2 Chronicles 36:22

KJV

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now in the first {H259} year {H8141} of Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} spoken by the mouth {H6310} of Jeremiah {H3414} might be accomplished {H3615}, the LORD {H3068} stirred up {H5782} the spirit {H7307} of Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539}, that he made a proclamation {H5674}{H6963} throughout all his kingdom {H4438}, and put it also in writing {H4385}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Now in the first year of Koresh king of Persia, so that the word of ADONAI spoken by Yirmeyahu might be fulfilled, ADONAI activated the spirit of Koresh king of Persia to proclaim throughout his entire kingdom, and put in writing as well:

Berean Standard Bible

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:

American Standard Version

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, andput italso in writing, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 36:22 marks a profound turning point in the biblical narrative, signifying the divinely orchestrated conclusion of the Babylonian exile and the dawn of Israel's restoration. This pivotal verse bridges the historical account of Judah's kings and their judgment with the subsequent return from captivity, explicitly attributing the actions of Cyrus, the Persian king, to the sovereign hand of the LORD, thereby initiating the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy and setting the stage for the rebuilding of the Temple and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement of the book of 2 Chronicles, providing a dramatic shift from the preceding narrative of Judah's persistent apostasy, the subsequent divine judgment, and the devastating Babylonian captivity (2 Chronicles 36:15-21). After detailing the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the seventy-year desolation of the land, 2 Chronicles 36:22 abruptly introduces a new era of hope and divine intervention. It effectively acts as a narrative bridge, linking the historical accounts of the monarchy and exile to the post-exilic period, with its almost identical opening found in [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree Initiates the Return"), signaling a seamless continuation of God's redemptive plan across different biblical books. This concluding verse ensures that the book of Chronicles, despite ending with judgment, ultimately points towards God's faithfulness and future restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, following his conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. Babylon had previously conquered Judah and exiled its people, destroying Jerusalem and the Temple. Cyrus's reign initiated a new policy towards conquered peoples, which was remarkably benevolent compared to previous empires. Instead of forced assimilation or perpetual subjugation, Cyrus often allowed exiled populations to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, a policy detailed in the "Cyrus Cylinder." This was a significant departure from typical ancient Near Eastern imperial practices. For the Jewish exiles, this decree was not merely a political maneuver but a miraculous act of liberation, directly fulfilling prophecies given decades earlier. The reference to "the first year of Cyrus" highlights the immediate and impactful nature of this new geopolitical reality on the exiled community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, emphasizing that even powerful pagan rulers like Cyrus are instruments in God's hands, their wills "stirred up" by the LORD to accomplish His purposes (compare [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")). Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, explicitly stating that Cyrus's actions were designed to "accomplish the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah." This refers primarily to Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the seventy-year exile and the subsequent return (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Desolation") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return After 70 Years")). Furthermore, it echoes Isaiah's remarkable prophecy, which even named Cyrus centuries before his birth, calling him God's "shepherd" and "anointed" one (e.g., [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God Names Cyrus as His Shepherd") and [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God Calls Cyrus His Anointed")). Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Restoration and Hope**, signaling the end of a period of judgment and the beginning of God's merciful initiative to bring His people back to their land and rebuild their spiritual center.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stirred up (Hebrew, _'ur'_):** This verb (עוּר, _'ur'_) means "to rouse," "to awaken," or "to incite." In this context, it signifies a divine prompting or supernatural influence. It implies that Cyrus's decision was not merely a political calculation or an act of personal benevolence, but a direct, intentional intervention by the LORD into the will and disposition of a foreign king. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to use any means, even unexpected ones, to achieve His redemptive purposes.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** The Hebrew word (רוּחַ, _ruach_) is rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." Here, it refers to the inner disposition, will, or inclination of Cyrus. When the text states the LORD "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus," it means God directly influenced his inner being, his thoughts, and his motivations, leading him to issue the specific decree that would allow the exiles to return. This demonstrates God's intimate involvement in the hearts of rulers, guiding them according to His divine plan.
* **Accomplished (Hebrew, _kalah'_):** The verb (כָּלָה, _kalah_) means "to complete," "to finish," or "to bring to an end." Its use here is crucial, as it explicitly links Cyrus's actions to the fulfillment of divine prophecy. It signifies that God's word, spoken through His prophet Jeremiah, was not merely a prediction but a divine promise that would inevitably come to pass at the appointed time. This emphasizes God's faithfulness and the certainty of His prophetic declarations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,"**: This phrase establishes the precise historical setting for the momentous decree. The "first year of Cyrus" (539/538 BC) marks the immediate aftermath of his conquest of Babylon, signaling a new geopolitical order and the beginning of the post-exilic period for Judah. It anchors the divine action firmly within human history.
* **"that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished,"**: This clause explicitly states the divine purpose behind Cyrus's actions. It highlights God's faithfulness to His prophetic word, specifically referring to Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the seventy-year duration of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return of the Jewish people to their land. God's plan is unfolding precisely as declared.
* **"the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,"**: This is the theological heart of the verse. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers, even a powerful pagan monarch like Cyrus. The LORD supernaturally influenced Cyrus's will and intentions, prompting him to issue the decree. This was not a random act of kindness by Cyrus, but a direct, divine intervention to achieve God's redemptive purposes for His people.
* **"that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,"**: This describes the practical outcome of God's divine prompting. Cyrus's decree was not a mere informal suggestion but an official, kingdom-wide proclamation, formally documented and disseminated. This ensures its authority and widespread impact, setting the legal and administrative framework for the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a powerful **Narrative Bridge**, seamlessly connecting the tragic end of the monarchy and the exile in 2 Chronicles with the hopeful beginning of the return and rebuilding in Ezra. The near-verbatim repetition in [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree") emphasizes this continuity and divine orchestration. A profound theological device is the explicit declaration of **Divine Sovereignty**, where the text directly attributes Cyrus's actions to the LORD's intervention ("the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus"). This underscores God's ultimate control over human history and even the hearts of kings. The verse also utilizes **Fulfillment of Prophecy** as a central theme, highlighting the reliability of God's word by explicitly stating that Cyrus's decree was to "accomplish the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah." This serves as a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after long periods of judgment and seeming delay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute sovereignty over all of creation and human history. It demonstrates that even in periods of severe judgment and apparent abandonment, God remains actively at work, orchestrating global events and influencing the hearts of powerful leaders to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The explicit mention of Jeremiah's prophecy being accomplished underscores the reliability and certainty of God's Word, reminding believers that His promises will ultimately prevail, regardless of the obstacles or the passage of time. This divine intervention, leading to the return from exile, foreshadows God's broader plan of restoration for His people, both physically and spiritually, culminating in the ultimate restoration found in Christ.

