Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Whoever among you belongs to His peopleThis phrase signifies an open invitation to the Israelites, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's call. The Hebrew word for "people" is "עַם" (am), which often refers to a covenant community. This highlights the continuity of God's promises to His chosen people, Israel. Historically, this call comes after the Babylonian exile, a period of significant trial and purification for the Israelites. It is a reminder of their identity and God's enduring faithfulness. may his God be with him
This blessing underscores the personal relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "אֱלֹהָיו" (Elohav), indicating a personal, possessive form of Elohim, suggesting intimacy and divine favor. The phrase reassures the Israelites of God's presence and guidance as they undertake the daunting task of returning to a desolate homeland. It echoes the covenantal promise that God will never forsake His people. and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah
The directive to "go" is a call to action, a step of faith. "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַם, Yerushalayim) is not just a geographical location but a symbol of spiritual significance, representing the heart of Jewish worship and identity. "Judah" (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) is the tribal territory, reminding the exiles of their heritage and the promises tied to the land. This journey is both physical and spiritual, a return to the roots of their faith. and build the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple, the central place of worship and sacrifice. The Hebrew word for "build" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which implies not just construction but restoration and renewal. This task is a divine mandate, a call to restore the worship of Yahweh in its rightful place. It signifies a new beginning, a chance to reestablish the covenant relationship with God. the God of Israel
This title reaffirms God's unique relationship with Israel. "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisrael) is both a name and a destiny, meaning "God prevails." It serves as a reminder of the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel after wrestling with God. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and His unchanging commitment to His people. He is the God who is in Jerusalem
This statement highlights God's presence in a specific location, Jerusalem, the city chosen by God for His dwelling. It underscores the theological truth that while God is omnipresent, He has chosen to manifest His presence uniquely in Jerusalem. This is a call to recognize the sacredness of the city and the temple as the focal point of divine-human interaction. Historically, it reassures the returning exiles that God has not abandoned His chosen city and that His promises remain steadfast. Persons / Places / Events 1. Cyrus the GreatThe Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His role is pivotal as a Gentile ruler used by God to fulfill His purposes. 2. The IsraelitesSpecifically, those who were in exile in Babylon. They are the recipients of the decree and are called to return to their homeland to rebuild the temple. 3. JerusalemThe city in Judah where the temple of the LORD is to be rebuilt. It holds significant spiritual and historical importance for the Israelites. 4. The Temple of the LORDThe central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its reconstruction is a key focus of the book of Ezra. 5. JudahThe region where Jerusalem is located, representing the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod can use anyone, even a pagan king, to fulfill His divine purposes. This reminds us that God is in control of history and can work through unexpected means. Call to ActionThe decree is an invitation for the Israelites to participate in God's plan. Similarly, we are called to respond to God's invitations in our lives with obedience and faith. Restoration and HopeThe rebuilding of the temple symbolizes restoration and hope for the future. In our lives, God offers restoration and new beginnings through His grace. Community and IdentityThe call to return to Jerusalem is also a call to re-establish community and identity centered around worship. We are reminded of the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Faithfulness to God's PromisesThe fulfillment of prophecy through Cyrus's decree underscores God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the decree of Cyrus demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events? 2. In what ways are we called to "rebuild" in our own lives or communities, and how can we discern God's leading in these areas? 3. How does the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple serve as a metaphor for spiritual renewal in our personal lives? 4. What role does community play in our spiritual journey, and how can we foster a sense of community in our local church or fellowship? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling a promise. How can this encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 36:22-23This passage parallels Ezra 1:1-3, showing the fulfillment of God's promise through Cyrus's decree. Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 These prophecies mention Cyrus by name, highlighting God's sovereignty in using him to accomplish His purposes. Jeremiah 29:10This verse speaks of the 70-year exile, which is now ending with the decree of Cyrus, fulfilling God's promise to bring His people back. | God with Us | William Jones. | Ezra 1:3 | | Our Choice of the True Life | Homiletic Review | Ezra 1:3 | | Our God | Stephen Charnocke, B. D. | Ezra 1:3 | | The Release of the Jews from Babylon an Illustration of the Redemption of Man from Sin | W. Jones. | Ezra 1:3 | | Cyrus | G. M. Grant, B. D. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | Divine Communications | John Robertson., T. J. Holmes. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | Divine Stirrings in the Human Soul | | Ezra 1:1-11 | | God is Calling Men to Build | J. Parker, D. D | Ezra 1:1-11 | | God's House Built for the Sake of Man | J. Parker, D. D | Ezra 1:1-11 | | Inspiration Tested | J. Parker, D. D | Ezra 1:1-11 | | Returning from the Captivity | D. J. Burrell, D. D. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | Revivals | J. Parker, D. D | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Beginning of a Great Religious Movement | J.S. Exell | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Captivity of Evil | A. J. Morris. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Discipline of the Captivity | Sermons by Monday Club | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Edict of Cyrus | William Jones. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Exile Ended | W. Clarkson, B. A. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The First Year of Cyrus | Walter F. Adeney, M. A. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Fulfilment of the Word of the Lord | W. Jones. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Proclamation of Cyrus | William Sleigh. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Proclamation of Cyrus and the Proclamation of the Gospel Minister Compared | Homilist | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Return from the Captivity | J. Mackenzie, D. D. | Ezra 1:1-11 | | The Wide Reach of the Rule of God | W. Clarkson | Ezra 1:1-4, 7-11 |
People Benjamin, Cyrus, Jeremiah, Mithredath, Nebuchadnezzar, SheshbazzarPlaces Babylonia, Jerusalem, PersiaTopics Build, Building, Jerusalem, Judah, Rebuild, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 1:1-3 1035 God, faithfulness
1355 providence
7217 exile, in Babylon
7241 Jerusalem, significance Ezra 1:1-4 1305 God, activity of
4215 Babylon
5366 king
7240 Jerusalem, history
7468 temple, rebuilding Ezra 1:1-5 7135 Israel, people of God Ezra 1:1-11 4333 gold Library The Eve of the Restoration
'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, 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 a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3. Who is there among you of all His people? his God …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureYouthful Confessors
'But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink; for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Extracts No. vi.
[Here twelve pages or more of the objector's manuscript are omitted, as the nature of his arguments will pretty fully appear in the reply; and as he has been obliged to rescind the ground he had taken, it is not expedient to publish his remarks. That the reader may see a little of the manner, however, in which he has given up his part of the argument, the following is inserted.] "Speaking however on the evidences of revelation, you have stated some things worthy of serious consideration; which if …
Hosea Ballou—A Series of Letters In Defence of Divine Revelation Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
"It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2: 13). Concerning the nature and the power of fallen man's will, the greatest confusion prevails today, and the most erroneous views are held, even by many of God's children. The popular idea now prevailing, and which is taught from the great majority of pulpits, is that man has a "free will," and that salvation comes to the sinner through his will co-operating with the Holy Spirit. To deny the "free will" of man, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 1:3 NIVEzra 1:3 NLTEzra 1:3 ESVEzra 1:3 NASBEzra 1:3 KJV
Ezra 1:3 Commentaries
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