The Return to the Exiles refers to the period in Jewish history when the Israelites, who had been taken captive to Babylon, were allowed to return to their homeland, Judah, and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. This significant event is primarily chronicled in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and portions of the prophetic books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Haggai.

Historical Context

The Babylonian Exile began in 586 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, taking many Israelites captive. This period of exile lasted approximately 70 years, fulfilling the prophecy given by Jeremiah: "This whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years" (Jeremiah 25:11).

The Decree of Cyrus

The return was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. In the first year of his reign, Cyrus issued a proclamation allowing the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This decree is recorded in Ezra 1:2-3: "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. 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.’"

The First Return

Led by Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, and Jeshua the high priest, the first group of exiles returned around 538 BC. This group focused on rebuilding the altar and laying the foundations of the Second Temple, as described in Ezra 3:8-11. Despite opposition from surrounding peoples, the Temple was completed in 516 BC, during the reign of Darius the Great, marking the end of the 70-year exile.

The Role of Prophets

Prophets such as Haggai and Zechariah played crucial roles during this period, encouraging the people to continue the work of rebuilding despite challenges. Haggai 1:7-8 exhorts, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Consider carefully your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,’ says the LORD."

The Second Return

The second major return was led by Ezra, a scribe and priest, around 458 BC. Ezra's mission was not only to bring more exiles back but also to restore adherence to the Law of Moses among the people. Ezra 7:10 states, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel."

The Third Return

Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, led the third return around 445 BC. His primary focus was the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, which he accomplished in just 52 days despite significant opposition. Nehemiah 6:15-16 records, "So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."

Spiritual and Social Reforms

The return to the land was not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal. Both Ezra and Nehemiah implemented reforms to address intermarriage with foreign nations, Sabbath observance, and the support of the Temple and its services. Nehemiah 8 describes a public reading of the Law, leading to national repentance and covenant renewal.

Significance

The Return to the Exiles is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and restoring His people. It set the stage for the coming of the Messiah by reestablishing the Jewish community in the land of Israel, preserving the Davidic line, and renewing the focus on the Law and worship.