Free to leave
Not often does a king, and almost never a pagan king, allege that God has a job for him to do. Christians know that every government leader has been appointed by God (Romans 13).
2 Chronicles 36:22-23
- What a leader does in his first year often predicts the tone of his entire term in office. Cyrus, king of Persia, acknowledges the authority of Jehovah.
- The words of Jeremiah the prophet, written for all to read, including Daniel, are fulfilled.
Ezra 1
- Solomon knew about God’s ability to turn even the king’s heart. How else do you explain the decree of Cyrus (v. 1-2)?
- The Jews are free to leave. The king calls for volunteers among them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (v. 3).
- Those not going back to Judea are expected to help finance the project (v. 4).
- As God moved Cyrus, so He moved men of Judea to undertake the work (v. 5).
- The king also contributed much to the mission (v. 6-11).
Ezra 2
A reckoning of the first Jews who returned to Judea.
- Their leaders (v. 1-2).
- Their family and place relationships (v. 3-35).
- Their religious leaders (v. 36-60).
- Their heritage, their family trees (v. 61-63).
- Their number (v. 64-67).
- Their offerings (v. 68-70).
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