Exile Will End (Ezra 1-6)
Have you ever felt the weight of living in exile? That might sound like a puzzling question, but it’s certainly one the Israelites in the time of Ezra understood.
Ezra 1-6
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever felt the weight of living in exile?
That might sound like a puzzling question, but it’s certainly one the Israelites in the time of Ezra understood. As John Walton and Craig Keener note, when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 BC and established Persian rule, he issued a proclamation allowing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, which led to the return of Jewish exiles. While the Jews saw Cyrus as a benefactor, his policy of allowing exiled populations to return was part of a broader strategy to gain favor with various subjects of his empire. This policy was documented in the Cyrus Cylinder, which mentions multiple deities and peoples being restored to their homelands. Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy of a 70-year Babylonian captivity, beginning in 605 BC and concluding in 536 BC, was fulfilled through Cyrus's decree.[1]
At long last, the Jewish people returned home. The temple was consecrated in 516 BC with the permission of Darius I (522–486 BC). Ezra secured Artaxerxes I's (465–424 BC) approval to return with additional exiles and promote obedience to the law, while Nehemiah focused on rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Despite this, a large and prosperous Jewish community remained in Babylon and its vicinity, as evidenced by clay tablets from the Murashu archives at Nippur.[2] As Hannah Harrington notes,
The events behind Ezra-Nehemiah are situated at a watershed in Jewish history and, consequently, at a turning point in the story of the people of God. Landless and templeless, Jewish exiles experienced the trauma of loss of autonomy due to the Babylonian exile; however, they survived against heavy odds. Their very identity hung in the balance, but they forged new associations while retaining ties to their ancient past. The light of hope shone in the darkness of exile from the unexpected orders of a Persian emperor who allowed Jews to return to their homeland. This is the story of a new Israel forged out of the old. It is the text of a people clinging to its genealogical past and attempting to preserve its heritage while walking forward into uncharted territory. It is also the perennial story of God’s providence and guidance of his people through unusual leaders in times of crisis.[3]
As we read Ezra and Nehemiah, there are several important points to remember. First, Ezra-Nehemiah was initially written on one scroll and intended to be read together.[4] “Many scholars believe that they are only the conclusion of an originally much longer work which started with the books of Chronicles.”[5]
Ezra 1:2 starts this book by stating, "This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: The Lord, the God of the heavens, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah." From there, Ezra 1-6 recounts the Jewish exiles' return from Babylon to Jerusalem under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, who allowed them to rebuild the temple. These chapters detail the initial efforts to reconstruct the temple, the challenges and opposition faced from local adversaries, and the eventual completion of the temple through the encouragement of prophets Haggai and Zechariah and the support of King Darius of Persia.
God’s people, once in exile, are now free to return home. God fulfilled his promises and worked through unlikely leaders to accomplish his purposes.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Lord, I praise you for your unwavering faithfulness and your ability to move the hearts of rulers and nations to fulfill your purposes. You orchestrate events with precision, guiding your people back to their homeland and ensuring the rebuilding of your holy temple.
Release | I release my doubts and fears about the obstacles that stand in the way of your plans for my life. Just as you overcame the opposition faced by the returning exiles, I trust you to overcome the challenges I encounter.
Ask | I ask for your guidance and strength to remain steadfast in my obedience to your word, despite external pressures and opposition. Fill me with the courage and determination you gave to the prophets and leaders during the rebuilding of the temple.
Yield | I yield my will to yours, accepting your timing and methods in restoring and rebuilding areas of my life that have been broken. May my actions and faithfulness bring glory to your name, just as the dedication of the temple was a testament to your mighty hand at work.
