Ezra 1:1

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:

Study Bible

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia
This phrase marks a significant historical moment. Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, began his reign over Babylon in 539 BC. The "first year" refers to the beginning of his rule over the Babylonian territories. Historically, Cyrus is known for his policy of religious tolerance and restoration, which aligns with the biblical narrative. His decree allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem, fulfilling God's promise. The mention of "Cyrus king of Persia" highlights God's sovereignty over nations and rulers, using them to accomplish His divine purposes.

to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah
This phrase underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Jeremiah had prophesied the return of the exiles after seventy years of captivity (Jeremiah 29:10). The Hebrew root for "fulfill" (מָלֵא, male') conveys the idea of completion and bringing to fruition. This fulfillment demonstrates God's control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It serves as a reminder that God's word is reliable and His promises are sure.

the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia
The phrase "stirred the spirit" indicates divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "stirred" (עוּר, 'ur) means to awaken or incite. This action by the LORD shows that God can move the hearts of even pagan kings to accomplish His will. It reflects the biblical theme that God is the ultimate authority over all creation, and He can use anyone, regardless of their beliefs, to fulfill His purposes. This divine stirring led to a pivotal moment in Jewish history, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple.

to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing, saying
The act of sending a proclamation "throughout his kingdom" and "putting it in writing" emphasizes the official and irrevocable nature of Cyrus's decree. In the ancient Near East, written decrees were binding and carried the full authority of the king. This ensured that the message reached all parts of the vast Persian Empire, which stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea. The written proclamation signifies the seriousness and permanence of the decree, ensuring that the return of the Jewish exiles was not just a verbal promise but a documented royal edict. This action highlights the meticulous and sovereign orchestration of God's plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cyrus King of Persia
The ruler of the Persian Empire who issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His actions were influenced by God to fulfill prophecy.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel who orchestrates events to fulfill His promises and prophecies, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and rulers.

3. Jeremiah
A prophet whose words from God predicted the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises.

4. Proclamation
The official decree issued by Cyrus, which was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

5. Persia
The empire that conquered Babylon and under whose rule the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to their homeland.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and uses even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that God can work through unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His plans.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The return of the exiles demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.

The Role of Leaders
Cyrus's willingness to act on God's prompting shows the importance of leaders being open to divine guidance. This encourages us to pray for our leaders to be receptive to God's direction.

Divine Stirring
Just as God stirred Cyrus's spirit, He can stir our hearts to act according to His will. We should be attentive to the Holy Spirit's prompting in our lives.

Hope and Restoration
The decree of Cyrus marks the beginning of restoration for the Jewish people. It serves as a reminder that God can bring restoration and hope to seemingly hopeless situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in Ezra 1:1, provide comfort and assurance in your current life circumstances?

2. In what ways can you see God's faithfulness to His promises in your own life, similar to how He fulfilled His word through Jeremiah?

3. How can you be open to God's prompting in your life, as Cyrus was, and what steps can you take to ensure you are receptive to His guidance?

4. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected person or situation to accomplish His purpose in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of His sovereignty?

5. Considering the theme of restoration in Ezra 1:1, how can you be an agent of hope and restoration in your community or personal relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 29:10
This verse contains the prophecy that after seventy years of exile, God would bring the Jews back to their land, which is directly referenced in Ezra 1:1.

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1
These passages prophesy about Cyrus by name, describing him as God's anointed who will facilitate the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
This passage parallels Ezra 1:1, providing additional context and confirmation of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy.