Ezra 1

Here (1) Cyrus king of Persia, who had just before conquered the Chaldean empire, issues a proclamation for the Jews’ release from captivity, and for their encouragement to return to their country and rebuild the temple of their God: 1—4. (2) Many of them, assisted by their neighbours, in virtue of this proclamation, prepare to return; 5, 6. (3) Cyrus, by his treasurer, delivers the sacred vessels belonging to the temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought to Babylon, and placed in his temple of Belus, to Sheshbazzar their prince

Ezra 1:7-11

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 5 v Before Christ 536. Heb. caused a once to pass. 9 Chr. 36. 27. Isaiah 56. 1. Dan. 2. 81. & 4. 35. Ps. 75. 6. 7. & 115. 15. Is. 44. 28. & 45. 1. 13. —10. & 3. 1. 2 Heb. 3. 5. 6

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—Behold how God rules over the kingdoms of the earth, and turns the hearts of princes and others whithersoever he pleases, for the good of his church! God is here exactly fulfilling the predictions of his word concerning the name of the deliverer; and the occasion, time, and manner, of the deliverance. It is honourable for princes, and men in authority, to begin the exercise of their power in the service of God, as an acknowledgment of his bounty to them; and to overlook secular interests and customs of countries, in order to put honour on Christ and his people. But in every good word and work the Lord must work in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. And he can procure from such as know him not the greatest kindness to his interests and people. What care be took to preserve the furniture of his temple, and maintain the princely dignity of Judah, even in Babylon! But much greater is his care of whatever pertains to Jesus and his people. And it is honourable when princes and ministers are peculiarly forward to rebuild God’s temple and reform his church