2025 Daily Devotional
July 15-21
July 15 Reading: Ezra Chapter 5
Takeaways
1. The Setting â Ezra 5
After the plot to ensure the rebuilding of the temple stopped, the LORD sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to prophesy to the people. Zerubbabel and Jeshua began to build again with the help of the prophets.
After the plot to ensure the rebuilding of the temple stopped, the LORD sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to prophesy to the people. Zerubbabel and Jeshua began to build again with the help of the prophets.
2. Resistance from Tatnai (5:3-5)
Tatnai was the governor of the region. He and his companions wanted to know why the building resumed; so they went to Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the prophets. The prophets were actively helping them build. They couldnât convince them to stop, so the matter went all the way up to the new king, Darius.
Tatnai was the governor of the region. He and his companions wanted to know why the building resumed; so they went to Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the prophets. The prophets were actively helping them build. They couldnât convince them to stop, so the matter went all the way up to the new king, Darius.
3. The Letter from Tatnai to Darius (5:6-17)
Tatnai explained that Zerubbabel laid the foundation, and he wanted to find out if there was, indeed, a decree issued by King Cyrus, as Zerubbabel and the others claimed.
It was beneficial that Tatnai wrote a letter because the work could continue while the letter traveled to Darius. It would take some time for Darius to read it and decide to act. Also, the people could pray that God soften Dariusâ heart.
Tatnai explained that Zerubbabel laid the foundation, and he wanted to find out if there was, indeed, a decree issued by King Cyrus, as Zerubbabel and the others claimed.
It was beneficial that Tatnai wrote a letter because the work could continue while the letter traveled to Darius. It would take some time for Darius to read it and decide to act. Also, the people could pray that God soften Dariusâ heart.
Application
Ultimately, if God has called you to do something, He will give you the resources, the time, and favor with the right people to make it happen. It is up to us to trust God and to keep working on whatever we have been called to do.
Donât give up on any dream you may have for serving in Godâs Kingdom. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). When those desires match Godâs desire to reach this world, He will use you.
July 16 Reading: Ezra Chapter 6
Takeaways
1. The Setting â Ezra 6
At the request of Tatnai, Darius decreed that a search be conducted to find Cyrus' decree allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple. It was found at Achmetha. He told the governors to stay away and let the building continue.
At the request of Tatnai, Darius decreed that a search be conducted to find Cyrus' decree allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple. It was found at Achmetha. He told the governors to stay away and let the building continue.
2. King Cyrusâ Decree (6:3-5)
This was the original decree from Cyrus in Ezra 1. It said to let the house of the LORD be built along with the place for sacrifices and the foundations. There should be three rows of great stones, and the expenses would be paid from the kingâs house. Also, the gold and silver vessels of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had stolen, were returned.
This is an amazing decree because it came from a foreign king, not an Israelite. Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus would do this, 200 years before he was born, by name:
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. (Isaiah 44:28)
This was the original decree from Cyrus in Ezra 1. It said to let the house of the LORD be built along with the place for sacrifices and the foundations. There should be three rows of great stones, and the expenses would be paid from the kingâs house. Also, the gold and silver vessels of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had stolen, were returned.
This is an amazing decree because it came from a foreign king, not an Israelite. Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus would do this, 200 years before he was born, by name:
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. (Isaiah 44:28)
3. King Dariusâ Decree (6:6-12)
Because Cyrusâ decree was found, Darius enforced it. He told Tatnai and his companions to not only let the work of the house of God alone but also to give bullocks, rams and lambs for offerings if they were needed. No one dared go against the king, so the people of God met no resistance and had even more help.
Because Cyrusâ decree was found, Darius enforced it. He told Tatnai and his companions to not only let the work of the house of God alone but also to give bullocks, rams and lambs for offerings if they were needed. No one dared go against the king, so the people of God met no resistance and had even more help.
