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… View it — I. In a way of LITERAL INTERPRETATION. 1. The person by whom this proclamation was issued. 2. The proclamation itself. II. In a way of SPIRITUAL IMPROVEMENT. 1. What a sad state the men of the world at large are in. They are slaves, being in bondage to their lusts, to the world, to Satan, and to the grave (Romans 6:12; Romans 8:21; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:26; 2 Peter 2:19; 1 John 5:19.) 2. What an invaluable blessing the gospel is. 3. What will be necessary to obtain what it offers? 4. What is our bounden duty when it has become effectual for our good? God is said to "raise the spirits" of such as are ambitious for liberty; and it need not be mid to whom we are indebted if we differ from others (1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10; James 1:17). (William Sleigh.) 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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