In Ezra 8:15–9:15, we see Ezra’s organization of and preparation for the exiles to return from Babylon to the land of Israel. In his company, no “Levites (i.e., priests) were found” (verse 15), so Ezra – surely realizing the corporate need of a mediator for sin – recruits “attendants for the house of God” (verse 17). Under Ezra’s leadership, the exiles set out for and subsequently arrived in Jerusalem (8:31-32). Then, in chapter 9, we observe Ezra’s emotional concern for the intermarriages that had taken place during the years of exile. Here, from God’s perspective, intermarriage had opened the door for “detestable practices” (verse 1) to enter into and divide that which God originally intended to remain pure and indivisible – the sanctification of the Jewish people and their nation. Notice Ezra’s response: he “tore his tunic and cloak, pulled hair from his head and beard, and sat down appalled” (verse 3). His behavior is especially touching to us today, and his sad interrogatory prayer is heartfelt: “What has happened to us? We are left today as a remnant” (verse 13). We should learn a lesson from Ezra’s confession – “Not one of us can stand in your presence” (verse 15). Thankfully today, we can stand in God’s presence justified – by the blood of Christ.
In Proverbs 31:1-9, we read the wisdom “of King Lemuel” (verse 1). We have no record of any such king reigning in Israel or Judah, so Lemuel is likely a pseudonym for King Solomon (or possibly Hezekiah, though less probable). If Solomon is the true author, then the “inspired” text is actually Bathsheba’s wisdom – which is most likely the case. As a queen herself, she recognizes the high calling of kings and rulers and the severe potential for their fall caused by women and alcohol. Twice, she states – “it is not [fitting] for kings” (verse 4). Royalty and leadership have a responsibility to set a high example to “speak up for … the rights of all, especially for those who cannot speak for themselves” (verse 8). God will hold governmental authorities accountable for their leadership decisions, and, as history has shown us – many a leader has been “ruined by” (cf., verse 3) the negative effects of profligate women and booze – frequently in bad mixtures. That our current politicians seem to get away with their decadence and their drunkenness will by no means exempt them from God’s ultimate authority and accountability for their poor governance. Eventually, whether it's a hangover or a heedless illicit affair, chickens do come home to roost, and when loose women and alcohol interfere with leadership decisions on any level – let the man beware – the hidden costs are devastating.
We recall that Revelation 14:1-13 is still part of a parenthetical section of the book. John sees this choir of 144,000 witnesses – “standing on Mt Zion and singing a new song” (verse 3). Interestingly and coincidentally, the text informs us at this point that these witnesses have not “defiled themselves with women” (verse 4). The implication here (and throughout all of Scripture) is not a general derogation of femininity but rather of some women who, like certain men, have selfish, ulterior motives against God Himself. At the end of the day, this is the truth behind Bathsheba’s inspired warning to “the son of her womb – the answer to her prayers” (Proverbs 31:2). No mother ever naturally desired that her son be destroyed by alcohol or distracted and devoured by a femme fatale.
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A Note About Today's Artwork: The Birth at Bethlehem was Terri's preliminary sketch for her 1980 Christmas Card, He Will Be Great, which was displayed on December 17, 2024 - Day 350.
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