Changing hearts, reversal of fortune, good winning out over evil—those are my favorite types of books to read and movies to watch. There’s something refreshing and encouraging when we see the little guy win or the hardhearted ruler change his ways.
In Ezra 4 we learned about the opposition God’s people faced. At that time, Artaxerxes had issued “an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order” (Ezra 4:21). In Ezra 7, we witness nothing short of a miracle, especially in light of Artaxerxes’ earlier decree. Here the Persian king shows enormous favor to Ezra and God’s people living in Persia: “I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who volunteer to go to Jerusalem with you, may go” (Ezra 7:13). But wait, there’s more.
Artaxerxes didn’t just allow his subjects to return to the land of promise, he paved the way with gold (almost literally!). He told Ezra, “Take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel” (v. 15). He added “the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God” (v. 19). And if that was not enough, “anything else needed … you may provide from the royal treasury” (v. 20). But the king still didn’t stop! He listed abundant supplies, like gold and silver, wheat, wine, olive oil, and salt.
There was a slight hiccup in the king’s changed heart. He ended his decree in typical domineering fashion: “Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment” (v. 26). Even so, what a reversal for this king who had earlier shut down construction in Israel!
Go Deeper
How have you witnessed God change hearts in your lifetime? What reversals can you praise God for today?
Pray with Us
Lord, sometimes we face obstacles that feel impossible to overcome. But nothing is impossible for You! Please remind us of Your power when we feel things are hopeless.
Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven.Ezra 7:23
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