2 Chronicles 36:22

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows:

Study Bible

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia
This phrase marks a significant historical transition. Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, conquered Babylon in 539 BC. His first year as king of Persia over Babylon is traditionally dated to 538 BC. This period is crucial as it marks the end of the Babylonian captivity for the Israelites. Cyrus's rise to power was prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1), highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and rulers.

to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah
Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonian exile would last seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10). The return of the exiles under Cyrus's decree fulfills this prophecy, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word. This fulfillment underscores the reliability of prophetic scripture and God's control over history.

the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia
The phrase indicates divine intervention in the affairs of a pagan king, showing that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. This stirring of Cyrus's spirit is a testament to God's influence over the hearts of rulers (Proverbs 21:1). It also prefigures the way God would later use Gentile leaders to further His plans, as seen in the New Testament with figures like the Roman centurion Cornelius (Acts 10).

to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom
Cyrus's decree was a formal announcement, likely disseminated through written edicts and heralds. This proclamation allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The widespread nature of the proclamation reflects the vastness of the Persian Empire, which stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea.

and to put it in writing as follows:
The written nature of the decree ensured its permanence and authority. This act of documentation is significant, as it provided a legal basis for the Jews' return and the rebuilding efforts. The emphasis on writing also highlights the importance of recorded scripture and decrees in preserving God's promises and actions for future generations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cyrus King of Persia
The ruler of the Persian Empire who played a pivotal role in the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. His decree allowed the rebuilding of the temple.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who orchestrates historical events to fulfill His promises.

3. Jeremiah
A prophet whose prophecies included the promise of the return of the exiles after 70 years of captivity (Jeremiah 29:10).

4. The Proclamation
A royal decree issued by Cyrus, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

5. The Kingdom of Persia
The vast empire over which Cyrus ruled, encompassing many nations, including the land of Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in History
God is in control of world events and uses even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy through Cyrus demonstrates the reliability and faithfulness of God's Word.

The Role of Leaders
God can use leaders, regardless of their faith, to bring about His plans. Pray for leaders to be open to God's guidance.

The Power of God's Spirit
The stirring of Cyrus's spirit by the LORD shows that God can move hearts to fulfill His will. Seek to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading in your life.

Hope and Restoration
Just as God restored the exiles, He offers hope and restoration to us today. Trust in His timing and promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the example of Cyrus demonstrate God's ability to use anyone for His purposes, and how can this encourage us in our current political climate?

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in history to our personal lives, especially during uncertain times?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are sensitive to the stirring of the Holy Spirit in our own lives?

5. How does the theme of hope and restoration in this passage relate to the New Testament message of redemption through Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 1:1-4
This passage parallels 2 Chronicles 36:22, providing additional details about Cyrus's decree and the return of the exiles.

Isaiah 44:28-45:1
Isaiah prophesied about Cyrus by name, declaring that he would be God's instrument to restore Jerusalem and the temple.

Jeremiah 29:10
This prophecy foretold the return of the exiles after 70 years, which Cyrus's decree fulfilled.