Ezra 1:1-11 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled… I. THE DEVOUT ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY. 1. In the bestowment of His favours. 2. In the authority of His commands. II. THE MAGNANIMOUS EMANCIPATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE. 1. The spirit in which this emancipation was made. (1) It was generous. (2) It was pious. 2. The purpose for which the emancipation was made. III. THE GENEROUS EXHORTATION TO ASSIST GOD'S PEOPLE, 1. Its purport. 2. The persons to whom it was addressed. 3. The pattern by which it was enforced. Rawlinson regards "the free-will offering for the house of God" as the gift of Cyrus himself.He not only wished them well, but helped them to realise his wishes. Lessons : 1. Be prepared to acknowledge and appreciate moral excellence outside of the visible Church of God (Luke 7:1-10; Acts 10:22). 2. Imitate Cyrus in his practical acknowledgment of the sovereignty of God. 3. When we cannot offer our labours in good enterprises, let us cheerfully offer our gifts. (William Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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, |
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