The kingdom of Israel has been in Assyrian exile, and the kingdom of Judah was taken into Babylonian exile. Babylon was recently conquered by Persia, so there’s a new king (Cyrus) overseeing Judah’s captivity. 2 Chr 22-23 tells us that God leads Persia’s King Cyrus’ to send someone back to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This is where the book of Ezra joins the narrative.
” ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel – he is the God who is in Jerusalem.’ ” (v2-3)
In addition to releasing many of the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, Cyrus also opens up the treasuries and returns 5400 precious items (including implements from the temple) that he commands Judah to take back with them. Latge amounts of gold, silver, goods, beasts, and costly wares were captured by Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar when he brought Judah into exile. All of this fulfills Jeremiah’s prophecy (see Jer 25).
Despite being a gentile, King Cyrus believes in and obeys the one true God of Israel, commanding that His temple be rebuilt. This is somewhat ironic, because Judah and Israel were disobedient to their own God, which is why He allowed them to be exiled in the first place.
This account of Cyrus and Judah encourages me to always remain obedient to God – not only to avoid ‘exile’ (ie. consequences), but more importantly so that I may bless people by God’s work through me (like Cyrus blessed Judah). It’s a win-win – the more obedient we are to God, the fewer consequences we will suffer, and the more God will be glorified in the eyes of those around us. I strongly encourage us to remain as humble and obedient as possible.
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, You bless us so greatly. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts and lives. May we humbly remain obedient to Your word and direction, so Your Spirit may work through us to touch the hearts of others. May we earnestly honor, glorify, obey, and praise You with every word and action, from this day onward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training