Ezra 1:2

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah.

Thus saith {H559} Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539}, The LORD {H3068} God {H430} of heaven {H8064} hath given {H5414} me all the kingdoms {H4467} of the earth {H776}; and he hath charged {H6485} me to build {H1129} him an house {H1004} at Jerusalem {H3389}, which is in Judah {H3063}.

"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.

“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.

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.

Ezra 1:2 records the pivotal decree of King Cyrus of Persia, a momentous declaration that marked the beginning of the end for the seventy-year Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people. This verse sets the stage for the return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of their temple.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the conquest of Babylon by the Persian Empire in 539 BC, King Cyrus the Great implemented a policy of religious tolerance, a stark contrast to the oppressive methods of the Babylonians. This decree, issued in his first year as ruler of Babylon, specifically allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland in Judah. Historically, this aligns with the general principles of the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay cylinder that describes Cyrus's policy of restoring cults and returning peoples to their lands, though the biblical account provides specific details about the temple and Jerusalem.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The most striking aspect of this verse is Cyrus's acknowledgement that "The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth." This highlights God's supreme authority over all nations and their rulers. Even a pagan king like Cyrus is portrayed as an instrument in God's hands, fulfilling His divine purposes. God's power extends beyond the boundaries of Israel, orchestrating global events to achieve His will.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Cyrus's decree is a remarkable fulfillment of specific prophecies. Jeremiah had foretold the seventy-year duration of the Babylonian exile, and its conclusion is marked by this decree. Even more astoundingly, Isaiah had prophesied about Cyrus by name centuries before his birth, declaring that he would command the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.
  • God's Initiative in Restoration: The phrase "he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem" underscores that this was not merely a political decision by Cyrus, but a divine imperative. God "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" (Ezra 1:1), prompting him to facilitate the return and the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people, initiating their return from exile and the rebuilding of their spiritual center.

Linguistic Insight

The title "The LORD God of heaven" (Hebrew: Yahweh Elohei Shamayim) is significant. It emphasizes God's universal dominion and His transcendence over all earthly powers. For Cyrus, a polytheistic king, to attribute his vast power to this particular God and acknowledge a divine commission to build His house in Jerusalem is a profound testament to God's unparalleled authority and influence over the affairs of nations.

Practical Application

Ezra 1:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or beyond human control. He can use unexpected individuals and events, even secular authorities, to accomplish His divine plan. This verse reinforces the truth that God's promises are unfailing and that He is always working towards the restoration and well-being of His people, even after periods of hardship or perceived absence. We can place our trust in God's sovereign will and His active involvement in history.

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.

  • Isaiah 45:12

    I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [even] my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

  • Isaiah 45:13

    I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • 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 45:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

  • Daniel 4:25

    That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

  • 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:

  • Isaiah 66:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

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