Ezra 1:1-11

1:1-4 | In 539 BC, after 70 years in Babylon, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. King Cyrus’ decree that the Jews should rebuild the temple (2 Chron. 36:22-23) fulfilled the prophecy from the mouth of Jeremiah (Jer. 29:10). Although Ezra does not say why Cyrus released the captives to their homeland, Daniel served in Cyrus’ court (Dan. 10:1). Perhaps Daniel influenced the king’s decision (Isa. 44:23; 46:1-4; Dan. 6:25-28).

1:5-6 | Throughout this book, God not only stirs others to act favorably toward Israel, but He prompts and encourages Israel’s leaders. Here, He moves their spirits to go and build the temple in Jerusalem and surrounds them with support.

1:7 | The articles of the house of the LORD include the priestly hardware taken from the temple by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:2; 2 Kgs. 24:13; 25:14-15). God preserved these items from destruction during the exile and provided for their return to the Israelites.

1:9-11 | Rather than comprehensively listing all 5,400 articles of gold and silver, these verses catalog only the most valuable articles that were brought back from Babylon.