1. in anno primo Cyri regis Persarum ut conpleretur verbum Domini ex ore Hieremiæ suscitavit Dominus spiritum Cyri regis Persarum et transduxit vocem in universo regno suo etiam per scripturam dicens
2. hæc dicit Cyrus rex Persarum omnia regna terræ dedit mihi Dominus Deus cæli et ipse præcepit mihi ut ædificarem ei domum in Hierusalem quæ est in Judæa
3. quis est in vobis de universo populo ejus sit Deus illius cum ipso ascendat Hierusalem quæ est in Judæa et ædificet domum Domini Dei Israël ipse est Deus qui est in Hierusalem
4. et omnes reliqui in cunctis locis ubicumque habitant adiuvent eum viri de loco suo argento et auro et substantia et pecoribus excepto quod voluntarie offerunt templo Dei quod est in Hierusalem
5. et surrexerunt principes patrum de Juda et Beniamin et sacerdotes et Levitæ omnis cujus suscitavit Deus spiritum ut ascenderent ad ædificandum templum Domini quod erat in Hierusalem
6. universique qui erant in circuitu adiuverunt manus eorum in vasis argenteis et aureis in substantia in jumentis in supellectili exceptis his quæ sponte obtulerunt
7. rex quoque Cyrus protulit vasa templi Domini quæ tulerat Nabuchodonosor de Hierusalem et posuerat ea in templo dei sui
8. protulit autem ea Cyrus rex Persarum per manum Mitridatis filii Gazabar et adnumeravit ea Sasabassar principi Judæ
9. et hic est numerus eorum fialæ aureæ triginta fialæ argenteæ mille cultri viginti novem scyphi aurei triginta
10. scyphi argentei secundi quadringenti decem vasa alia mille
11. omnia vasa aurea et argentea quinque milia quadringenta universa tulit Sasabassar cum his qui ascendebant de transmigratione Babylonis in Hierusalem
Footnotes:
1:1-2 - Cyrus, king of Persia, issues a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This event fulfills the prophecies of deliverance from Babylonian exile, highlighting God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of the world (see also Isaiah 44:28 and 2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
1:3-4 - Cyrus's decree invites any Jew who wishes to return to Jerusalem to do so, with the support of those who remain. The collaboration between the Jews in exile and those returning reflects communal care and divine provision (see also Psalm 126:1-2 and Nehemiah 2:8).
1:5-6 - The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites, respond to the call to return, prompted by God's Spirit. The people's readiness reflects obedience to God's plan of restoration (see also Exodus 35:21 and Isaiah 60:4-5).
1:7-8 - Cyrus returns the Temple furnishings that had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar. The restoration of these sacred items symbolizes the continuity of God's covenant with His people, even after the exile (see also 2 Kings 25:13-15 and Daniel 1:2).
1:9-11 - The inventory of the returned Temple furnishings reinforces God's thoroughness in ensuring the complete restoration of worship in Jerusalem. The return of the sacred objects highlights God's faithfulness in restoring worship to Him (see also Exodus 25:9 and Haggai 2:7-9).
Verses related to Liber Esdrae, 1:
Ezra chapter 1 marks the end of the Babylonian exile. How does God fulfill His promise of restoration? This pivotal text recounts the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the nations and His faithfulness to prophecies. Ezra 1 also reports on the return of the temple utensils and the preparation for reconstruction. This historic event symbolizes Israel's new spiritual beginning. Explore with us five biblical passages that illuminate the themes of restoration present in this foundational chapter.
Jeremiah 29:10: "This is what the Lord says: 'When the seventy years of exile from Babylon are completed, I will visit you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.'" - This prophecy of Jeremiah is fulfilled in Ezra 1, when Cyrus allows the Jews to return.
Isaiah 44:28: "which says concerning Cyrus: He is my shepherd, and he will accomplish all that I please; he will say to Jerusalem: Let it be rebuilt, and to the temple: Let its foundations be laid." - This prophecy about Cyrus is fulfilled in Ezra 1, when he orders the rebuilding of the temple.
2 Chronicles 36:22-23: "In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, to make a proclamation throughout his kingdom and also put it in writing : 'This is what Cyrus, king of Persia, says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he himself has commissioned me to build him a temple in Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people who are among you , may the Lord his God be with him, and may he ascend.'" - This excerpt is almost identical to the beginning of Ezra 1, showing the connection between the historical books.
Daniel 9:2: "In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to the prophet Jeremiah, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years." - Daniel's understanding of the end of the exile relates to Cyrus' decree in Ezra 1.
Psalms 126:1: "When the Lord brought the captives back to Zion, it was like a dream." - This psalm reflects the joy of returning from exile, which begins in Ezra 1.
FAQ:
What happened in the first year of King Cyrus?
In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, he decreed that the Jews should return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of God, in accordance with the words of Jeremiah. (Ezra 1:1-2)
Who led the return of the Jews to Jerusalem?
Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, led the return of the Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, with the support of priests and Levites. (Ezra 1:5-11)
How did Cyrus help rebuild the Temple?
Cyrus ordered the return of the Temple furnishings that Nebuchadnezzar had taken to Babylon, and provided funds for the construction of the Temple. (Ezra 1:7-11)
What was the Jews' reaction when they received Cyrus's authorization?
The Jews were overjoyed at Cyrus's decree, for it represented God's answer to His promises to them that they would return to their land. (Ezra 1:4)
What was the purpose of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem?
The goal was to restore God's worship in Jerusalem and fulfill the prophecies by allowing the people of Israel to once again offer sacrifices and worship to God. (Ezra 1:2)
