Oddball thought on government assistance
Posted by: Seth Ben-Ezra in Politics, Theology and SpiritualityA few weeks ago, we came across this passage during family devotions:
Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. And whatever is needed–bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require–let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. (Ezra 6:8-10)
Upon reading this, Crystal asked, “So, does that mean that the temple was rebuilt using government grants?”
I blinked at her.
“Yes, I guess that it was.”
Indeed, it was a government grant from the Persians.
The application of this lesson I will leave as an exercise to the reader.
Entries (RSS)
Guess that just makes tyranny ok then, doesn’t it.