Ezra 1:1 – The LORD’s Word Fulfilled
We are now going to be studying Ezra using notes written by Rev. Daniel Hemken.
Starting in 605 B.C. and culminating with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 B.C., the people of the Kingdom of Judah were taken into captivity in Babylonia (in modern-day Iraq). In Jeremiah 29:10, however, we find the LORD’s promise to bring His covenant people back to the land after seventy years and to cause the Temple to be rebuilt. Through the prophet Isaiah, God had even named the man he would use to end the Babylonian Captivity – Cyrus, King of Persia (Isaiah 44:28). Thus, after conquering Babylon in 539 B.C., Cyrus issued an edict allowing any Jews who desired to return to Jerusalem and the surrounding territory to do so.
The Book of Ezra is an historical account which covers events from the Edict of Cyrus (539 B.C.) to the public ministry of Ezra, which began around 458 B.C. The book takes its name from its author Ezra, a Levite and descendant of Aaron (the first High Priest), who returned to Judah in order to study and teach the Word of God. Ezra is likely one of the last compilers and contributors who brought together the information found in the books of I and II Chronicles. The book begins where II Chronicles concludes, with the Edict of Cyrus. Ezra makes it clear that this edict was issued “that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled.” Cyrus may be the earthly authority who issues this edict, but he is the instrument of the LORD who is sovereign, controlling all events and causing them to work according to the counsel of His perfect will. The Book of Ezra brims with confidence in the covenant faithfulness of God, while calling His people to remain faithful to His covenants and to repent and reform when they have not.
Questions
- Who was Ezra?
- Who was Cyrus?
- Why did Cyrus end the Babylonian Captivity?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is in control of all things.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.