2 Chronicles 36:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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 . . . ."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 36:23 records the momentous decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, which climactically concludes the book. This pivotal declaration signals the end of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity for the Jewish people and initiates their return to Jerusalem, specifically commissioning them to rebuild the Temple. It stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history, demonstrating His faithfulness to His prophetic word and His enduring commitment to the restoration of His people and their worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the deliberate and hopeful conclusion to the entire two-book chronicle (1 & 2 Chronicles). Following a detailed and often somber account of Judah's kings, their persistent disobedience, the nation's spiritual decline, and the eventual devastating destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Babylonians, leading to the seventy-year exile, Cyrus's decree dramatically shifts the narrative from judgment to restoration. Its near-verbatim repetition at the beginning of [the Book of Ezra](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1 - The Beginning of Restoration") acts as a literary bridge, seamlessly connecting the history of the exile with the subsequent period of return and rebuilding, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan. It underscores that even in the darkest moments of exile, God's purposes for His people remained steadfast.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The decree of Cyrus was issued around 538 BC, shortly after the Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians who practiced forced assimilation and deportation, Cyrus implemented a policy of religious tolerance and repatriation, allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This policy, documented on the [Cyrus Cylinder], was likely a pragmatic strategy to secure the loyalty of his vast empire. For the exiled Jews, this was a divinely orchestrated opportunity to return to their ancestral land, Jerusalem, which held immense religious and national significance as the site of the Temple and the Davidic monarchy. The decree directly addresses the Jewish exiles, inviting them to participate in a divinely sanctioned project.

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse encapsulates several profound themes woven throughout the Chronicler's work. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is powerfully displayed, as a pagan king explicitly acknowledges the "LORD God of heaven" as the source of his vast dominion and the one who commissioned him. This highlights God's absolute control over all earthly rulers and historical events, using even those who do not know Him to accomplish His will, as seen in [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God's Anointing of Cyrus"). Secondly, it signifies the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly Jeremiah's seventy-year prophecy concerning the Babylonian exile, as found in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years"). This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, proving that His promises, both of judgment and restoration, will inevitably come to pass. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Restoration and Hope**, offering a clear path for the Jewish people to return to their land and re-establish their worship after decades of despair, marking the beginning of the post-exilic period and signifying God's grace and renewed covenant relationship with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"LORD God of heaven" (Hebrew, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, _YHWH Elohei HaShamayim'_):** This compound title is highly significant. "YHWH" (LORD) is the covenant name of Israel's God, emphasizing His personal relationship and faithfulness to His people. "Elohei HaShamayim" (God of heaven) emphasizes His universal dominion, transcendence, and supreme authority over all creation and earthly powers. For Cyrus, a pagan king, to use this specific title, rather than a generic deity, signifies either a profound divine influence or a shrewd political acknowledgment of the God of the people he was addressing. It underscores the Chronicler's theological point: YHWH is not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign ruler over all kingdoms of the earth, even those of mighty empires.
* **"charged me" (Hebrew, פָּקַד, _paqad'_):** This verb carries a range of meanings, including "to visit," "to appoint," "to command," or "to entrust." In this context, it denotes a divine commission or appointment. Cyrus understands himself not merely as acting on his own volition or for political expediency, but as being divinely tasked or entrusted by the "LORD God of heaven" with the specific mission of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This highlights the theological conviction that even the actions of pagan rulers are ultimately under God's sovereign control and serve His purposes.
* **"go up" (Hebrew, עָלָה, _alah'_):** This verb literally means "to ascend" or "to go up." In the context of returning to Jerusalem, it carries a profound spiritual and geographical significance. Jerusalem, being situated on hills, required an ascent. More importantly, going up to Jerusalem was synonymous with pilgrimage and worship at the Temple. It implies a spiritual elevation and a return to the center of Israel's covenant relationship with God, a sacred journey of restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia":** This opening phrase establishes the authoritative nature of the declaration, identifying the speaker as the most powerful monarch of the time. It grounds the decree in historical reality, emphasizing its legal and political weight.
* **"All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me;":** Cyrus here makes a remarkable confession, attributing his vast empire and authority not to his own might or to Persian deities, but directly to YHWH, the God of Israel. This statement is a powerful theological assertion by the Chronicler, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His ability to raise up and bring down rulers according to His divine will.
* **"and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah.":** This clause reveals the specific divine commission given to Cyrus. The "house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed. This is the core purpose of the decree from God's perspective: the restoration of His dwelling place among His people, located precisely in Jerusalem, within the tribal territory of Judah.
* **"Who [is there] among you of all his people?":** This is a direct, open invitation and a challenge. Cyrus addresses the Jewish exiles, specifically those who identify as "his people" (God's people). It is a call to action, inviting voluntary participation in this divinely appointed task.
* **"The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.":** This concluding phrase serves as both a blessing and an encouragement. It invokes God's presence and favor upon those who choose to respond to the call to return and rebuild. It implies divine protection and assistance for the arduous journey and the monumental task ahead, transforming a political decree into a spiritual summons.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 36:23. The most prominent is **Inclusio** or **Bookending**, as this verse is almost identical to [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"), forming a deliberate connection between the end of the exile narrative and the beginning of the restoration. This structural choice provides a powerful sense of continuity and divine purpose, assuring the reader that God's plan is unfolding precisely as intended. There is also a strong element of **Divine Irony**, where a pagan king, seemingly unaware of the full theological implications, becomes the instrument through whom the God of Israel accomplishes His redemptive purposes. This highlights God's ability to use unexpected agents to fulfill His will. Furthermore, the verse functions as a moment of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, directly echoing the prophecies of Jeremiah regarding the seventy-year exile ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years")) and Isaiah's specific naming of Cyrus as God's "shepherd" and "anointed" one ([Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God's Shepherd, Cyrus"); [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God's Anointed, Cyrus")). Finally, the decree itself acts as a **Call and Response** dynamic, with Cyrus's proclamation serving as God's invitation for His people to respond in faith and obedience to the divine summons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 36:23 stands as a monumental theological statement, affirming God's absolute and unwavering sovereignty over all of human history, even in its most tumultuous periods. It demonstrates that no empire, no human decision, and no period of suffering can thwart the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for His people. The Chronicler emphasizes that the exile was not a sign of God's defeat or abandonment, but a disciplinary measure leading to a promised restoration, orchestrated by God's hand through unlikely means. This verse underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, proving that His word will always come to pass, providing hope and direction even in seemingly hopeless situations. It challenges the reader to recognize God's active involvement in world affairs and His meticulous attention to the details of His people's lives, always working towards their ultimate good and His glory.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")
* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah's Prophecy Naming Cyrus")
* [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Cyrus's Decree in Ezra")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The decree of Cyrus in 2 Chronicles 36:23 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire, when our lives or the world around us feel like they are in "exile" or disarray, God remains supremely sovereign. He orchestrates events and uses unexpected individuals, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to accomplish His divine purposes. This should instill in us a deep trust in His timing and His unfailing faithfulness, knowing that He is always working behind the scenes, turning moments of judgment into opportunities for restoration. Just as the exiles were called to "go up" and participate in the rebuilding of the Temple, we too are called to actively engage in God's redemptive work in our world, responding with faith and obedience when He opens doors or issues a summons. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and discern God's larger, unfolding plan, finding hope in His ultimate victory and our role within it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cyrus's acknowledgment of "the LORD God of heaven" challenge our understanding of God's universal dominion over all earthly powers and circumstances?**
* **In what "exile" or difficult situation might God be calling you to "go up" and participate in His redemptive work today, even in unexpected ways?**
* **How does the precise fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, both personal and global?**

### FAQ
**Why would a pagan king like Cyrus acknowledge the LORD God of heaven?**

Answer: Cyrus's acknowledgment of "the LORD God of heaven" is a remarkable and theologically significant statement. From a human perspective, it could be attributed to several factors: his pragmatic policy of religious tolerance, which included respecting the deities of conquered peoples; the influence of Jewish advisors within his court, such as Daniel (though not explicitly stated in Chronicles/Ezra, Daniel was a prominent figure in the Babylonian and early Persian courts); or perhaps even a genuine, albeit limited, revelation from God, as God is capable of working through anyone to achieve His purposes. From the Chronicler's theological perspective, however, it is primarily a powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty. God is not confined to Israel; He is the "God of heaven" who rules over all nations and can move the hearts of kings, even pagan ones, to accomplish His will, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Cyrus's decree is thus presented not merely as a political act but as a divinely inspired one.

**What is the significance of this verse appearing at the very end of 2 Chronicles?**

Answer: The placement of 2 Chronicles 36:23 at the very end of the book is highly significant and intentional. It provides a hopeful and forward-looking conclusion to a narrative that has largely focused on the failures of Judah's kings, the nation's apostasy, and the devastating consequences of the Babylonian exile. Instead of ending on a note of despair and destruction, the Chronicler concludes with a promise of restoration and a clear path forward. This ending functions as a literary bridge to the Book of Ezra, which begins with the same decree, signaling continuity in God's plan. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful. The final words are not about judgment, but about a divine invitation to return and rebuild, leaving the reader with a sense of anticipation for God's ongoing work and a renewed hope in His redemptive purposes for His people. It underscores that God's story is one of ultimate restoration, even after severe discipline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decree of Cyrus in 2 Chronicles 36:23, while a historical event, profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Cyrus, a Gentile king, is divinely appointed to liberate God's people from exile and commission the rebuilding of the physical temple in Jerusalem. In a far greater sense, Jesus Christ, the true "anointed one" and "shepherd" ([Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God as Shepherd"); [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), comes not merely to release from physical captivity but to deliver humanity from the spiritual exile of sin and death. He is the ultimate "builder" of God's "house," not a stone structure, but the spiritual temple of His church, composed of believers ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). The call to "go up" to Jerusalem for the exiles finds its ultimate fulfillment in the call to "come to Christ" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")), who is the true spiritual Jerusalem, the city of God's presence ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Heavenly Jerusalem")). Just as Cyrus provided the means and the blessing for the physical return, Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, provides the ultimate means for our return to God, offering true freedom and the promise of eternal dwelling in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")).

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

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.