4. The House was Built (6:13-22)
Tatnai obeyed and ceased troubling Israel. Haggai and Zechariah continued to prophesy, which encouraged the people and sped up the work. It took an additional four years, but the temple was completed.
The Israelites dedicated the house of God with joy. They kept the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They ate in unity as twelve restored tribes.
Tatnai obeyed and ceased troubling Israel. Haggai and Zechariah continued to prophesy, which encouraged the people and sped up the work. It took an additional four years, but the temple was completed.
The Israelites dedicated the house of God with joy. They kept the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They ate in unity as twelve restored tribes.
Application
God not only allowed them to resume but also made the situation better than they could have imagined. When you give yourself over to Godâs purpose, He can make things go better than we ever would. Trust Him with your life and your goals, and align your purpose with His purpose.
July 17 Reading: Esther Chapter 1
Takeaways
1. The Setting
The events in Esther take place during the 60-year gap between Ezra chapters 6 and 7, from 483 B.C. to 473 B.C. King Ahasuerus banished Queen Vashti, and a new queen was to be selected.
The events in Esther take place during the 60-year gap between Ezra chapters 6 and 7, from 483 B.C. to 473 B.C. King Ahasuerus banished Queen Vashti, and a new queen was to be selected.
2. Two Kings Named Ahasuerus?
Esther 1:1 reads: âNow it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces)...â
This is Xerxes, also known as the rich fourth king of Persia from Daniel 11. He inherited Persia from his father, Darius I or Darius the Great (Ezra 4-5). He was eventually overthrown by Alexander the Great.
There is another Ahasuerus from Ezra 4. Historically, that Ahasuerus is Cambyses, who took over Persia after Cyrus. It appears that Ahasuerus is a title for a Persian king or ruler, similar to the title of Caesar for Rome.
Esther 1:1 reads: âNow it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces)...â
This is Xerxes, also known as the rich fourth king of Persia from Daniel 11. He inherited Persia from his father, Darius I or Darius the Great (Ezra 4-5). He was eventually overthrown by Alexander the Great.
There is another Ahasuerus from Ezra 4. Historically, that Ahasuerus is Cambyses, who took over Persia after Cyrus. It appears that Ahasuerus is a title for a Persian king or ruler, similar to the title of Caesar for Rome.
3. Ahasuerus' Feasts (1:1-12)
Ahasuerus had great wealth (1:4) and showed it off in a feast that lasted 180 days! After the 180 days were over, he held another feast that lasted seven days. This feast was for all the citizens of Shushan, the capital city.
His wife, Queen Vashti, also held a feast for the women of the royal palace.
On the seventh day, Ahasuerus became drunk on wine. He commanded his servants to bring out Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, before the people. He wanted to put her on display, likely immodestly, as a way to show that he possessed the most beautiful woman in the world. She refused to appear, likely because she was supposed to dress immodestly and flaunt herself in front of the guests.
Ahasuerus had great wealth (1:4) and showed it off in a feast that lasted 180 days! After the 180 days were over, he held another feast that lasted seven days. This feast was for all the citizens of Shushan, the capital city.
His wife, Queen Vashti, also held a feast for the women of the royal palace.
On the seventh day, Ahasuerus became drunk on wine. He commanded his servants to bring out Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, before the people. He wanted to put her on display, likely immodestly, as a way to show that he possessed the most beautiful woman in the world. She refused to appear, likely because she was supposed to dress immodestly and flaunt herself in front of the guests.
4. Vashti Banished (1:13-22)
Ahasuerus was extremely angry and embarrassed. The seven princes of Persia and Media asked what they should do to Vashti as they, too, felt wronged by Vashtiâs decision. They were afraid other wives would embarrass their husbands, so she was to give up her position as queen to another.
Ahasuerus was extremely angry and embarrassed. The seven princes of Persia and Media asked what they should do to Vashti as they, too, felt wronged by Vashtiâs decision. They were afraid other wives would embarrass their husbands, so she was to give up her position as queen to another.
