Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Whoever among you belongs to His peopleThis phrase identifies the Israelites, specifically those who are part of the covenant community. It emphasizes the continuity of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The call is inclusive, inviting all who identify with God's people to participate in the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. This echoes the covenantal language found in Genesis 17:7, where God promises to be the God of Abraham's descendants. may his God be with him and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD the God of Israel He is the God who is in Jerusalem Persons / Places / Events 1. Cyrus the GreatThe Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His role is pivotal as a Gentile ruler used by God to fulfill His purposes. 2. The Israelites Specifically, those who were in exile in Babylon. They are the recipients of the decree and are called to return to their homeland to rebuild the temple. 3. Jerusalem The city in Judah where the temple of the LORD is to be rebuilt. It holds significant spiritual and historical importance for the Israelites. 4. The Temple of the LORD The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its reconstruction is a key focus of the book of Ezra. 5. Judah The region where Jerusalem is located, representing the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod can use anyone, even a pagan king, to fulfill His divine purposes. This reminds us that God is in control of history and can work through unexpected means. Call to Action The decree is an invitation for the Israelites to participate in God's plan. Similarly, we are called to respond to God's invitations in our lives with obedience and faith. Restoration and Hope The rebuilding of the temple symbolizes restoration and hope for the future. In our lives, God offers restoration and new beginnings through His grace. Community and Identity The call to return to Jerusalem is also a call to re-establish community and identity centered around worship. We are reminded of the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Faithfulness to God's Promises The fulfillment of prophecy through Cyrus's decree underscores God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the decree of Cyrus demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?2. In what ways are we called to "rebuild" in our own lives or communities, and how can we discern God's leading in these areas? 3. How does the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple serve as a metaphor for spiritual renewal in our personal lives? 4. What role does community play in our spiritual journey, and how can we foster a sense of community in our local church or fellowship? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling a promise. How can this encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 36:22-23This passage parallels Ezra 1:1-3, showing the fulfillment of God's promise through Cyrus's decree. Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 These prophecies mention Cyrus by name, highlighting God's sovereignty in using him to accomplish His purposes. Jeremiah 29:10 This verse speaks of the 70-year exile, which is now ending with the decree of Cyrus, fulfilling God's promise to bring His people back. People Benjamin, Cyrus, Jeremiah, Mithredath, Nebuchadnezzar, SheshbazzarPlaces Babylonia, Jerusalem, PersiaTopics Build, Building, Jerusalem, Judah, Rebuild, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 1:1-3 1035 God, faithfulness 1305 God, activity of Library The Eve of the Restoration'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 a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3. Who is there among you of all His people? his God … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Youthful Confessors Extracts No. vi. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Greater Prophets. The Historical Books. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. The Iranian Conquest The Justice of God God's Sovereignty and the Human Will Ezra-Nehemiah Links Ezra 1:3 NIVEzra 1:3 NLT Ezra 1:3 ESV Ezra 1:3 NASB Ezra 1:3 KJV Ezra 1:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |