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. …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.
-Ezra 4:19-24

Here we see a mistrust in God’s people: that if they are allowed to prosper, they will become rebellious and damaging to the surrounding lands. And as a consequence, the king of Persia ordered that the Jews in the land stop their work on the house of God.

Yet, this estimation of God’s people couldn’t be further from the truth. Shortly after we see also in the book of Ezra a new king with an entirely different attitude towards the people and their work:

In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; …That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. -Ezra 6:3, 10

Cyrus had a different outlook towards God’s people, and instead of seeing all the damage they might do, he saw them as peaceful, and able to pray to God for the health and life of the king. Cyrus may have had a self-interest in mind when he allowed the people to continue, but it was true! God does have His people pray for those in authority, and for peace.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. -1 Timothy 2:1-2

• Pray for Authorities
• God Can Use Unregenerate Leaders Too
• After All is Lost: Rebuilding
• Listen to the People
• Blessed, Yet in Sin

Filed under:
Christian Devotions/Bible Study by Dean