Ezra 1

Ezra 1:1

FIrst yeer of Cyrus king of Persia] After that he and Darius had won Babylon, for he had reigned in Persia long before But this was the first yeer of his empire.

by the mouth of Jeremiah] 2 Chronicles 36:22. Jere. 25. 12. and 29. 10. Who promised them deliverance after that seventy yeers were past.

the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus] That is, moved him, and gave him an heart to do it.

made a proclamation] Heb. caused a voice to passe.

Ezra 1:2

all the kingdoms of the earth] For he was an emperour, and had many nations under his dominion: which honour, this heathen king confesseth, that he received from the true God.

charged me] Heb. commanded concerning me. To wit, by Isaiah the prophet, Chap. 44. 28. and 45. 13. It is likely Daniel shewed him of it, who lived in his time, and was in authority then, Daniel 6:28.

Ezra 1:4

let the men of his place, &c.] If any through poverty were not able to return, the kings commandment was, that he should be furnished with necessaries for his journey.

help him] Heb. lift him up.

besides the free-will-offering] Which they should send besides towards the building of the temple.

Ezra 1:6

all they that were about them] The Babylonians, and the Caldeans gave them these presents. Thus, rather then the children of God should want for their necessities, or Gods service decay, God will stir up the heart of the very infidels to afford liberall help, Exodus 12:36.

strengthened their hands] That is, helped them.

Ezra 1:7

which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth] 2 Kings 24. 13. 2 Chron. 36. 7.

Sheshbazzar] This name signifies joy in tribulation. A fit name for him that should bring back the vessels of the house of God, in regard of the former tribulation and present joy. It is likely it was Zerubbabel. See chap. 5. 14.

Ezra 1:9

knives] Which served to kill and flay the beasts which were offered in sacrifice, and for other uses.

Ezra 1:11

five thousand and four hundred] So many were added besides those before named, as made up that sum.

with them of the captivity] With the Jews, that had been kept captives in Babylon.

the captivity] Heb. the transportation.