But what that future looks like is only beginning to emerge, and with mixed results. Ezra 3:10-13 are some of the most poignant in all of Scripture. ... Ezra 1:1-4. Read Ezra 1 online. Ver. The return of many thereupon . Ezra 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. Bible commentary on the Book of Ezra, chapter 5, by Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics. Verse 10 shows the purpose of the Persian leader's second question. In fact, according to the Jewish canon, the decree of Cyrus is the very last verse in the Bible. Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 10:02AM. What the text calls “neighboring peoples” almost certainly included Jews who were left behind in the exile to Babylon, which 2 Kings 25:11-12 understands to be the poor of the land. Far from being a merely religious act, the restoration of the altar was a complicated event with intertwining legal, political, and historical interests. But along with this rejoicing sounded another cry: a mournful cry from those who had seen the First Temple on its foundations. ... 1:1-4 (2-4) Gifts for Refurnishing the Temple: 1:5-11: 1:5-11: 1:5-6: 1:5-6: 1:7-10: 1:7-11: 1:11 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Cyrus (meaning “the Sun”) the King of Persia was, according to ancient historians, the son of Cambyses, Prince of Persia, and Mandam, daughter of Astyages, King of the Median Empire. St-Takla.org Image: Cyrus king of Persia announces that he will builds the house of the LORD God of Israel (Ezra 1:1-4) ... Commentary on Ezra - intro: Commentary on the Book of Ezra Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary. As builders laid the foundation, the people raised a great and joyful shout. By the time the people returned and built the altar in 536, the 70 years were almost expired. Ezra picks up the narrative about the rebuilding of the temple from 4:5. Cyrus made a decree giving the Jewish exiles in his empire the right to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 b.c. He may have known this because of the arrival of King Cyrus in Babylon, a person we meet right off the bat in Ezra 1:1. Ezra 1:1-4. And finally, whereas Solomon’s temple was built while his kingdom was militarily strong (2 Chronicles 1:14-17), the new altar was established while this small band of Jews was still under threat (Ezra 3:3). Cyrus made a decree giving the Jewish exiles in his empire the right to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 B.C. (Daniel) What did Cyrus order in verses 1-4? The opposition against this work was so intense that the Jews “ceased” construction for a … Ezra 1:1-4 King James Version (KJV) 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, Ezra 7:6 tells us that Ezra was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses. Ezr 1:1-6. Who really decided that the people of Judah go back to the land and rebuild the temple? THE BOOK OF EZRA Commentary by Robert Jamieson . (For anyone starting any sort of significant transition in your congregation, this is one text you’re going to want to milk for all it’s worth.). He encouraged them to live life as normal—outside of a pesky little annual tribute and obeisance, now and then. What can we learn about … CHAPTER 1. If Judah was taken captive by Babylon, why do we read here that Cyrus king of Persia is in charge? A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. Ezra mentions a decree of King Artaxerxes given to Ezra. Understandably, tensions arose between returnees and inhabitants. Ultimately, this is a story of redemption, but painful redemption; of return, but a return marked with grief; of rejoicing, but of a joy that is inextricably linked to the losses that came before. 1 a In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, b 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 c that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:. We shall not meet Ezra till chapter 7." The restoration of the altar reaches back not only to Mosaic law given at Sinai but also to the time when Solomon first established the altar at Jerusalem. The preceding verses in Chronicles provide some additional information. Unlike the dedication of Solomon’s temple, however, the glory of the Lord did not appear in dramatic form (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). Cyrus does not act independently of Yhwh’s will. Pembangunan Yerusalem terhambat oleh perlawanan. 