2 Chronicles 36:23

"This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.'"

Study Bible

This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a significant historical figure known for his policy of religious tolerance and restoration. His decree marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem. This aligns with the biblical narrative of God using foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1, where Cyrus is mentioned by name as God's anointed.

‘The LORD, the God of heaven,
The title "God of heaven" reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty over all creation, a term often used in post-exilic texts. It underscores the universal authority of Yahweh, acknowledged even by a pagan king. This phrase indicates a shift in understanding God not just as a national deity but as the supreme ruler over all nations.

who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,
Cyrus attributes his conquests and authority to the providence of God, acknowledging that his power is granted by divine will. This reflects the biblical theme that God raises and deposes kings (Daniel 2:21). It also fulfills the prophecy in Jeremiah 27:6, where God declares He will give all lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, and subsequently to Cyrus.

has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah.
Cyrus's decree to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 44:28. The temple's reconstruction is central to Jewish worship and identity, symbolizing the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act prefigures the ultimate restoration through Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21).

Whoever among you belongs to His people,
This invitation is directed to the Jewish exiles, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen people. It echoes the covenantal promise that God will gather His people from exile (Deuteronomy 30:3-5). The phrase also highlights the inclusivity of God's call, extending beyond geographical boundaries.

may the LORD his God be with him,
This blessing invokes God's presence and favor upon those who choose to return. It reflects the biblical assurance of God's guidance and protection, reminiscent of God's promise to be with His people as they entered the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9).

and may he go up.’
The phrase "go up" is often used in the context of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, signifying a return to spiritual and communal life centered around the temple. It symbolizes an ascent not just geographically but spiritually, as the people return to worship and serve God. This anticipates the ultimate gathering of God's people in the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cyrus King of Persia
The ruler who conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. His actions were seen as divinely inspired, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

2. The LORD, the God of heaven
The sovereign God who orchestrates the events of history, using even foreign kings to accomplish His purposes.

3. Jerusalem in Judah
The city chosen by God as the place for His temple, symbolizing His presence among His people.

4. The House for God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was to be rebuilt as a place of worship and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel.

5. The Return of the Exiles
The event where the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland after the Babylonian exile, marking a significant moment of restoration and hope.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in History
God is in control of all nations and rulers, using them to fulfill His divine purposes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The decree of Cyrus is a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy, demonstrating the reliability of God's word. Believers can have confidence that God's promises will come to pass.

Restoration and Hope
The return from exile symbolizes spiritual renewal and hope. Just as God restored Israel, He offers restoration to those who turn back to Him today.

Obedience and Participation
Cyrus's decree invited the people to participate in God's plan. Believers are called to respond to God's invitations in their lives, actively participating in His work.

God's Presence with His People
The rebuilding of the temple signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors His presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in Cyrus's decree, impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can you see the fulfillment of God's promises in your own life, similar to the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage?

3. How can the theme of restoration in this passage encourage you in areas of your life where you seek renewal?

4. What steps can you take to actively participate in God's work, as the exiles were invited to do in rebuilding the temple?

5. How does understanding that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit influence your daily actions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1
These passages prophesy about Cyrus, calling him God's anointed and foretelling his role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

Ezra 1:1-4
Provides a parallel account of Cyrus's decree, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's word through Jeremiah and the stirring of the spirit of the people to return and rebuild.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
Speaks of God's promise to bring the exiles back after seventy years, highlighting His faithfulness and plans for restoration.