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,

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},

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:

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:

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,

Ezra 1:1 marks the dramatic opening of the book of Ezra, immediately establishing the historical and theological context for the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. This verse sets the stage for God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises.

Historical and Cultural Context

The verse begins, "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia," which places this pivotal event around 539-538 BC. This was shortly after Cyrus conquered Babylon, effectively ending the Babylonian Empire and ushering in the Persian Empire. The Jewish people had been held captive in Babylon for approximately 70 years, a period known as the Babylonian captivity, which began with Nebuchadnezzar's deportations from Judah.

Cyrus's decree was revolutionary for its time, allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, a policy designed to foster loyalty and stability within his vast empire. For the Jews, however, this was not merely a political maneuver but a divine intervention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The most striking theme is God's absolute control over human history and even the hearts of powerful rulers. It states, "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia." God uses a pagan king, seemingly unaware of Yahweh, as an instrument for His divine will, demonstrating that His plans transcend human politics and power. Proverbs 21:1 affirms this principle.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The phrase "that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled" highlights God's unwavering commitment to His prophetic word. The prophet Jeremiah had prophesied a 70-year period of desolation for Judah and Jerusalem, after which the exiles would return. Ezra 1:1 directly links Cyrus's decree to the culmination of this specific prophecy, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • Restoration and Hope: This verse marks the beginning of the post-exilic period, signaling hope and the opportunity for the Jewish community to return to their land, rebuild the Temple, and re-establish their national and spiritual identity. It is a testament to God's restorative grace even after judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "stirred up" is 'ur (עוּר), meaning to rouse, awaken, or incite. It vividly portrays God actively influencing Cyrus's heart and mind, not merely observing but divinely orchestrating his actions. This demonstrates that God's sovereignty is not passive but dynamic, working through individuals, even those outside the covenant, to achieve His purposes.

Practical Application

Ezra 1:1 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively at work in the world, even in political landscapes and through unexpected leaders, to accomplish His ultimate plan. We can trust that God's promises, both personal and global, will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Even when circumstances seem bleak or human efforts fail, God's sovereign hand is always moving to bring about His purposes of redemption and restoration. This verse invites us to look beyond immediate events and recognize the larger narrative of God's faithfulness and power.

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.

  • 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:

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