Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Rebuilding of, Ordered by Proclamation of Cyrus

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Topical Encyclopedia

The rebuilding of Jerusalem, particularly its temple, marks a significant event in biblical history, initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. This event is pivotal in the narrative of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the restoration of their religious and communal life.

Historical Context

The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, had destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC, leading to the exile of many Jews. This period of exile lasted approximately 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The fall of Babylon to the Persians in 539 BC set the stage for a new chapter in Jewish history.

Cyrus's Proclamation

Cyrus the Great, recognized for his policy of religious tolerance and restoration, issued a decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree is recorded in the opening verses of the Book of Ezra:

"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of His people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And may their God be with them.'" (Ezra 1:1-3)

Significance of the Proclamation

Cyrus's decree is seen as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a testament to God's sovereignty over the nations. Isaiah had prophesied about Cyrus by name, calling him God's "shepherd" and "anointed" who would facilitate the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1). This highlights the belief in God's providential control over history and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes.

The Return and Rebuilding Efforts

Following the proclamation, a significant number of Jews, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest, returned to Jerusalem. The initial group of returnees laid the foundation of the temple amidst opposition and challenges from surrounding peoples (Ezra 3:8-13). Despite these difficulties, the work continued, bolstered by the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah.

The rebuilding of the temple was completed in the sixth year of King Darius's reign, as recorded in Ezra 6:15. This event marked the reestablishment of the sacrificial system and the renewal of Jewish religious life in Jerusalem.

Theological Implications

The rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple under Cyrus's decree is a powerful narrative of restoration and hope. It underscores themes of repentance, divine faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The return from exile and the reconstruction of the temple serve as a precursor to the ultimate redemption and restoration anticipated in the messianic age.

Legacy

The decree of Cyrus and the subsequent rebuilding efforts laid the foundation for the Second Temple period, a critical era in Jewish history that shaped the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people. This period also set the stage for the coming of Jesus Christ, who would later teach and minister in the very temple that was rebuilt under Cyrus's edict.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 36:23
Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth has the LORD God of heaven given me; and he has charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 1:1-4
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,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... obtained leave from Darius for the rebuilding of Jerusalem ... the time that the captivity
from Jerusalem took place ... year, when first the census was ordered to be ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... man who was high priest when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem. ... return from the captivity,
to the rebuilding of the ... of Congress in that district, I ordered my servant ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... if we admit, as he does, that the year of the proclamation by Cyrus as King ... The Blade
Stone of Aberdeen, on which the account of the rebuilding of Babylon ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... fortifications of Babylon and the rebuilding of the ... sending back the tablets, he
ordered copies to ... nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem!" The Scythians ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... At the instigation of Adoni-zedeck, King of Jerusalem, the Canaanites collected ... errand
to the king, who thereupon commanded silence, and ordered his servants ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm