The term "The Returnees" refers to the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity following the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. This significant event marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, as it fulfilled the prophetic promises of restoration and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland.

Historical Context

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

In 539 BC, Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This decree is recorded in the book of Ezra: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing" (Ezra 1:1).

The First Return

The first group of returnees was led by Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, and Jeshua the high priest. Approximately 42,360 Jews, along with their servants and animals, made the journey back to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:64-65). Upon their return, they began the arduous task of rebuilding the Temple, laying its foundation amidst opposition from surrounding peoples (Ezra 3:10-13).

The Second Return

Several decades later, a second group of exiles returned under the leadership of Ezra, a scribe and priest well-versed in the Law of Moses. Ezra's return was marked by a spiritual revival, as he taught the people the Law and led them in a covenant renewal ceremony. The book of Ezra records this event: "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" (Ezra 7:10).

The Third Return

The final significant return was led by Nehemiah, who served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Nehemiah's mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which lay in ruins. Despite facing intense opposition, Nehemiah successfully completed the wall in just 52 days, demonstrating God's providential care and the determination of the returnees (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

Significance

The return of the exiles was not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual renewal and re-establishment of the Jewish identity centered around the worship of Yahweh. The rebuilding of the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem symbolized the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The returnees' commitment to the Law and their efforts to purify the community from foreign influences underscored their dedication to living as a holy nation set apart for God's purposes.

The prophetic voices of Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the returnees in their task, reminding them of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah. Haggai exhorted the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the Temple, while Zechariah offered visions of hope and future glory for Jerusalem.

Legacy

The returnees laid the foundation for the Second Temple period, which lasted until the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Their efforts ensured the continuity of Jewish religious practices and traditions, setting the stage for the coming of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. The return from exile remains a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the resilience of His people in the face of adversity.