2 Chronicles 36:23

"This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.'"

Study Bible

This is what Cyrus king of Persia says
Cyrus, known historically as Cyrus the Great, was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. His decree marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, as it fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 44:28) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10) regarding the return of the Jewish exiles. The phrase underscores the sovereignty of God in using a Gentile king to accomplish His divine purposes. The historical context reveals Cyrus as a ruler known for his policy of religious tolerance, which aligns with the biblical narrative of God using even those outside the covenant community to fulfill His plans.

The LORD, the God of heaven
This title for God emphasizes His supreme authority and dominion over all creation. The Hebrew term "YHWH" (LORD) is the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. "The God of heaven" reflects a recognition of God's universal sovereignty, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. This acknowledgment by a Persian king highlights the biblical theme that God's power and authority are recognized even by those outside Israel.

has given me all the kingdoms of the earth
Cyrus attributes his conquests and authority to the divine will of God. This statement reflects the biblical principle that all earthly power is ultimately granted by God (Romans 13:1). The phrase underscores the theme of divine providence, where God orchestrates the affairs of nations to fulfill His purposes. Historically, Cyrus's empire was vast, and his acknowledgment of God's hand in his success serves as a testament to God's control over history.

and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah
The "house" refers to the temple, the central place of worship for the Jewish people. The Hebrew word for "appointed" suggests a divine commissioning, indicating that Cyrus's actions are part of God's redemptive plan. This decree fulfills the prophecy of the temple's restoration, symbolizing the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The historical context of the temple's destruction and subsequent rebuilding highlights God's faithfulness in restoring what was lost.

Any of His people among you may go up
This invitation signifies the end of the Babylonian exile and the beginning of the return to the Promised Land. The phrase "His people" reaffirms the identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people, called to fulfill their covenantal role. The opportunity to "go up" to Jerusalem is both a physical and spiritual journey, symbolizing a return to faithfulness and obedience to God. This echoes the biblical theme of redemption and restoration.

and may the LORD his God be with him
This blessing invokes God's presence and favor upon those who choose to return. The phrase reflects the covenant promise that God will be with His people, guiding and protecting them. It serves as an assurance of divine support and encouragement for the daunting task of rebuilding. Theologically, it underscores the importance of God's presence in the life of His people, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cyrus King of Persia
The ruler who conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. His actions were seen as divinely inspired, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

2. The LORD, the God of heaven
The sovereign God who orchestrates the events of history, using even foreign kings to accomplish His purposes.

3. Jerusalem in Judah
The city chosen by God as the place for His temple, symbolizing His presence among His people.

4. The House for God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was to be rebuilt as a place of worship and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel.

5. The Return of the Exiles
The event where the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland after the Babylonian exile, marking a significant moment of restoration and hope.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in History
God is in control of all nations and rulers, using them to fulfill His divine purposes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The decree of Cyrus is a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy, demonstrating the reliability of God's word. Believers can have confidence that God's promises will come to pass.

Restoration and Hope
The return from exile symbolizes spiritual renewal and hope. Just as God restored Israel, He offers restoration to those who turn back to Him today.

Obedience and Participation
Cyrus's decree invited the people to participate in God's plan. Believers are called to respond to God's invitations in their lives, actively participating in His work.

God's Presence with His People
The rebuilding of the temple signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors His presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in Cyrus's decree, impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can you see the fulfillment of God's promises in your own life, similar to the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage?

3. How can the theme of restoration in this passage encourage you in areas of your life where you seek renewal?

4. What steps can you take to actively participate in God's work, as the exiles were invited to do in rebuilding the temple?

5. How does understanding that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit influence your daily actions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1
These passages prophesy about Cyrus, calling him God's anointed and foretelling his role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

Ezra 1:1-4
Provides a parallel account of Cyrus's decree, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's word through Jeremiah and the stirring of the spirit of the people to return and rebuild.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
Speaks of God's promise to bring the exiles back after seventy years, highlighting His faithfulness and plans for restoration.