 Previous Chapter |
 Return to Outline |
 Ask Questions |
 Next Chapter |
Chapter 1 covers the proclamation by Cyrus, King of Persia for the release of the Jews held in captive in Babylon. Cyrus and Darius, of the Medes, had banded together and defeated the Babylonians. Darius was old so he left the prize to Cyrus. Cyrus did not know God but God knew him and "He stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" to free the Jews and allow them to return to Jerusalem.
The Babylonians were very much in favor of the proclamation for by now they had learned to hate the Jews. They had prospered and were even seated in their courts, so they wished very much that they would go home.
During the 70 years, people like Ezra had made an effort to preserve the distinction of their families, the knowledge of their religion and their dislike of idolatry.
Having achieved their freedom, the Lord then "stirred up the spirits" of the families of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The Babylonians gave freely to them, gold, silver and other costly wares to aid them in their project. Cyrus returned to them all the treasurers that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem plus, from the treasurer of Babylon, he gave them much gold and silver.
Previous Chapter |
Return to Outline |
Ask Questions |
Next Chapter |