Ezra 1

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

King Cyrus Permits the Jews to return from Captivity in Babylon

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BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God moves the hearts of kings to fulfill His good word. Ezra 1:1

  2. God moves the hearts of His people to accomplish His good will. Ezra 1:5

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Have you returned God’s stolen property?

  2. Let God do more than just open the door.

QUESTIONS

  1. God allowed the kingdom of Judah to be conquered. By whom was the kingdom conquered? Why did God allow the kingdom to be conquered?

  2. Where were the Jewish people held in captivity and for how long?

  3. Who was Cyrus and what did he do for God’s people, the Jews?

  4. How many Jews returned to Jerusalem at that time? Under whose leadership did they return?

  5. Why was the project of rebuilding the Temple delayed?

  6. Name the prophets who motivated the people to resume the rebuilding of the house of the Lord.

ANSWERS

  1. God allowed the kingdom to be conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian armies because of Judah’s sins of idolatry and immorality.

  2. In Babylon for seventy years.

  3. Cyrus was king of Persia. He overthrew Babylon in 539 B.C. King Cyrus issued a royal decree which allowed and encouraged the captive Jews to return to their homeland.

  4. About 50,000 Jews returned to their homeland under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

  5. At first the project went well and the foundation of the new temple was laid. But then, because of discouragement and apathy and enemy threats, the work was halted for 15-16 years.

  6. Haggai and Zechariah.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Though Persia did not follow God, He moved King Cyrus to fulfill His word—just as He had foretold.  Can God do the same for us today? Are you facing a major difficulty or decision in your personal life right now, where someone’s heart has to be moved?

  2. When God stirs the hearts of His people, it’s amazing what can be accomplished. Recall some projects that have been blessed by God when He moved in the hearts of His people – first, as to need, then by motivation of heart to see the vision become a reality.

CHALLENGE

  1. Before you became a Christian you used your time and talent and money for your own interests. But now, as a believer, you must ask, “How much of what’s been given to you have you returned?” Return them to God to glorify Him.

  2. God not only opened the door for the Jews to return to Jerusalem, but He also provided for their return. God not only moved the heart of the king, but He moved the hearts of the Persian people as well. Think of the implications for that to happen today! Let God do more than just open the door.

KEY VERSES

  • “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, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom….” Ezra 1:1

  • “Whoever is left, let them help him…besides the freewill offerings for the house of God…” Ezra 1:4

Ezra, Old Testament, TalksRon ReidEzra 1