Jeremiah, saying,
[13] Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken
the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.
[14] For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke
of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given
him the beasts of the field also.
[15] Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now,
Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust
in a lie.
[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the
face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught
rebellion against the LORD.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 September 2025
Searching for Mercy by John Blase
Exodus 16:11-16
11 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
12 (Ex 6:7; Joel 3:17) "I have heard the murmurings
of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, 'In the evening
you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread.
And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.' "
13 (Nu 11:9; Ps 78:27-28) So in the evening the quail came up
and covered the camp, and in the morning a layer of dew
was surrounding the camp.
14 (Nu 11:7-9; Ps 105:40) When the layer of dew evaporated,
on the surface of the wilderness there lay a small flaky thing,
as fine as the frost on the ground.
15 (Ex 16:4; Dt 8:3) When the children of Israel saw it, they said one
to another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.
And Moses said to them, "This is the bread which the Lord has
given you to eat.
16 (Ex 16:36) This is what the Lord has commanded, 'Every man is
to gather of it according to what he will eat, an omer
(About 9 inches, or 23 centimeters. )
for every man, according to the number of your people.
Every man should take for them for whoever lives in his tent.'"
[11] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[12] I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them,
saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled
with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.
[13] And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the
camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
[14] And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the
wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the
ground.
[15] And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is
manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the
bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.
[16] This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man
according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of
your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
Her fans knew her as Nightbirde. Singer-songwriter Jane Kristen Marczewski won
a following in 2021 on a popular TV talent show. In 2017, she'd been diagnosed
with Stage 3 breast cancer. In 2018, she went into remission. She started
touring, but months later the cancer returned, giving her little chance
of survival. Amazingly she recovered and was declared cancer-free.
But on February 19, 2022, Nightbirde died.
During her difficult journey, she blogged, "I remind myself that I'm praying
to the God who let the Israelites stay lost for decades. They begged to
arrive . . . but instead He let them wander, answering prayers they didn't
pray. . . . Every morning, He sent them mercy-bread from heaven . . . . I
look for the mercy-bread . . . The Israelites called it manna, which means
'what is it?' That's the same question I'm asking . . . . There's
mercy here somewhere-but what is it?"
The exodus story reveals much about God's mercy. First, His mercy was promised
to the Israelites. "You will be filled with bread" (Exodus 16:12). And second,
His mercy may surprise us. "They did not know what it was" (v. 15). Mercy
often doesn't look like what we think. But it's mercy nonetheless. For the
Israelites, it looked like morning manna. For Nightbirde, she wrote
of the gift of a blanket from a friend, and her mother's hands.
Reflect & Pray
How has God's mercy surprised you?
What might it mean for you to look for mercy today?
Merciful God, thank You for Your mercy. Please help me search for it.
For further study, read A Child’s Compassion.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will move your leaders to rebuild
and reform in His Name and pray for the Lord to help you
in time of Resistance.
Pray to the Lord: "Merciful God, thank You for Your mercy.
Please help me search for it."
Pray to the Lord and pray to fell the strength of the Lord helping you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the result of obedience in the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray be anxiousabout nothing.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them.
Pray for believers in Egypt who are taking bold ricks to disciple
Christian converts from Islam.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Ezra 2, Ezra 3, Ezra 4
Ezra 2
The List of Returning Exiles
Ne 7:6-73
1 (2Ki 24:14-16; 25:11) Now these are the people of the province who went up
from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah.
Each returned to his own city.
2 (Ne 7:7; Hag 1:12) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.
The number of men of the people of Israel were:
3 (Ezr 8:3; 10:25) The sons of Parosh— 2172;
4 the sons of Shephatiah-three hundred and seventy-two;
5 (Ne 7:10) the sons of Arah-seven hundred and seventy-five;
6 (Ne 7:11) the sons of Pahath-Moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab-
two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
7 the sons of Elam - one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
8 (Ne 7:13) the sons of Zattu-nine hundred and forty-five;
9 the sons of Zakkai-seven hundred and sixty;
10 the sons of Bani-six hundred and forty-two;
11 the sons of Bebai-six hundred and twenty-three;
12 (Ne 7:17) the sons of Azgad-one thousand two hundred and twenty-two;
13 (Ezr 8:13) the sons of Adonikam-six hundred and sixty-six;
14 the sons of Bigvai-two thousand and fifty-six;
15 (Ne 7:20) the sons of Adin-four hundred and fifty-four;
16 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah - ninety-eight;
17 the sons of Bezai-three hundred and twenty-three;
18 the sons of Jorah-one hundred and twelve;
19 (Ne 7:22) the sons of Hashum-two hundred and twenty-three;
20 the sons of Gibbar - ninety-five.
21 The sons of Bethlehem - one hundred and twenty-three;
22 the men of Netophah-fifty-six;
23 the men of Anathoth-one hundred and twenty-eight;
24 the sons of Azmaveth-forty-two;
25 the sons of Kiriath Arim, Kephirah, and Beeroth- 743 ;
26 the sons of Ramah and Geba-six hundred and twenty-one;
27 the men of Mikmash-one hundred and twenty-two;
28 (Ge 12:8) the men of Bethel and Ai-two hundred and twenty-three;
29 the sons of Nebo-fifty-two;
30 the sons of Magbish-one hundred and fifty-six;
31 (Ezr 2:7) the sons of the other Elam- 1254 ;
32 the sons of Harim-three hundred and twenty;
33 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono - 725;
34 (1Ki 16:34) the sons of Jericho-three hundred and forty-five;
35 the sons of Senaah-three thousand six hundred and thirty.
36 Those who came with the priests were:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua-973;
37 (1Ch 24:14) the sons of Immer-1052;
38 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur-1247 ;
39 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim-1700.
40 (Ezr 3:9) Those who came with the Levites were:
the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah-74.
41 (1Ch 6:39) Those who came with the singers were:
the sons of Asaph-128.
42 The sons of the gatekeepers were:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon,
the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai
-in all 139.
43 (1Ch 9:2) Those devoted to the temple as servants were:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,
47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
54 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
55 (1Ki 9:21) The sons of Solomon's servants were:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
57 (Ne 7:59) the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
58 (1Ki 9:21; 1Ch 9:2) All those devoted to the temple as servants
and the children of Solomon's servants were 392.
59 These were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub,
Addon, and Immer; but they could not prove their father's house
or their descent, whether they were of Israel:
60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda-652;
61 (2Sa 17:27; 1Ki 2:7) and of the sons of the priests:
the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, and the sons of Barzillai
(whose ancestor married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite
and was thereafter called by their name).
62 (Nu 3:10) These sought their records in the genealogy register,
but they were not found. Therefore, they were disqualified
(as polluted) from the priesthood.
63 (Ex 28:30; Lev 2:3) The governor advised them not to eat of the most
holy things until a priest consulted with the Urim and Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was 42 360,\
65 (2Sa 19:35) besides their male and female servants
(these numbered 7337); they also had two hundred singing men and women.
66 Their horses numbered seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
67 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; and their donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 As some of the heads of households came to the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem, they volunteered to erect the foundations for the house of God.
69 (Ezr 8:25-34) They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work
6100 drachmas [About 1,100 pounds, or 500 kilograms.] of gold,
five thousand pounds [About 3 tons, or 2.8 metric tons.] of silver,
and one hundred priestly garments.
70 (Ne 7:73) So the priests and the Levites, along with some of the people,
the singers, the porters, and those donated as temple servants,
lived in their cities, with the result that all Israel resettled
in their cities.
Ezra 2
[1] Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the
captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem
and Judah, every one unto his city;
[2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of
the people of Israel:
[3] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[4] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[5] The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
[6] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand eight hundred and twelve.
[7] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[8] The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
[9] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[10] The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
[11] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
[12] The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
[13] The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
[14] The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
[15] The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
[16] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[17] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
[18] The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
[19] The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
[20] The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
[21] The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
[22] The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
[23] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[24] The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
[25] The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred
and forty and three.
[26] The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[27] The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
[28] The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
[29] The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
[30] The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
[31] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[32] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[33] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
[34] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[35] The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[36] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[37] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[38] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[39] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[40] The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of
Hodaviah, seventy and four.
[41] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
[42] The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of
Hatita,the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
[43] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[44] The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
[45] The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of
Akkub,
[46] The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
[47] The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
[48] The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
[49] The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
[50] The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
[51] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
[52] The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
[53] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
[54] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[55] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
[56] The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of
Giddel,
[57] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
[58] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[59] And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub,
Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their
seed, whether they were of Israel:
[60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
[61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the
children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the
daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
[62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put
from the priesthood.
[63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
[64] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[65] Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven
thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two
hundred singing men and singing women.
[66] Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two
hundred forty and five;
[67] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand
seven hundred and twenty.
[68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of
the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set
it up in his place:
[69] They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore
and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one
hundred priests' garments.
[70] So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the
singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all
Israel in their cities.
Ezra 3
Rebuilding the Altar
1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
2 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 2:2) Then Joshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers
the priests stood up, along with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel
and his brothers, and they built the altar of the God of Israel in order
to offer burnt offerings on it, as it had been written in the Law of Moses,
the man of God.
