In this chapter the persecution from Judah’s enemies backfires, and Darius (King of Persia) decrees they are to provide everything Judah needs in order to complete their work on the temple and celebrate the Passover.
“On the fourteenth day of the first month, the returned exiles kept the Passover. It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by every one who had joined them and separated himself from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel. And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.” (v19, 21-22)
God has a great sense of irony – not only do Judah’s enemies end up supplying resources to help rebuild the temple, they pay Judah’s taxes to Assyria, and provide all of the sacrificial animals. In addition to that, the passage says some ‘people of the land’ (Judah’s enemies) join them in praising God and celebrating the Passover.
A wise man once told me “you never know what’s on the other side of obedience until after you obey”. That’s true here as well. I don’t think anyone in Judah (except maybe the prophets) would have predicted how this would all turn out, and how God would be glorified in the process, once Judah started obeying God’s leading.
I continue to encourage us to honor and obey God as closely, and frequently as we possibly can. He will provide for us, protect us, equip us, and walk with us along this road of righteousness. All we need to do is trust in Him, heed His word, and obey His voice in our lives.
Father God, our Generous and Benevolent Lord, holy, holy, holy is Your name. You have blessed us so richly and far greater than we could ever ask or imagine. All You ask in return is our trust and obedience. May we continually seek Your leading in our lives, minute after minute, day after day, and earnestly serve You to the best of our abilities. To You be all glory, honor, obedience, and praise, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training