Even Kings Need God

Ezra 5-6; Psalm 29; Proverbs 20:26-27

 

The Jewish remnant had returned from exile and was rebuilding the temple, supported by Cyrus king of Persia. But then during Artaxerxes’ reign, the work had to stop because he was persuaded to oppose the temple’s completion by the Jews’ enemies. What would happen now that Darius was king of Persia?

 

The Jews began to work on the temple again during his second year (Ezra 4:24). And their opponents once again tried to stop them. They sent a letter to Darius, and in that letter they questioned whether King Cyrus had actually authorized the Jews to rebuild God’s temple.

 

King Darius had men look into it, and they found the original order from King Cyrus. So King Darius decided to support the temple, too. Here’s part of what he said:

 

Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: The expenses of these men are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed--young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem--must be given them daily without fail, so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.- Ezra 6:8-10

 

Darius needed God, even though he was the king of a vast empire. He needed God to be pleased with him and to keep him well. That was part of his motivation for commanding that the Jews’ opponents help the Jews with the temple costs—including sacrifices!

 

When the Jews celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread, they celebrated with joy “because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel” (Ezra 6:22). The king needed God, but he knew he needed God and supported the work on the temple because God gave him the right attitude and inclination.

 

Every king needs God. And every king’s heart is in God’s hands.

 

Father, thank You that You direct the hearts of even the world’s most powerful rulers wherever you want them to go. And even kings can have their attitudes brought to the point where they realize that they need You to make them whole. If kings need You, I really need You. Father, shape my attitude day by day to keep me wanting to worship You, wanting to tell how wonderful You are, building Your kingdom. You are God. We all need You.