3 (Nu 28:2-8; Ezr 4:4) They set the altar upon its foundations and,
because they were living in fear of some of the peoples of the region,
they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord-morning and evening.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[2] Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests,
and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar
of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in
the law of Moses the man of God.
[3] And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of
the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto
the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.
Rebuilding the Temple
7 (1Ki 5:6; Ac 9:36) They gave money to the masons and carpenters,
and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and to the people of Tyre
so that they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, at Joppa,
according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house
of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Joshua the son
of Jozadak, along with the remnant of their brothers the Levitical priests
and all who had come out of captivity back to Jerusalem, began work
and appointed the Levites twenty years old and older to supervise
the work on the house of the Lord.
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
12 (Hag 2:3) Now many of the older Levitical priests and chiefs
of the fathers' households who had seen the first temple wept
with a loud voice as the foundation of this temple was laid
before their eyes, though many others shouted exuberantly for joy.
13 As a result, the people could not distinguish the noise
of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people
since the people had raised such a loud noise that could be heard
from afar off.
[7] They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat,
and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar
trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had
of Cyrus king of Persia.
[8] Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and
Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and
the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto
Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to
set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
[12] But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were
ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this
house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted
aloud for joy:
[13] So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from
the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud
shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Ezra 4
Resistance to Rebuilding
1 (Ezr 1:11) Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that
the descendants of the captivity built the temple unto the Lord God of Israel,
2 (2Ki 19:37; 17:24) they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefs
of the fathers' households, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for,
like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the days
of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here."
3 (Ne 2:20) But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chiefs
of the fathers' households of Israel said to them, "This is not for you!
It is for us to build the temple of our God, so we ourselves together
will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as Cyrus the king of Persia has
commanded us."
4 (Ezr 3:3) Then the people of the land demoralized the people of Judah
and terrified them while building,
5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose,
all the days of Cyrus king of Persia,
even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
[1] Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children
of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;
[2] Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said
unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do
sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which
brought us up hither.
[3] But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of
Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house
unto
our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel,
as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
[4] Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah,
and troubled them in building,
[5] And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the
days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of
Persia.
[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote
they
The Letter to Artaxerxes
7 (2Ki 18:26; Da 2:4) In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath,
Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia,
and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic,
and interpreted in Aramaic.
8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem
to Artaxerxes the king in this manner:
9 (Ezr 5:6; 6:6) (Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their colleagues, the judges, the officials, the officers, the Persians,
the men of Uruk, and of Babylon, and of Susa-that is, the Elamites-
10 (Ezr 4:17; 4:11) and the rest of the nations whom the great
and noble Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria
and in the rest of the province Beyond the River-and now
11 this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him)-
"To Artaxerxes the king:
"Your servants the men of the province Beyond the River, and so forth.
12 (2Ch 36:13; Ezr 5:3) "May it be known to the king, that the Jews
who came from you have come near to us at Jerusalem
and that they are building the rebellious and evil city,
restoring its walls, and repairing the foundations.
13 (Ezr 7:24; Ne 5:4) "Be it known now to the king, that, if this city
is rebuilt and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute,
and custom, and the revenue of the kings will be impacted.
14 Now because we are under obligation to the king's palace, and it was not
appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent
and notified the king,
15 so that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers.
There you will find in the book of the records and realize that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have
incited revolt within it in former times-for which cause this city
was destroyed.
16 We notify the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls repaired
by this means the portion Beyond the River will no longer be yours."
17 The king sent an answer:
"To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their
companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder Beyond the River:
"Peace, and so forth.
18 "The letter which you sent to us has been translated and read before me.
19 (2Ki 18:7) I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found
that this city has in the past made insurrection against kings,
and that rebellion and revolt have occurred there.
20 (Ge 15:18; 1Ki 4:21) There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem,
who have ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, and toll,
tribute, and custom was paid to them.
21 Command these men to cease now, so that this city is not built
unless I give the command.
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this.
Why should damage increase to the hurt of the king?"
23 Now when the copy of the letter by King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
24 (Hag 1:15) Then the work of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.
So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
[7] And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of
the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian
tongue.
[8] Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
[9] Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest
of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the
Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites,
and the Elamites,
[10] And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought
over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side
the river, and at such a time.
[11] This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at
such a time.
[12] Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us
are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have
set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
[13] Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom,
and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
[14] Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not
meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and
certified the king;
[15] That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so
shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a
rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have
moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city
destroyed.
[16] We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls
thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the
river.
[17] Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai
the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and
unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
[18] The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
[19] And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this
city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion
and sedition have been made therein.
[20] There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over
all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto
them.
[21] Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city
be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
[22] Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to
the hurt of the kings?
