Ezra 1:1-2:70

GREAT IS GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Keywords 1:1

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:

 

1. God moves people’s hearts (1:1-11)

After ascending to power, King Cyrus proclaimed that the Jewish exiles could

return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God. King Cyrus ordered the treasurer

to return the temple articles confi scated by Nebuchadnezzar. He encouraged the

Jews to give freewill offerings for the rebuilding effort. Cyrus’ personal motives are

not clear. Yet God used this worldly ruler to rebuild the temple. Thus, God fulfi lled

his promise to his people spoken through Jeremiah (Jer 25:11, 32:37-41; Isa

44:28). God uses his sovereignty to restore his people to worship him.

 

2. The exiles’ obedience (2:1-70)

God prompts the hearts of people but people must also respond in faith and

obedience. 42,360 exiles courageously went back to a land many had never

seen to rebuild God’s temple and resettle the land. Some were excluded from the

priesthood when their lineage could not be proved. The exiles tried to obey God’s

word from the start (Nu 16:40).

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for keeping your promises and for leading people,

including me, to worship you.

One Word God faithfully restores his people