4. The *Jews return to Jerusalem. Read Ezra 1 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Cyrus’ decree allowing Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple is found not only in Ezra 1 but also in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. (Ezra 1:1-4 and Ezra 5:13-17). The narrative lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings Read more. Which book of the Bible writes about Persia’s victory over Babylon? Teks -- Ezra 4:1 (TB) Tampilkan Strong. v1 In the first year of the rule of Cyrus king of Persia, the *LORD spoke into the heart of Cyrus. The story of their rebuilding, especially Ezra 3, is one of the most poignant and moving texts in all of Scripture. But this general sum takes in great and small, as in (2 Chron. Ezra paves his narrative highway with a consistent flow of cause-effect sequences that generates a strong chronological primacy-effect. Levites are appointed to supervise the founding of the temple, and the work progresses (3:8-10 ). Ezra 1:1-4. a. Divine demands and promises were attached to this institution, and its loss was nothing short of devastating. Commentary on Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13 View Bible Text . II. An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Ezra. (Kidner) Again, this was the same song sung at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 5:13). It is a story of ambiguous joy—and are not our lives? The hearts of kings are in the hand of the Lord. Those that are mentioned make no more than 2499, which Aben Ezra thinks were the larger vessels. 24:22)” (Ezra & Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries [IVP], p. 32). The First in a Series of Sermons on Ezra-Nehemiah. Commentary on Ezra 2. In this chapter we have, I. Jeremiah’s “seventy years” prophecy (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:4-10) is a likely candidate, especially given the fact that it is referenced in other late biblical books (Daniel 9:2). we begin a new series on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra 1:1-11 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, • God is zealous to protect the integrity of His Word. Robert Bryce. What gives continuity to the past, present, and future, however, is the faithfulness of God. Although returning to their ancestral homeland, these returnees feared for their safety, and sought shelter and protection in God’s altar. “The greater part of this book, though it bears the name of Ezra, tells of the pioneers who came back from exile to Jerusalem a whole lifetime before him. It was for the purpose of intimidation and fear directed towards the Jewish leadership (i.e., "head," BDB 1112). The books of Ezra and Nehemiah, originally two parts of a single work, [1] narrate crucial aspects of this rebuilding story, beginning with the edict of Cyrus in 539 BC. But I would urge you to resist. Cyrus was the king of Persia (ancient Iran, roughly), and he arrived as conqueror in Babylon with a very different concept of empire. First, they describe a glittering festival, held in the ruins of the First Temple: priests arrayed in vestments, trumpets proudly proclaiming, Levites with clanging cymbals, and scores of people lifting up songs of praise. Ezra 1 is the first chapter of the Book of Ezra in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, or the book of Ezra-Nehemiah in the Hebrew Bible, which treats the book of Ezra and book of Nehemiah as one book. John Trapp Complete Commentary. Pastor Chuck Smith teaches us a Bible Study on "True to His Word, Ezra 1:1-4" When He wants something done through a man, He interfaces with him. SHORT COMMENTARY ON EZRA. Strengthening this connection is the fact that the words of praise voiced in Ezra 3:11 (“For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel”) are the same words voiced at the dedication of Solomon’s temple in 2 Chronicles 5:13. Jeremiah 25:8-12 is a similar prophecy that also mentions a seventy-year time frame. (Ezra 1:1-4 and Ezra 5:13-17). Ezra 4:24 "Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. And what a proclamation it is! 36:18). Deliver us from our personal and communal exiles, and help us to build up your church. Bible commentary on the Book of Ezra, chapter 1, by Dr. Bob Utley, retired professor of hermeneutics. Ezra 1, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. That pain is woven together with the joy of love that has been, and the hope of redemption to come. In Ezra (8:15, 20, 24) “I” is referring to Ezra. The LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them: God, great in mercy to His people, sent many warnings but these warnings were rejected. English Bible Dictionary | Arabic Bible Dictionary. In fact, the sounds of praise and shouting mingled with weeping from those who had seen the temple in its former glory. The preceding verses in Chronicles provide some additional information. The restored altar reaches back beyond the veil of 587 BCE and establishes a line of continuity between the exiles’ return to the land and the two most important, promise bearing institutions of monarchic Israel: the temple and the palace. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. Cyrus’ decree allowing Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple is found not only in Ezra 1 but also in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. God is superintending or managing events on this earth. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth] Heb. (Fun fact: Cyrus is the only foreigner in all of Scripture to be called “Messiah, Anointed One” by God [Isaiah 45:1].) The future, indeed, would not be the past. Commentaries on the Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort. 1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, a the Lord moved the heart b of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: . In Nehemiah (1:1, 4, 2:9, 15) “I” is referring to Nehemiah. www.easyenglish.bible. When He wants something done through a man, He interfaces with him. Bible Maps. For Ezra, it is the fulfillment of prophecy, and in particular, the prophecy of Jeremiah: “In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia … ” (Ezra 1:1). Exegetically, the story of Ezra begins with a powerful punch in Ezra 1:1, but it raises an immediate question: which word of Jeremiah was fulfilled? It was a weeping for the lostness of what once was, a grief for the pain of what had been. 1-6) These chapters, besides telling the history of the period, must also have encouraged Ezra's original readers in their temple worship. What do we learn about Cyrus and his character from these verses? Read commentary on this popular Bible verse and understand the real meaning behind God's Word using John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. The hopeful tone of Isaiah’s words have led some scholars to believe that Isaiah knew or could sense in the political climate an end to the exile and a return home. We will hear echoes of this shift in next week’s text from Luke: As the priest Zechariah goes inside the holy sanctuary to offer the incense offering to God, it says that “the whole assembly of the people was praying outside” (Luke 1:10). Issues related to governance, land ownership, religious observance, and resource sharing no doubt contributed to the tensions felt in this text. ... (Ezra 1:1-4) and once in Aramaic (Ezra 6:1-5). Ezra 1:1–4 End of the Babylonian Captivity 1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord a by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, b so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, On this third Sunday in Advent, we jump from Isaiah 40 to Ezra 1-3. An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Book of Ezra Chapter 1. In fact, according to the Jewish canon, the decree of Cyrus is the very last verse in the Bible. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on Ezra 1 ← Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources. Gershom. And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. Ezra 1:1-4 The Proclamation of Cyrus. God governs the world by his influence on the spirits of men; whatever good they do, God stirs up … In fact, according to the Jewish canon, the decree of Cyrus is the very last verse in the Bible. "The greater part of this book, though it bears the name of Ezra, tells of the pioneers who came back from exile to Jerusalem a whole lifetime before him. The theory that he was the offspring of Ahasuerus and Esther, and was trained by Mordecai and Nehemiah, lacks all historical foundation. But the book of Ezra’s accounting of this significant event is more than just the recounting of history. Though Jeremiah 29 is likely the passage that Ezra is alluding to most directly, there are several more passages that are relevant. A. Derek Kidner, in his commentary, sets the historical stage well for us, identifying what is happening in the book of Ezra: It was a death to make way for a rebirth. • God is desirous that you and I know that we may have rock-solid confidence in His Word! From heaven above ELW 268, GG111, H82 80, NCH 130 Awake, O sleeper, rise from death ELW 452, H82 547, UMH 551, Lift up your heads, O ye gates, William Mathias, Laney Graduate School at Emory University. Be careful not to over-simplify: democratization is too strong of a word, and we’re nowhere close to Martin Luther’s concept of the Priesthood of All Believers. The proclamation which Cyrus, king of Persia, issued out for the release of all the Jews that he found captives in Babylon, and the building of their temple in Jerusalem . Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13 Commentary by Michael J. Chan Cyrus’ decree allowing Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple is found not only in Ezra 1 but also in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Commentary on Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13 View Bible Text . 1. in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia—The Persian empire, including Persia, Media, Babylonia, and Chaldea, with many smaller dependencies, was founded by Cyrus, 536 B.C. Ezra 1:10 "Thirty basins of gold, silver basins of a second [sort] four hundred and ten, [and] other vessels a thousand." More important than determining the precise prophecy is recognizing the theological assumptions made by the text, namely that the general shape of Israel’s history, despite its many vagaries, is determined primarily by Yhwh’s judgments and promises. But other concerns were also present. Deliver us from our personal and communal exiles, and help us to build up your church. In fact, according to the Jewish canon, the decree of Cyrus is the very last verse in the Bible. After the establishment of the altar came the laying of the temple foundation (Ezra 3:8-13), which was followed by responsive singing: “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel” and shouts (Ezra 3:11). Ezra 1:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV) End of the Babylonian Captivity 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, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, His policies were welcomed by the exiled Judeans, who, according to the first part of Ezra, were eager to return home, to restore their community, and to rebuild. (Read Ezra 1:1-4) The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. On this third Sunday in Advent, we jump from Isaiah 40 to Ezra 1-3. The will of the emperor and the will of Yhwh are mysteriously intertwined: Yhwh hides behind the will, ambition, and power of Cyrus (cf. Study the bible online using commentary on Ezra 1 and more! Ezra 1:1-4 New International Version << 2 Chronicles 36 | Ezra 1 | Ezra 2 >> The Proclamation of Cyrus. Cyrus is the one that makes the proclamation, but only after his spirit is stirred up by God, the ultimate Actor and Agent in this process. They specify that the seventy years of exile were prophesied so that the land could enjoy its Sabbaths (36:21). And when they do, Ezra 3:1 tells us that “the entire people assembled as one in Jerusalem.” In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the priestly office begins to bleed out towards the people, such that the congregation takes on a greater and more significant role in the worship of YHWH. The Jews repulse the offer of a helping hand, and opposition ensues (4:1-24 ). Now, the temptation may be to preach this as a story of one group ready for change and one group opposing it. There is a considerable chronological gap between our weekly Advent readings, significant enough that you may want to start this sermon by walking through the historical action we’ve covered in the past few weeks. The Jews in Ezra are trying to determine what it means to live into a new future that God is creating in their midst. God of restoration, you brought your people home from exile and in their joy they rebuilt your temple. Amen. According to the text, the returnees set up the altar “because they were in dread of the neighboring peoples” (Ezra 3:3). We shall not meet Ezra till chapter 7.” (Kidner) Isaiah 45:1-7). Commentary on Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13 View Bible Text . A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia." After returning, the first thing to do, of course, is to build the altar, so that proper worship of God can begin as soon as possible. Yet there is a distinct shift in the role of the people that starts to happen in books like Ezra and Nehemiah. Judah was sent into exile because of sin, and Judah would return to its land because of Yhwh’s gracious work through the agency of Cyrus the Persian. The book sees this event as a moment of restoration, when Israel’s cult would be set in place “as prescribed in the law of Moses the man of God” (Ezra 3:2). For that matter, is that not the core of Advent itself? In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, … Ezra 1:1-4. Cyrus’ decree allowing Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple is found not only in Ezra 1 but also in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Second Chronicles 36:17-23 parallels Ezra 1:1-4, with verses 22-23 being an almost verbatim quotation of Ezra 1:1-4. "And all they that [were] about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with … HYMNS From heaven above ELW 268, H82 80, NCH 130 Awake, O sleeper, rise from death ELW 452, H82 547, UMH 551, CHORAL Lift up your heads, O ye gates, William Mathias. This may be especially enticing if you are undergoing a building project. To what particular prophecy the verse refers is somewhat unclear. The … Cyrus’ decree allowing Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple is found not only in Ezra 1 but also in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Perhaps without the person even being aware of it, God can insert thoughts into the person's mind to do what He wants him to do. The narrative lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings Read more. On this day, preachers would do well to allow their congregants space to honor the pain of what is lost as we await the fulfillment of the Messiah. Ezra shows the event of the In fact, according to the Jewish canon, the decree of Cyrus is the very last verse in the Bible. There is a considerable chronological gap between our weekly Advent readings, significant enough that you may want to start this sermon by walking through the historical action we’ve covered in the past few weeks. Thus the second move of the leaders is to appoint Levites to supervise the building of the House of God, a task described beautifully in the NRSV as “making a beginning” in Ezra 3:8. Whosoever remaineth in any place where be sojourneth, &c. — This seems to relate to such as were desirous to go up with their brethren, but were forced to stay behind for want of necessaries to support them in so long a journey. Konteks. 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