[23] Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and
Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to
Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
[24] Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it
ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 September 2023 Titled
The Message of the Prophets
Jeremiah 28:2-4,10-16
2 "Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:
I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
3 (2Ki 24:13; 2Ch 36:10) Within two full years I will bring back into
this place all the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon.
4 (Jer 22:24; 24:1) And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah
the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah
who went into Babylon, says the Lord, for I will break the yoke
of the king of Babylon."
10 (Jer 27:2) Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the neck
of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it.
11 Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying,
"Thus says the Lord: Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within the space
of two full years." Then the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
12 (Jer 1:2) Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet,
after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck
of the prophet Jeremiah, saying:
13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus says the Lord: You have broken
the yokes of wood, but you have made instead of them yokes of iron.
14 (Dt 28:48; Jer 27:6-7) For thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:
I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations,
that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon;
and they shall serve him. And I have given him the beasts of the field also.
15 (La 2:14; Eze 13:22) Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah
the prophet, "Listen now, Hananiah. The Lord has not sent you,
and you make this people trust in a lie.
16 (Jer 29:32; Ge 7:4) Therefore thus says the Lord: I am about to cast you
from off the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have
taught rebellion against the Lord."
[2] Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have
broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
[3] Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels
of the LORD's house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this
place, and carried them to Babylon:
[4] And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king
of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the
LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.
[10] Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's
neck, and brake it.
[11] And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus
saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of
Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years.
And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
[12] Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that
Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet
Jeremiah, saying,
[13] Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken
the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.
[14] For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke
of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given
him the beasts of the field also.
[15] Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now,
Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust
in a lie.
[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the
face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught
rebellion against the LORD.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 September 2025
Searching for Mercy by John Blase
Exodus 16:11-16
11 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
12 (Ex 6:7; Joel 3:17) "I have heard the murmurings
of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, 'In the evening
you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread.
And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.' "
13 (Nu 11:9; Ps 78:27-28) So in the evening the quail came up
and covered the camp, and in the morning a layer of dew
was surrounding the camp.
14 (Nu 11:7-9; Ps 105:40) When the layer of dew evaporated,
on the surface of the wilderness there lay a small flaky thing,
as fine as the frost on the ground.
15 (Ex 16:4; Dt 8:3) When the children of Israel saw it, they said one
to another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.
And Moses said to them, "This is the bread which the Lord has
given you to eat.
16 (Ex 16:36) This is what the Lord has commanded, 'Every man is
to gather of it according to what he will eat, an omer
(About 9 inches, or 23 centimeters. )
for every man, according to the number of your people.
Every man should take for them for whoever lives in his tent.'"
[11] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[12] I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them,
saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled
with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.
[13] And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the
camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
[14] And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the
wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the
ground.
[15] And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is
manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the
bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.
[16] This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man
according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of
your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
Her fans knew her as Nightbirde. Singer-songwriter Jane Kristen Marczewski won
a following in 2021 on a popular TV talent show. In 2017, she'd been diagnosed
with Stage 3 breast cancer. In 2018, she went into remission. She started
touring, but months later the cancer returned, giving her little chance
of survival. Amazingly she recovered and was declared cancer-free.
But on February 19, 2022, Nightbirde died.
During her difficult journey, she blogged, "I remind myself that I'm praying
to the God who let the Israelites stay lost for decades. They begged to
arrive . . . but instead He let them wander, answering prayers they didn't
pray. . . . Every morning, He sent them mercy-bread from heaven . . . . I
look for the mercy-bread . . . The Israelites called it manna, which means
'what is it?' That's the same question I'm asking . . . . There's
mercy here somewhere-but what is it?"
The exodus story reveals much about God's mercy. First, His mercy was promised
to the Israelites. "You will be filled with bread" (Exodus 16:12). And second,
His mercy may surprise us. "They did not know what it was" (v. 15). Mercy
often doesn't look like what we think. But it's mercy nonetheless. For the
Israelites, it looked like morning manna. For Nightbirde, she wrote
of the gift of a blanket from a friend, and her mother's hands.
Reflect & Pray
How has God's mercy surprised you?
What might it mean for you to look for mercy today?
Merciful God, thank You for Your mercy. Please help me search for it.
For further study, read A Child’s Compassion.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will move your leaders to rebuild
and reform in His Name and pray for the Lord to help you
in time of Resistance.
Pray to the Lord: "Merciful God, thank You for Your mercy.
Please help me search for it."
Pray to the Lord and pray to fell the strength of the Lord helping you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the result of obedience in the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray be anxiousabout nothing.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them.
Pray for believers in Egypt who are taking bold ricks to disciple
Christian converts from Islam.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
.