Ezra 5:13

KJV

But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {H1297} in the first {H2298} year {H8140} of Cyrus {H3567} the king {H4430} of Babylon {H895} the same king {H4430} Cyrus {H3567} made {H7761} a decree {H2942} to build {H1124} this {H1836} house {H1005} of God {H426}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But in the first year of Koresh king of Bavel, Koresh the king gave authorization to rebuild this house of God.

Berean Standard Bible

In his first year, however, Cyrus king of Babylon issued a decree to rebuild this house of God.

American Standard Version

But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:13 recounts the crucial decree issued by King Cyrus, authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse is presented by the Jewish elders to Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, serving as the foundational legal and divine justification for their resumed construction efforts, which had been halted for many years due to opposition. It underscores the sovereign hand of God orchestrating historical events through unexpected channels to fulfill His redemptive purposes for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:13 is embedded within a critical dialogue between the Jewish elders, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and the Persian officials, specifically Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai (Ezra 5:3). These officials question the authority of the Jews to resume building the Temple after a long period of inactivity. The elders respond by referencing King Cyrus’s original decree, which forms the core of this verse and the subsequent appeal to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17). This verse directly recalls the events of [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Original Decree"), where Cyrus initially issued the edict. It stands in stark contrast to the opposition and cessation of work detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"), highlighting the renewed impetus for construction spurred by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1-2).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early Achaemenid Persian Empire, which had recently conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Cyrus the Great, a visionary ruler, implemented a policy of relative benevolence towards conquered peoples, allowing them to return to their homelands and restore their religious cults. This was a significant departure from the Assyrian and Babylonian policies of forced deportation and assimilation. The decree mentioned in Ezra 5:13 was not an isolated act but part of a broader imperial strategy aimed at securing loyalty and stability within the vast empire. For the Jews, this decree was monumental, signifying the end of their seventy-year Babylonian exile foretold by prophets like Jeremiah. The administrative structure of the Persian Empire, including satrapies and governors like Tatnai in Trans-Euphrates (the region west of the Euphrates River, including Judah), meant that any major building project required imperial sanction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezra. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ability to work through pagan rulers like Cyrus to accomplish His will, even using a foreign king to restore His people and their worship in Jerusalem. This echoes the truth that [the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Cyrus's edict directly fulfills prophecies made decades earlier by Isaiah concerning a ruler named Cyrus who would command the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple ([Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Prophecy of Cyrus")) and by Jeremiah regarding the end of the [seventy years of Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Legitimacy and Authority**, as the decree provides the crucial legal backing for the rebuilding project, asserting that it was not an unauthorized rebellion but had legitimate imperial sanction. This legal foundation was essential for the Jews to argue their case before the Persian authorities and eventually receive renewed support from King Darius.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cyrus (Hebrew, _Koresh'_):** This name refers to Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. His appearance in biblical prophecy (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1) decades before his birth highlights God's pre-emptive knowledge and sovereign control over history. His decree to rebuild the Temple is a testament to God's ability to use even non-believing rulers as instruments of His divine plan, demonstrating that no human power can thwart His purposes.
* **king of Babylon (Aramaic, _melek Babel'_):** While Cyrus was Persian, this title signifies his recent conquest of the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC. By referring to him as "king of Babylon," the text emphasizes the scope of his dominion and authority over the very territory from which the Jewish exiles were returning. It underscores that the decree was issued by the undisputed ruler of the region, lending immense weight and legitimacy to his command.
* **decree (Aramaic, _ṭe'em'_):** This Aramaic term signifies an official, authoritative royal edict or command. It implies a formal, legally binding pronouncement from the highest authority in the empire. This was not a mere suggestion or permission but a powerful, enforceable mandate. The use of this specific term highlights the legal and administrative weight behind Cyrus's authorization, which was crucial for the Jewish elders to present to Tatnai.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon":** This clause precisely dates the original decree to the very beginning of Cyrus's reign over Babylon (539/538 BC). It establishes the historical context and the immense authority of the one issuing the command. The mention of "king of Babylon" emphasizes his dominion over the former captors of Israel, signifying a dramatic shift in power and a new era for the exiles.
* **"[the same] king Cyrus made a decree":** The repetition of "king Cyrus" (or "the same king Cyrus" in KJV) serves to emphasize the personal and deliberate nature of the king's action. It underscores that this was a specific, intentional act by the highest authority, not a general policy or an act by a subordinate. The phrase "made a decree" highlights the active and authoritative nature of his command, signifying a formal, binding royal edict.
* **"to build this house of God":** This final clause states the explicit purpose and divine mandate of the decree: the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "house of God" clearly identifies the sacred nature of the building and its significance for the worship of Yahweh. This purpose was not merely a political concession but, from a theological perspective, the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His dwelling place among His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus," which serves to emphasize the specific individual and his supreme authority. This repetition reinforces the legitimacy and weight of the decree. The use of **Legal Language** through the term "decree" (_ṭe'em_) underscores the official, binding, and authoritative nature of the king's command. This formal terminology lends an air of unimpeachable authenticity to the Jewish elders' argument. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Retrospection** or **Flashback**, as the elders are recalling a past, foundational event (Cyrus's original decree) to justify their current actions and to counter the accusations of the Persian officials. This literary technique effectively grounds their present work in a divinely sanctioned historical precedent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's plans are not contingent upon human piety or political stability, but rather transcend all earthly powers. Through the decree of a pagan king like Cyrus, God orchestrated the return of His people and the rebuilding of His Temple, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and their rulers. This verse reassures believers that God is actively at work, even in the most unexpected ways and through the most unlikely instruments, to bring about His redemptive purposes. It highlights that divine authorization is the ultimate foundation for sacred work, providing both legitimacy and the assurance of ultimate success despite opposition.

* [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Original Decree")
* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Prophecy of Cyrus")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:13 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating periods of delay, opposition, or uncertainty in their spiritual journey or ministry. It reminds us that God's purposes are immutable and His decrees stand firm, regardless of the challenges we face. Just as the Jewish exiles had to recall and re-assert the original divine authorization for their work, we too are called to anchor our faith and efforts in God's unchanging word and sovereign will. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust that God is at work, often in unseen ways and through unexpected channels, to bring His plans to fruition. It challenges us to persevere in our God-given callings, knowing that His authorization is our ultimate validation and strength, even when the path is difficult or opposition arises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem bleak or His instruments are unexpected?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you need to remember that God's decree and authorization stand firm, despite opposition?**
* **What does it mean for us to persevere in God's work, knowing that God's plans will ultimately prevail, even if there are delays?**

### FAQ

**Why is Cyrus called "king of Babylon" here, given he was Persian?**

Answer: Cyrus is called "king of Babylon" because he had recently conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC, thereby inheriting its dominion and authority over the region where the Jewish exiles resided. This title emphasizes the vast scope of his power and the legitimacy of his rule over the very territory from which the Jews were returning. It underscores that the decree was issued by the supreme ruler of the land, giving it undeniable legal weight in the eyes of the Persian officials like Tatnai.

**Why was this specific decree so important to the Jewish elders when questioned by Tatnai?**

Answer: This decree was paramount to the Jewish elders because it provided the irrefutable legal and divine authorization for their rebuilding efforts. After years of cessation due to opposition (as described in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")), the elders needed to demonstrate that their work was not an act of rebellion or unauthorized construction. Cyrus's original decree, detailed in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree"), was the imperial sanction that permitted their return and the reconstruction of the Temple. By referencing this specific, documented decree, they asserted their legitimate right to continue the work, appealing to the very legal framework of the Persian Empire.

**How does Ezra 5:13 relate to the earlier cessation of work on the Temple, as described in Ezra 4?**

Answer: Ezra 5:13 directly addresses the context of the earlier cessation of work. While Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1) provided the initial authorization and impetus for the rebuilding, opposition from surrounding peoples led to the work being halted for many years, as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). Ezra 5 picks up with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirring the people to resume building. When Persian officials, led by Tatnai, inquire about their authority to restart, the elders refer back to the original, foundational decree of Cyrus in Ezra 5:13. This verse, therefore, serves as the Jewish response to the challenge, re-asserting the validity and divine backing of their project despite the long interruption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:13, with its emphasis on a sovereign decree from a powerful king enabling the rebuilding of God's house, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, eternal "decree" of God concerning the building of His spiritual house through [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Just as Cyrus was God's chosen instrument to restore the physical Temple, Christ is God's ultimate instrument for the restoration of humanity and the establishment of the true spiritual Temple, His Church. The physical Temple, authorized by Cyrus, was a shadow of the spiritual reality where God dwells among His people. In Christ, God's ultimate decree of salvation is fulfilled, as He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ inaugurates a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") where believers become [living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House") in a spiritual house, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Thus, Cyrus's decree in Ezra 5:13 points beyond itself to God's greater, eternal purpose to dwell with humanity through His Son, Jesus, who not only authorizes but *is* the very foundation and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

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.