* [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of 70 Years of Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Return After 70 Years")
* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah's Prophecy Naming Cyrus as God's Shepherd")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart is in the Hand of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 2 Chronicles 36:22 resonates deeply with believers today, offering profound encouragement and a robust foundation for faith. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire, and God's people are enduring periods of judgment, discipline, or waiting, the Lord remains sovereignly in control. He is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating world events and influencing the hearts of leaders, often in ways we cannot perceive, to bring about His ultimate purposes. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering faithfulness, knowing that His promises will always be accomplished. It challenges us to look beyond immediate political or social realities and recognize the unseen hand of God at work, bringing about His redemptive plan for His people and for the world. In times of despair or uncertainty, this passage offers a powerful reminder that God's plan of restoration will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the explicit statement that "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" impact your understanding of God's sovereignty over world leaders and global events today?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the broader world are you waiting for God's promises to be "accomplished"? How does this verse encourage you in that waiting?**
* **Considering God's use of a pagan king like Cyrus, what does this teach us about God's ability to work through unexpected or unconventional means to achieve His purposes?**
* **How might recognizing God's active hand in history shape your prayers and your perspective on current events?**

### FAQ

**Why does 2 Chronicles end with this verse, and why is it so similar to Ezra 1:1?**

Answer: 2 Chronicles 36:22 concludes the Chronicler's history of Israel, which largely focuses on the Davidic monarchy and the Temple, culminating in the judgment of exile. Ending with Cyrus's decree provides a powerful note of hope and divine faithfulness, showing that even after severe discipline, God's covenant promises of restoration endure. The near-identical wording with [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree") serves as a deliberate literary and theological bridge. It signals that the account of the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple (detailed in Ezra-Nehemiah) is not a separate story but a direct continuation and fulfillment of God's ongoing redemptive plan, emphasizing the unity of God's work across different historical periods and biblical books. It assures the reader that God's story for His people did not end in despair but continued with new hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine orchestration of Cyrus's decree in 2 Chronicles 36:22 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as the LORD "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" to release His people from physical captivity and enable the rebuilding of the earthly Temple, so too did God the Father send His Son, Jesus Christ, to accomplish a far greater liberation. Jesus is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), setting humanity free from the bondage of sin and death, a spiritual exile far more profound than the Babylonian one. The fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy through Cyrus points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy, the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Furthermore, Isaiah's prophecy identifying Cyrus as God's "shepherd" and "anointed" one ([Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God Names Cyrus as His Shepherd"); [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God Calls Cyrus His Anointed")) finds its perfect and complete realization in Jesus, the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") and the Messiah, the Anointed One, who establishes an eternal kingdom. The return to the land and the rebuilding of the Temple under Cyrus prefigure the new covenant reality where believers, reconciled to God through Christ, become the [living stones of a spiritual house](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones of a Spiritual House"), with Christ Himself as the [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone") of God's new and eternal dwelling place among humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 25:12

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Ezra 1:1

¶ 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,

Ezra 1:3

Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 29:10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45:5

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.