Application
While itâs true that respect is the greatest thing a wife can give her husband, he cannot and should not demand it, as Ahasuerus and his seven princes demanded. Spouses should love and respect one another, not put the other in a bad position, embarrass them, or entice the other to sin against God.
We can apply Esther 1 to marriage as an example of what spouses should not do. We can also commit to respecting God in our actions and not placing ourselves in a position that could dishonor Him.
We can apply Esther 1 to marriage as an example of what spouses should not do. We can also commit to respecting God in our actions and not placing ourselves in a position that could dishonor Him.
July 18 Reading: Esther Chapter 2
Takeaways
1. The Setting
Esther chapter 1 begins in the third year of the reign of Ahasuerus. Esther 2:16 states that the events in chapter 2 began in the seventh year of his reign, so four years went by after the events of chapter 1. Historically, during that time, the king waged war against Greece and lost.
The kingâs servants ministered to him and created a plan to find a new queen. They essentially held a beauty pageant for the king to select a new queen.
Esther chapter 1 begins in the third year of the reign of Ahasuerus. Esther 2:16 states that the events in chapter 2 began in the seventh year of his reign, so four years went by after the events of chapter 1. Historically, during that time, the king waged war against Greece and lost.
The kingâs servants ministered to him and created a plan to find a new queen. They essentially held a beauty pageant for the king to select a new queen.
2. Who is Esther? (2:5-7)
Verse 5 mentions a Jewish man named Mordecai. He had been carried away to Babylon into captivity during Babylonâs reign. Mordecai was likely among those sent to Persia when Judah was conquered. He brought a young girl named Hadassah; that is, Esther. Mordecai was Estherâs cousin, and he raised Esther after her mother and father died. Esther was very beautiful.
Verse 5 mentions a Jewish man named Mordecai. He had been carried away to Babylon into captivity during Babylonâs reign. Mordecai was likely among those sent to Persia when Judah was conquered. He brought a young girl named Hadassah; that is, Esther. Mordecai was Estherâs cousin, and he raised Esther after her mother and father died. Esther was very beautiful.
3. Esther Taken to the Kingâs Palace (2:8-14)
There were officers in the Persian kingdom assigned to find the most beautiful women in the city and take them into the palace for beauty preparations. The women were not given a choice.
Esther pleased Hegai, the custodian of the women. She was moved to the best place in the house where the women stayed. Esther was given additional beauty preparations above and beyond what she had already received. She was also given seven choice maidservants.
Esther did not tell anyone about her Jewish family as instructed by Mordecai. Esther's preparations took one year. Each maiden went before the king but did not return to him unless he called for her by name.
There were officers in the Persian kingdom assigned to find the most beautiful women in the city and take them into the palace for beauty preparations. The women were not given a choice.
Esther pleased Hegai, the custodian of the women. She was moved to the best place in the house where the women stayed. Esther was given additional beauty preparations above and beyond what she had already received. She was also given seven choice maidservants.
Esther did not tell anyone about her Jewish family as instructed by Mordecai. Esther's preparations took one year. Each maiden went before the king but did not return to him unless he called for her by name.
4. Esther Chosen and Mordecai Saves the Kingâs Life (15-22)
Ahasuerus loved Esther more than all the other women, and she became queen. Mordecai discovered that two of the kingâs doorkeepers, Bigthan and Teresh, planned to assassinate the king. Mordecai told Esther of the plot, and she informed the king. After the king confirmed the assassination plan, the doorkeepers were hanged.
Ahasuerus loved Esther more than all the other women, and she became queen. Mordecai discovered that two of the kingâs doorkeepers, Bigthan and Teresh, planned to assassinate the king. Mordecai told Esther of the plot, and she informed the king. After the king confirmed the assassination plan, the doorkeepers were hanged.
Application
God always has a purpose and a plan for the events that occur. Esther could have been upset and nervous that she had to leave her life behind and possibly remain unmarried in the palace for life. Instead, she was married to the king and was used by God to save her people from destruction.
We donât always understand why we go through trials or difficult seasons in life, but we can trust that God has a plan for us which will be revealed at the right time.
July 19 Reading: Esther Chapter 3
Takeaways
1. The Setting
Almost five years after the events in chapter 2, during the twelfth year of King Ahasuerusâ reign, the king promoted a man named Haman above all the princes.
Almost five years after the events in chapter 2, during the twelfth year of King Ahasuerusâ reign, the king promoted a man named Haman above all the princes.
2. Haman Furious at Mordecai and Plots to Kill all the Jews (3:1-6)
There was a command that all must bow and pay respect to Haman when they saw him, but Mordecai would not. It appears Mordecai simply did not like Haman and felt he was a dishonorable man. Haman was furious and sought to destroy every Jew in the kingdom.
There was a command that all must bow and pay respect to Haman when they saw him, but Mordecai would not. It appears Mordecai simply did not like Haman and felt he was a dishonorable man. Haman was furious and sought to destroy every Jew in the kingdom.
3. The Plot to Destroy the Jews (7-15)
In the first month of the year, Nisan, Haman cast lots to see in which month he would destroy the Jews. The lot, something like dice, fell on the twelfth month, Adar. There would now be a long delay.
Haman tricked Ahasuerus by giving him only a partial truth that there were people scattered in the kingdom who would not obey the kingâs laws. He left out how many there were, and this would result in genocide of an entire race of people in the kingdom. Ahasuerus likely had no idea what he agreed to.
But the king allowed Haman to issue a decree for all the kingâs officials in every province to kill all of the Jews by the twelfth month of the year and steal all their money and property.
The Bible says the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed by this.
In the first month of the year, Nisan, Haman cast lots to see in which month he would destroy the Jews. The lot, something like dice, fell on the twelfth month, Adar. There would now be a long delay.
Haman tricked Ahasuerus by giving him only a partial truth that there were people scattered in the kingdom who would not obey the kingâs laws. He left out how many there were, and this would result in genocide of an entire race of people in the kingdom. Ahasuerus likely had no idea what he agreed to.
But the king allowed Haman to issue a decree for all the kingâs officials in every province to kill all of the Jews by the twelfth month of the year and steal all their money and property.
The Bible says the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed by this.
Application
God is in control, no matter what wicked leaders believe. Proverbs 16:33 says, âThe lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the LORD.â Despite Hamanâs efforts, God allowed a long gap of time before the decree would be carried out in order to save His people.
Despite anything that happens in our lives, we must remember that God sees all. He allows us to go through situations for our benefit and betterment. We can trust Him with our lives because He makes everything beautiful in His time.
Despite anything that happens in our lives, we must remember that God sees all. He allows us to go through situations for our benefit and betterment. We can trust Him with our lives because He makes everything beautiful in His time.
July 20 Reading: Esther Chapter 4
Takeaways
1. The Setting
After Hamanâs plot to destroy the Jews was made law, Mordecai went into mourning. He sent a message to Esther to try to have her intervene.
After Hamanâs plot to destroy the Jews was made law, Mordecai went into mourning. He sent a message to Esther to try to have her intervene.
2. Mordecai Mourns (4:1-3)
Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth (a very rough, uncomfortable garment people wore when they mourned) and ashes. All of the Jews in all the provinces also mourned.
Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth (a very rough, uncomfortable garment people wore when they mourned) and ashes. All of the Jews in all the provinces also mourned.
3. Mordecai Informs Esther Why There is Mourning in the Land (4:4-7)
Esther was not aware of the decree to destroy the Jews. Her servants noticed Mordecai in mourning and told Esther. They communicated through the servants, and Esther tried to get Mordecai to wear regular clothing. He would not. He was able to tell Esther about the decree.
Esther was not aware of the decree to destroy the Jews. Her servants noticed Mordecai in mourning and told Esther. They communicated through the servants, and Esther tried to get Mordecai to wear regular clothing. He would not. He was able to tell Esther about the decree.
4. Mordecai Asks Esther to Intervene (4:8-14)
Mordecai gave the servants a copy of the decree that was posted in the city as proof of the plot to destroy the Jews. Esther said she could not just go before the king and risk her life. Mordecai helped Esther understand that she was the only hope for the Jewish people and that she was placed in the kingâs court for such a time as this.
Mordecai gave the servants a copy of the decree that was posted in the city as proof of the plot to destroy the Jews. Esther said she could not just go before the king and risk her life. Mordecai helped Esther understand that she was the only hope for the Jewish people and that she was placed in the kingâs court for such a time as this.
5. Esther Makes Her Decision (4:15-17)
Esther decided to risk her life on behalf of her people by going before the king. Her attitude was, âIf I perish, I perish.â
Esther decided to risk her life on behalf of her people by going before the king. Her attitude was, âIf I perish, I perish.â
Application
The phrase âfor such a time as thisâ is often used to encourage Christians that we are born during these times for a reason, and that is true. We are here for such a time as this, to reach those around us. The part that is often difficult is having the same attitude as Esther and being willing to say, âIf I perish, then I perish,â should the situation call for it.
We may be in a situation where we have to rely upon God for protection when doing His will. The question we have to answer is, will we have that attitude if God calls us to reach someone in a difficult situation?
We may be in a situation where we have to rely upon God for protection when doing His will. The question we have to answer is, will we have that attitude if God calls us to reach someone in a difficult situation?
July 21 Reading: Esther Chapter 5
Takeaways
1. The Setting
Esther, at the request of Mordecai, went before the king. She found favor with him. Instead of telling him everything, she invited the king and Haman to a banquet.
Esther, at the request of Mordecai, went before the king. She found favor with him. Instead of telling him everything, she invited the king and Haman to a banquet.
2. Estherâs Banquet (5:1-8)
Esther wanted to make sure she had the kingâs favor before telling him about everything. She was very wise. The king offered to grant her any request, even up to half the kingdom. The king and Haman went to the banquet. Esther told them she was preparing another banquet for the next day, which was when she would make her request before the king.
Esther wanted to make sure she had the kingâs favor before telling him about everything. She was very wise. The king offered to grant her any request, even up to half the kingdom. The king and Haman went to the banquet. Esther told them she was preparing another banquet for the next day, which was when she would make her request before the king.
3. Haman Plots Against Mordecai (5:9-17)
Haman was glad to be invited to this banquet with the king. Mordecai continued not to bow, which infuriated Haman more. He restrained himself and called for all his friends and his wife. He talked about his riches, his children, and how the king promoted him. He then mentioned how he and the king would be attending a royal banquet.
Haman's wife and friends told Haman to make gallows, about 25 meters high, for Mordecai to be hanged. He agreed and made the gallows for the public execution.
Haman was glad to be invited to this banquet with the king. Mordecai continued not to bow, which infuriated Haman more. He restrained himself and called for all his friends and his wife. He talked about his riches, his children, and how the king promoted him. He then mentioned how he and the king would be attending a royal banquet.
Haman's wife and friends told Haman to make gallows, about 25 meters high, for Mordecai to be hanged. He agreed and made the gallows for the public execution.
Application
Haman was filled with pride and bragged about all that he had. His wife and friends were equally wicked as they convinced him to create the gallows for Mordecai.
When things go well, it is important to resist the urge to give in to pride. Instead, we should be humble and grateful for anything God has done in our lives. Evil always begins with pride, as Proverbs 16:18 states, âPride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.â Acknowledge God in everything and avoid pride. âGod resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.â â James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5
When things go well, it is important to resist the urge to give in to pride. Instead, we should be humble and grateful for anything God has done in our lives. Evil always begins with pride, as Proverbs 16:18 states, âPride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.â Acknowledge God in everything and avoid pride. âGod resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.â â James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5