Ezra 1:1

KJV

¶ 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,

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} by the mouth {H6310} of Jeremiah {H3414} might be fulfilled {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

In the first year of Koresh king of Persia, in order for the word of ADONAI prophesied by Yirmeyahu to be fulfilled, ADONAI stirred up the spirit of Koresh king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his whole kingdom, which he also put in writing, as follows:

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
Ezra 1:1 serves as the foundational opening of the book of Ezra, immediately highlighting the divine orchestration of history as God moves the heart of the pagan King Cyrus of Persia to issue a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This pivotal verse not only establishes the precise historical moment of the post-exilic restoration but also powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient prophetic promises, particularly those delivered through Jeremiah, setting the stage for the dramatic return of His people to their homeland.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 1:1 functions as a crucial bridge, seamlessly connecting the narrative of the Old Testament, particularly the end of 2 Chronicles, which concludes with a summary of Cyrus’s decree, to the new era of post-exilic restoration. As the opening verse of the book of Ezra, it immediately establishes the central theme of God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the return of His people from Babylonian captivity. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters, which detail the initial wave of returnees, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the challenges faced by the community in re-establishing their life in Judah, thereby laying the theological and historical groundwork for the entire narrative that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse places this momentous event "in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia," which corresponds to approximately 539-538 BC, immediately following Cyrus's conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. This victory marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had held the Jewish people in exile for nearly 70 years, a period prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of 70 Years of Desolation") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Return After 70 Years")). Cyrus's policy, famously documented in the Cyrus Cylinder, was revolutionary for its time, allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, a stark contrast to the Assyrian and Babylonian policies of forced assimilation. This benevolent approach was likely a pragmatic strategy to foster loyalty and stability within his vast, multicultural empire, but for the Jewish people, it was unequivocally a divinely orchestrated intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 1:1 powerfully introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as the text explicitly states, "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia," demonstrating God's absolute control over human history, even over the hearts of powerful pagan rulers, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. This highlights that God's plans transcend human politics and power, as affirmed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD"). Another critical theme is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, emphasized by the phrase "that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled." This underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His prophetic word, providing assurance that His declared intentions will inevitably come to pass. Finally, the verse signals the beginning of **Restoration and Hope** for the exiled community, marking the end of a period of judgment and the commencement of a new era of return, rebuilding, and the re-establishment of their national and spiritual identity in the land of Judah, a testament to God's restorative grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stirred up (Hebrew, _ʿur_):** This verb (עוּר) literally means "to rouse," "to awaken," "to incite," or "to stimulate." In this context, it vividly portrays God's active, direct, and dynamic influence on Cyrus's inner being, his will, and his decision-making. It is not a passive observation but a divine orchestration, demonstrating God's sovereign power to work through individuals, even those seemingly outside His covenant, to achieve His specific redemptive purposes in history. The same word is used elsewhere to describe God rousing nations for judgment (e.g., [Isaiah 13:17](/isaiah/13-17 "Isaiah 13:17 - God Stirring Up the Medes")).
* **Word of the LORD (Hebrew, _devar Yahweh_):** This phrase (דְּבַר יְהוָה) signifies a divine revelation or prophetic utterance. Its inclusion here is crucial, elevating Cyrus's decree from a mere political act to a direct fulfillment of God's revealed will. It emphasizes the authority and reliability of God's prophetic declarations, particularly those given through Jeremiah concerning the 70-year exile and the subsequent return. This highlights the theological conviction that historical events are not random but part of God's pre-ordained plan, executed in accordance with His spoken word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia":** This opening clause immediately anchors the narrative in a precise historical context, dating the event to approximately 539-538 BC. It signifies a pivotal moment in ancient Near Eastern history—the dawn of the Persian Empire and the end of Babylonian dominance—and simultaneously marks the beginning of a new era for the Jewish people after decades of exile.
* **"that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled":** This explanatory clause provides the theological rationale for Cyrus's actions. It explicitly links the king's decree to the fulfillment of divine prophecy, specifically Jeremiah's prediction of a 70-year exile followed by a return (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Prophecy of 70 Years Exile")). This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises and His active superintendence over historical events.
* **"the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia":** This is the theological heart of the verse, asserting divine sovereignty. It declares that Cyrus's decision was not merely a political maneuver but a direct result of God's supernatural influence on his will and mind. God, the ultimate sovereign, uses a pagan king as an instrument for His redemptive purposes, demonstrating His power over all rulers and nations.
* **"that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying":** This final clause describes the practical outcome of God's stirring. Cyrus's divinely inspired decision led to a widespread, official decree, both orally proclaimed and formally written, ensuring its broad dissemination and legal authority. This proclamation, detailed in the subsequent verses, directly initiated the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 1:1 is rich in **Historical Narrative**, serving as a precise chronological marker that grounds the spiritual events in verifiable historical context. The phrase "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" is a powerful example of **Divine Intervention**, explicitly attributing a human ruler's actions to God's direct influence, thereby emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. This also functions as **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the text directly links Cyrus's decree to Jeremiah's earlier predictions, highlighting the reliability and ultimate triumph of God's word. The verse also employs **Proclamation/Edict** as a narrative device, setting the stage for the unfolding events by detailing the official declaration that initiates the return and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 1:1 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute sovereignty over human history. It reveals that even the most powerful secular rulers are ultimately instruments in God's hands, used to accomplish His divine purposes and fulfill His ancient promises. This verse reassures believers that God is actively at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events, even through unexpected means, to bring about His redemptive plan, demonstrating that His word will never return void.

* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God's Prophecy Naming Cyrus")
* [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - Fall of Babylon")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return After 70 Years")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 1:1 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating life's uncertainties. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but an active, sovereign Lord who orchestrates global events and influences the hearts of leaders, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to achieve His ultimate purposes. In times of waiting, despair, or political turmoil, this verse calls us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that His promises, whether personal or corporate, will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and human politics, recognizing the larger narrative of God's faithfulness and power at work in the world, always moving towards redemption and restoration. We are invited to pray for our leaders, confident that God can use anyone to advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezra 1:1 challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in contemporary global events?**
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for a "word of the LORD" to be fulfilled, and how does this verse encourage your patience and trust?**
* **How might recognizing God's work through unexpected instruments (like Cyrus) change your perspective on seemingly secular or political developments?**

### FAQ
**Why was Cyrus's decree so significant for the Jewish people?**

Answer: Cyrus's decree, as described in [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree"), was profoundly significant for several reasons. Historically, it marked the official end of the 70-year Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and spiritual introspection for the Jewish people, fulfilling the prophecy of [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return After 70 Years"). Theologically, it was seen as a direct act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His power to "stir up" the heart of a pagan king to accomplish His will. Culturally, it allowed the Jewish community to return to their ancestral homeland, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (cf. [Ezra 1:2-3](/ezra/1-2 "Ezra 1:2-3 - Cyrus's Proclamation to Rebuild the Temple")), and re-establish their national and religious identity, laying the groundwork for the Second Temple period. It was a unique policy compared to other ancient empires, making it a source of immense hope and a clear sign of God's restorative grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 1:1, with its powerful declaration of God's sovereign hand "stirring up the spirit of Cyrus" to fulfill prophecy and initiate the return and rebuilding, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Just as God used a pagan king to facilitate the rebuilding of a physical temple and the restoration of a physical nation, so too does He sovereignly orchestrate all history to bring about the spiritual rebuilding and eternal restoration through His Son. Christ is the ultimate "word of the LORD" made flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Rebuilding of the Temple")), and through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He initiates a new exodus, gathering a spiritual Israel from every nation (cf. [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The "stirring" of Cyrus's spirit pales in comparison to the Spirit of God poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers to be living stones built into a spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")), fulfilling the ultimate restoration not of a physical building, but of humanity's relationship with God through the finished work of Christ.

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 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.

2 Chronicles 36:22

¶ 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,

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.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

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.

Jeremiah 25:14

For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.

Ezra 7:27

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem: