“At the same time Tattenai the governor of the region beyond the River and Shethar-Boznai and their companions came to them and spoke thus to them: “Who has commanded you to build this temple and finish this wall?” 4Then, accordingly, we told them the names of the men who were constructing this building.” Ezra 5:3,4 NKJV
“Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us his pleasure concerning this matter.” Ezra 5:17 NKJV
King of all Kings,
Tattenai the jealous, concerned neighbour. He did not come to make treaty or peace with those returned exiles. He came to question the legality and hopefully get the Babylonians, to keep them oppressed and in check. The problem is they did not have all the facts and though time had passed there was a legal record. One small scroll was found out in the province of Media. The Babylonians certainly searched high and low! Ezra tells us about it in Ezra 6:6-12
Not only did Tattenai have to leave the builders alone he was commanded to provide them with livestock, wheat, salt, ine and olive oil for their every day needs! Miraculously he does so rather than upset the Babylonians (Ezra 6:13). I wish I could have seen his face when he read the letter.
But then we should not gloat. It was You God that enabled a pagan King to give permission and provision for the return from exile and rebuilding of the Temple. To a people who had consistently let You down. You who enabled one obscure scroll to be found in another country. Sometimes we are no better than Tattenai and we are jealous or question what others are doing. We do not always see the whole picture. And You protect us. Keep us serving You when opposition comes in its various disguises. Help us stand against it and even help us turn it to good.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 25th September 2025
Whenever I think about standing against the lies or the enemy – this is the hymn that comes to mind most . . .
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
(repeat)
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
Chorus
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
Repeat Verse . . .
Chorus
Power and strength to the Lord
Chorus
The battle belongs to the Lord . . .
Lyrics: Jamie Owens-Collins