Ezra 1

¹ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

² Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah.

³ Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.

⁴ And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem.

⁵ Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all [them] whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem.

⁶ And all they that [were] about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all [that] was willingly offered.

⁷ Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;

⁸ Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

⁹ And this [is] the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,

¹⁰ Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second [sort] four hundred and ten, [and] other vessels a thousand.

¹¹ All the vessels of gold and of silver [were] five thousand and four hundred. All [these] did Sheshbazzar bring up with [them of] the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.

Overview of Ezra Chapter 1

Ezra Chapter 1 marks a significant moment in the history of the Jewish people as it details the decree of King Cyrus of Persia allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This chapter sets the stage for the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s control over nations and events, showcasing how He moves the heart of a foreign king to fulfill His promises.
• Restoration and Hope: The return to Jerusalem symbolizes hope for the Jewish people, indicating that their period of exile is coming to an end.
• Community and Identity: The call to return is not just for individuals but for the entire community, highlighting the collective identity of the Israelites.

Structure of the Chapter

1. The Decree of Cyrus (Verses 1-4):
   • The chapter begins with the proclamation of King Cyrus, which is portrayed as a fulfillment of prophecy.
   • Cyrus recognizes the God of Israel and encourages the people to return to Jerusalem.
   • He also instructs those who remain to support the returning exiles with resources.
2. The Response of the Exiles (Verses 5-6):
   • The leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites, respond positively to Cyrus’s decree.
   • The chapter notes that God stirred their hearts, indicating divine influence in their decision to return.
3. Provision for the Journey (Verses 7-11):
   • Cyrus returns the vessels of the temple that had been taken to Babylon, emphasizing the restoration of sacred items.
   • The chapter concludes with a list of the items returned and the number of exiles who set out for Jerusalem.

Historical Context

This chapter takes place after the Babylonian exile, around 538 BCE, when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon. His policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands was unprecedented and demonstrated a shift in governance. The return to Jerusalem was not only a physical journey but also a spiritual and cultural restoration for the Jewish people.

Theological Implications

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The decree of Cyrus is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecies made by Jeremiah and Isaiah, indicating that God’s plans for His people are being realized.
• God’s Use of Secular Leaders: The chapter illustrates how God can use non-Israelite leaders to accomplish His purposes, showcasing His sovereignty over all nations.
• Community Restoration: The emphasis on collective return highlights the importance of community in the biblical narrative and the significance of shared identity among the Israelites.

Conclusion

Ezra Chapter 1 serves as a pivotal moment that initiates the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the rebuilding of the temple. It highlights themes of divine sovereignty, restoration, and community identity, setting the foundation for the subsequent events in the book of Ezra and the history of the Jewish people following the exile.