Ezra 1:5-11 – A New Exodus
Nearly nine centuries before the events recorded in this passage, the LORD had rescued the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. In Exodus 12, we learn that (as God had previously promised) the Egyptians not only sent the people of Israel on their way, but gave them great wealth in gold, silver, jewelry and clothing. Following the Edict of Cyrus, the Jewish people prepared for a new Exodus – a return from the Babylonian Captivity. As in the days of Moses, according to Cyrus’ command, the neighbors of the Jews gave them treasures and supplies both to finance their journey and resettlement, and to prepare for the reconstruction of the Temple of the LORD. Moreover, Cyrus returned the treasures of the Temple plundered by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon. These were carefully counted and entrusted to the oversight of Sheshbazzar, who was probably the governor Cyrus appointed over the region of Judah.
Again, the theme of God’s sovereignty is presented to us. We also see that He chooses to use means to accomplish His will. Just as God had “stirred up the spirit of Cyrus,” he now stirs up the spirits of the heads of the clans of the tribes Judah, Benjamin and Levi (including priests) to make the journey from Babylonia to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the Temple. God used Cyrus to end the Babylonian Captivity according to His promises, and, also according to His promises, He made sure that there were men and women with the will to return and build a new house for His Name.
Questions
- How is the Return from the Babylonian Captivity like the Exodus of Moses’ day?
- What means did the LORD use to accomplish His will in this passage?
Prayer Points
- Pray that the LORD might stir up the spirits of many to serve Him in our time.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.