2 Chronicles 36:23

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath 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.

Thus saith {H559} Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539}, All the kingdoms {H4467} of the earth {H776} hath the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of heaven {H8064} given {H5414} me; and he hath charged {H6485} me to build {H1129} him an house {H1004} in Jerusalem {H3389}, which is in Judah {H3063}. Who is there among you of all his people {H5971}? The LORD {H3068} his God {H430} be with him, and let him go up {H5927}.

"Here is what Koresh king of Persia says: ADONAI, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Yerushalayim, in Y'hudah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may ADONAI his God be with him! He may go up . . . ."

“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.’”

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whosoever there is among you of all his people, Jehovah his God be with him, and let him go up.

2 Chronicles 36:23 concludes the book of 2 Chronicles with the momentous decree of Cyrus, king of Persia. This verse marks a pivotal turning point in Israel's history, signaling the end of the Babylonian captivity and the commencement of the Jewish people's return to their homeland to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is the climactic ending to 2 Chronicles, following the detailed account of Judah's kings, their failures, and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Babylon, leading to the seventy-year exile. The decree of Cyrus directly fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning the duration of the captivity (Jeremiah 29:10). It also echoes the prophecies of Isaiah, who named Cyrus as God's chosen instrument to facilitate Israel's return and the rebuilding of His house, even before Cyrus was born (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1). This same decree is recorded almost verbatim at the beginning of the Book of Ezra, signifying a new era of restoration (Ezra 1:1-4).

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Cyrus, a pagan king, explicitly acknowledges the "LORD God of heaven" as the one who has given him all kingdoms and charged him with the task of rebuilding the Temple. This powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over world leaders and historical events, using even those who do not know Him to accomplish His divine purposes.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The decree is a direct and dramatic fulfillment of long-standing prophecies regarding the end of the Babylonian exile and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights God's faithfulness to His Word, proving that His promises, even those concerning judgment and restoration, will always come to pass.
  • Restoration and Hope: After decades of exile, this decree offers immense hope and a clear path for the Jewish people to return to their land and re-establish their worship. It marks the beginning of the post-exilic period, signifying God's grace and a new covenant relationship with His people.
  • Call to Action: Cyrus's invitation, "Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up," serves as a direct summons for the exiles to participate in this divine work. It's a call to respond in faith and obedience to God's unfolding plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "LORD God of heaven" (Hebrew: Yahweh Elohim HaShamayim) is significant. It emphasizes God's supreme authority and universal dominion, acknowledged even by a non-Israelite monarch like Cyrus. This title was often used in the post-exilic period to highlight God's transcendence and His rule over all earthly powers, reinforcing the idea that His plan could not be thwarted, even by mighty empires like Babylon or Persia.

Significance and Application

2 Chronicles 36:23 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His intricate orchestration of history. For believers today, it offers profound comfort that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in times of national or personal distress. Just as He raised up Cyrus to fulfill His purposes, God continues to work through unexpected people and events to bring about His will. It encourages us to trust in His timing and to be ready to respond when He calls us to participate in His redemptive work, knowing that all things work together for good to those who love God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 5:23

    But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

  • Daniel 2:21

    And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

  • Psalms 75:5

    Lift not up your horn on high: speak [not with] a stiff neck.

  • Psalms 75:7

    But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

  • Daniel 2:37

    Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

  • Isaiah 44:26

    That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

  • 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.

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