Ezra 1:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 1:2 records the momentous decree issued by King Cyrus of Persia, a pivotal declaration that initiated the end of the seventy-year Babylonian exile for the Jewish people. In this decree, Cyrus acknowledges the divine authority of "The LORD God of heaven" as the source of his vast dominion and explicitly states that this God has charged him with the task of rebuilding His house in Jerusalem, located in Judah. This verse serves as the foundational statement for the narrative of restoration that follows, highlighting God's sovereign hand in orchestrating global events for the fulfillment of His promises to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 1:2 immediately follows Ezra 1:1, which states that "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." This opening verse establishes the divine impetus behind Cyrus's decree, framing it not as a mere political act but as a direct fulfillment of prophecy and a result of God's active intervention. Verse 2 then presents the content of this divinely inspired proclamation, setting the stage for the subsequent verses (Ezra 1:3-4), which detail the specific permissions granted to the exiles—the right to return to Jerusalem and the call for assistance in rebuilding the Temple. The entire chapter functions as the prologue to the book of Ezra, explaining how the return from exile, a central theme of the post-exilic period, was made possible through God's sovereign work through a pagan king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The decree of Cyrus in 538 BC (his first year as ruler of Babylon, after conquering the city in 539 BC) marks a significant turning point in ancient Near Eastern history. The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, had pursued a policy of forced deportation and assimilation of conquered peoples, exemplified by the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants in 586 BC. In stark contrast, the Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, implemented a policy of religious tolerance and repatriation, allowing various peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This policy is attested not only in the biblical text but also in extra-biblical sources like the Cyrus Cylinder, which describes Cyrus's general policy of restoring cults and returning peoples to their lands. For the Jewish exiles, this decree meant the end of seventy years of captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). The specific mention of Jerusalem and Judah underscores the importance of this particular location as the spiritual and national center for the Jewish people, distinct from other repatriated groups.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 1:2 powerfully articulates several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all nations and their rulers. Even a powerful pagan king like Cyrus is portrayed as an unwitting instrument in God's hands, fulfilling His divine purposes (cf. [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")). Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly those concerning the seventy-year exile and the role of Cyrus himself, as foretold by Isaiah centuries earlier (cf. [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd") and [Isaiah 45:1-4](/isaiah/45 "Isaiah 45 - God's Anointed Cyrus")). This reinforces God's faithfulness to His word and His meticulous planning of history. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Initiative in Restoration**. The phrase "he hath charged me" reveals that the impetus for the return and rebuilding did not originate with Cyrus's political expediency but with God's direct command, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His desire to restore true worship in Jerusalem. This divine initiative is further emphasized in [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - God Stirring Cyrus's Spirit"), where it states that "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD God of heaven (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohei Shamayim_):** This significant title, used by a pagan king, emphasizes God's universal dominion and transcendence. "Yahweh" is the personal covenant name of Israel's God, while "Elohim" is the general term for God. The addition of "of heaven" (Shamayim) points to His supreme authority over all earthly powers and His cosmic rule, distinguishing Him from local deities. For Cyrus to acknowledge this specific God, rather than his own pantheon, as the source of his power and the one who "charged" him, is a profound testament to God's unparalleled authority and influence over the affairs of nations. It implies a recognition, however partial or pragmatic, of Yahweh's unique status as the ultimate sovereign.
* **charged (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** This verb carries a sense of appointment, visitation, or commissioning. It implies a divine imperative, not merely a suggestion or a political calculation. When God "charges" someone, it signifies a direct and authoritative assignment of responsibility. In this context, it means God has specifically laid upon Cyrus the duty and privilege of building His house. This is a divine mandate, underscoring that Cyrus's decree is not merely a human policy but an act orchestrated by God for His purposes.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** While "bayit" can refer to a physical dwelling, in this context, it unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was not just a building; it was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and the symbolic dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Its destruction was the ultimate sign of judgment and exile, and its rebuilding signified restoration, renewed covenant relationship, and the re-establishment of proper worship. Cyrus's decree, therefore, is about restoring the spiritual heart of the Jewish nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia":** This opening phrase establishes the authority of the speaker. Cyrus, as the king of the vast Persian Empire, wielded immense power and his decrees carried absolute weight. This formal declaration sets the tone for a binding and significant proclamation, ensuring that the following words are understood as official policy from the highest earthly authority.
* **"The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth":** This is a remarkable confession from a pagan monarch. Cyrus attributes his immense power and global dominion not to his own gods or military might, but to "The LORD God of heaven," the God of Israel. This statement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, demonstrating His ability to use even non-believers to accomplish His divine will. It reveals that God's power extends far beyond the borders of Israel, orchestrating global events.
* **"and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah":** This clause reveals the specific divine mandate given to Cyrus. The same God who granted him dominion has now commissioned him with a specific task: to rebuild His "house," the Temple, in Jerusalem. The precise geographical location, "which is in Judah," emphasizes the specific identity of the people and place connected to this divine task. This is the core purpose of the decree from God's perspective, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant and His desire for the restoration of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 1:2 employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention**, where God is portrayed as actively working through human agents, even a pagan king, to achieve His purposes. This highlights God's **sovereignty** over all earthly powers and events, demonstrating that His will cannot be thwarted. The verse also functions as a **Proclamation** or **Edict**, a formal and authoritative declaration from a king, which lends it legal and historical weight. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "The LORD God of heaven" by Cyrus can be seen as **Irony** or **Paradox**, as a polytheistic ruler acknowledges the monotheistic God of Israel as the source of his power and gives Him a divine commission. This unexpected recognition underscores the unique power and influence of Yahweh, even among those who do not explicitly worship Him. The entire passage also serves as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, directly referencing the prior prophecies concerning the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 1:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute sovereignty over all of creation and history. It demonstrates that God's plan of redemption is not confined to the actions of His covenant people alone but extends to His orchestrating of global politics and the hearts of kings. This verse profoundly illustrates that even when His people are in exile due to their disobedience, God remains committed to His promises, actively working behind the scenes to bring about their restoration. The unexpected instrument of a pagan king underscores that God is not limited by human expectations or conventional means, but can use anyone and anything to accomplish His will, ultimately for the glory of His name and the well-being of His people.

* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus, God's Shepherd")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 1:2 offers profound encouragement and a powerful reminder of God's active involvement in our world. In times of uncertainty, political upheaval, or personal hardship, this verse assures us that God remains on His throne, sovereign over all circumstances. Just as He used Cyrus, a seemingly unlikely instrument, to achieve His purposes for Israel, so too can He use unexpected individuals, events, or even difficult situations in our lives to bring about His good and perfect will. This calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in His overarching plan, even when we cannot see the immediate path forward. It challenges us to look beyond immediate appearances and recognize God's hand at work in the broader tapestry of history and in our personal journeys, knowing that His promises are unfailing and His redemptive purposes will ultimately prevail. We are invited to pray with confidence, knowing that the God who stirred the heart of a Persian king can certainly move in our situations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cyrus's acknowledgment of "The LORD God of heaven" challenge or expand your understanding of God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers?**
* **In what areas of your life or in current global events do you need to trust more deeply in God's ability to use unexpected means or people to accomplish His will?**
* **Considering the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse, how does God's faithfulness to His ancient promises encourage you regarding His promises for your own life?**
* **What "exiles" or periods of hardship in your life might God be working to bring to an end, and how might He be using unexpected instruments to bring about restoration?**

### FAQ

**How could a pagan king like Cyrus know or acknowledge "The LORD God of heaven"?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't explicitly detail how Cyrus gained this knowledge, several possibilities exist. Firstly, the Jewish exiles, particularly figures like Daniel (who served in the Babylonian and early Persian courts, as seen in the book of Daniel), likely played a significant role in making the God of Israel known to the ruling elite. Daniel's prophetic insights and interpretations of dreams and visions, which often pointed to God's sovereignty over kingdoms, could have influenced Cyrus. Secondly, Cyrus's general policy of religious tolerance and his pragmatic approach to governance might have led him to acknowledge the deities of conquered peoples, especially if he perceived their God as powerful or beneficial to his rule. The biblical text emphasizes that "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" ([Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - God Stirring Cyrus's Spirit")), indicating a divine influence on his heart and mind, regardless of his full theological understanding. This highlights God's ability to work through anyone, even those who do not fully know Him, to accomplish His purposes (cf. [Isaiah 45:4-5](/isaiah/45-4 "Isaiah 45:4-5 - God Calls Cyrus Though He Does Not Know Him")).

**Was Cyrus's decree unique to the Jewish people, or part of a broader policy?**

Answer: Cyrus's decree for the Jewish exiles was part of a broader policy of repatriation and religious restoration that he implemented across his vast empire. The Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay artifact, confirms that Cyrus allowed various deported peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their cultic shrines. However, the biblical account in Ezra 1:2-4 specifically details the unique aspects of the decree concerning Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple of "The LORD God of heaven." While the general policy was widespread, the specific divine charge to rebuild a "house" for the God of Israel in Jerusalem, and the subsequent provision of resources for this task (as detailed in [Ezra 1:4-11](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and Return of Exiles")), suggests a particular divine focus on the Jewish people and their spiritual center. God's sovereign hand ensured that His people received specific attention within the broader imperial policy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 1:2, with its declaration of divine sovereignty over earthly kings and the commission to rebuild God's house, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as Cyrus, a pagan king, was God's chosen instrument to initiate the physical restoration of the Temple and the return of His people, so Jesus Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords (cf. [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), is the divine agent of a far greater spiritual restoration. He is not merely charged to build a physical house, but to build His church, the spiritual Temple of God, composed of believers from every nation (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church") and [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The "kingdoms of the earth" given to Cyrus pale in comparison to the universal authority granted to Jesus, who declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The return from exile under Cyrus prefigured the ultimate liberation from the exile of sin and death accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")). Thus, Ezra 1:2 points us to Christ as the one through whom God's ultimate house is built, His people are truly gathered, and His eternal kingdom is established.

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

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?