FocusCyrus' decree and the returning people
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The decree and list of returnees establish the community undertaking the restoration.
interpretation Ezra 1:2
KJVThus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Read it in context
The Proclamation of Cyrus
Start reading at Ezra 1:1 (Ezra 1:1 to Ezra 1:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The decree and list of returnees establish the community undertaking the restoration.
- 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
- 1:2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
- 1:3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
- 1:4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
- 1:5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
- 1:6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra the priest and scribe supplies first-person material and is the traditional principal author. The complete book also incorporates earlier documents and third-person narrative. Biblical references: Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:27; Ezra 8:1. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ezra 1:1–2:70): Cyrus authorizes the return; Judean families, priests, Levites, and other returning groups are identified in the record. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community restored from exile, including those rebuilding its worship and ordering its life by the law. Biblical references: Ezra 1:3; Ezra 7:10; Ezra 10:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Proclamation of Cyrus. Read Ezra 1:1 through Ezra 1:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The decree and list of returnees establish the community undertaking the restoration. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account is set after exile under Persian rule and distinguishes the returns and activities associated with different kings. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative moves from Persian-controlled exile to Jerusalem, with the temple and returning community at its center. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Proclamation of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1 to Ezra 1:6). Start reading at Ezra 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The restored temple belongs to the history leading into the world of the Gospels. A broader connection to Christ concerns worship and restoration, not an assertion that each returnee or building detail is a direct prediction. See Ezra 6:16, Luke 2:27, John 2:19, John 2:21. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join renewed worship with attention to conduct and communal responsibility. Apply the account's marriage-related actions with awareness of the particular covenant problem being addressed. interpretation
Cited: Ezra 1:1, Ezra 1:6, Ezra 6:16, Luke 2:27, John 2:19, John 2:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
Other accounts of this event
Cyrus's proclamation
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- Lord God 1 Kgs 8:27 2 Chr 2:12 Isa 66:1 Jer 10:11 Dan 2:21,28 Dan 5:23
- hath given Jer 27:6-7 Dan 2:37-38 Dan 4:25,32 Dan 5:19-21
- he hath charged Isa 44:26-28 Isa 45:1,12-13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ezra 1
Ezra concerns the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and Ezra's later work. The narrative distinguishes successive Persian reigns; modern calendar dates are historical reconstructions, not dates printed in the verses. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Cyrus Restores the Holy Vessels
Ezra 1:7–11FocusCyrus' decree and the returning people
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The decree and list of returnees establish the community undertaking the restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ezra
Ezra concerns the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and Ezra's later work. The narrative distinguishes successive Persian reigns; modern calendar dates are historical reconstructions, not dates printed in the verses.
FocusCyrus' decree and the returning people
Connection to the wholeThe decree and list of returnees establish the community undertaking the restoration.
interpretation The temple rebuilt
Ezra 3:1–6:22FocusWorship, opposition, and completion
Connection to the wholeThe rebuilding proceeds through opposition and renewed authorization until the temple is dedicated and Passover observed.
interpretation Ezra's commission and journey
Ezra 7:1–8:36FocusThe law and a new arrival
Connection to the wholeEzra's appointment and journey bring a further group to Jerusalem and prepare his work among the people.
interpretation The community's unfaithfulness addressed
Ezra 9:1–10:44FocusConfession and covenant responsibility
Connection to the wholeReports of intermarriage lead to Ezra's confession and communal action, which must be read within this covenant and historical setting.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.