13 Now be it known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be impaired. 14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, therefore we send and inform the king, 15 in order that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will find in the book of the records and learn that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste. ~ Ezra 4:13-15
Rehum, the commander, and Shimshai, the scribe, wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes, the king. They were like, “What are you doing Persia? Look, because of our great concern for the king, because we eat his salt, we are telling you this. You might not realize it, but this is a very rebellious city. There will be no end to their rebellion if this city is rebuilt.
And who will suffer? You will, O’ King. If you don’t believe us, search for yourself and see. You will find that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste (Ezra 4:14-15).”
They knew that the Deportation and Resettlement Program worked because, more than likely, they themselves were the case-in-point example because they had been brought there from somewhere else. But know this, if this city is rebuilt, patriotism will flourish. If patriotism flourishes, those conquered people will not stay conquered for long.
Therefore, kill patriotism, burn their flag, forbid their worship, and take their weapons. That’s what the Philistines did in the days of Saul (1 Samuel 13:19-23). They didn’t even allow them to have a blacksmith for fear that they would make weapons.
So, on the day of battle, there was neither sword nor spear to be found in the hands of the people. The idea, take their guns. Keep them conquered. Does any of this sound a bit familiar? Have you seen it before? Is it kind of like a living déjà vu?
There is truly nothing new under the sun. Therefore, awaken from your spiritual slumber and carefully watch what those in charge are saying vs. what they are doing. Pay attention to how they are doing it vs. why they say they are doing it. Pay close attention to the world you are living in because if you don’t, you’ll have no say in the world you live in at all.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Watch What They Say And Do.