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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezra 1:2 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/1-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/15_Ezr_01_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 1:2 - The Proclamation of Cyrus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezra/1-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezra/1-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezra/">Ezra</a> > <a href="/ezra/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/1-1.htm" title="Ezra 1:1">◄</a> Ezra 1:2 <a href="/ezra/1-3.htm" title="Ezra 1:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ezra/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ezra/1.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: &#8220&#8217The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. <a href="/nlt/ezra/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/esv/ezra/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/bsb/ezra/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. <a href="/kjv/ezra/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. <a href="/nasb_/ezra/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “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 has appointed me to rebuild for Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/nasb/ezra/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, &#8216The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/nasb77/ezra/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/lsb/ezra/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/amp/ezra/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/csb/ezra/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The LORD, the God of the heavens, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. <a href="/hcsb/ezra/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: &#8220The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. <a href="/asv/ezra/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/erv/ezra/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/gwt/ezra/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the world. And he has ordered me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem (which is in Judah). <a href="/gnt/ezra/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> "This is the command of Cyrus, Emperor of Persia. The LORD, the God of Heaven, has made me ruler over the whole world and has given me the responsibility of building a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah. <a href="/isv/ezra/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM CYRUS, KING OF PERSIA All of the kingdoms of the earth have been given to me by the LORD God of Heaven, and he specifically charged me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/msb/ezra/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ?The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. <a href="/net/ezra/1.htm">NET Bible</a> "Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: "'The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has instructed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/nheb/ezra/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Thus says Kurush king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/wbt/ezra/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/web/ezra/1.htm">World English Bible</a> “Cyrus king of Persia says, ‘Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Thus said Cyrus king of Persia: YHWH, God of the heavens, has given all kingdoms of the earth to me, and He has laid a charge on me to build a house for Him in Jerusalem, that [is] in Judah; <a href="/ylt/ezra/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, All kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, God of the heavens, given to me, and He hath laid a charge on me to build to Him a house in Jerusalem, that is in Judah; <a href="/slt/ezra/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth Jehovah gave to me, the God of the heavens; and he charged upon me to build for him a house in Jerusalem which is in Judah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judea. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Thus says Cyrus, the king of the Persians: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given all the kingdoms of the earth to me, and he himself has instructed me that I should build a house for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judea. <a href="/nabre/ezra/1.htm">New American Bible</a> “Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which city is in Judah. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “Thus says Kurash the King of Persia: LORD JEHOVAH God of Heaven gave me the kingdoms of the Earth and commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, the city which is in Yehuda.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD, the God of heaven, given me; and He hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. <a href="/sep/ezra/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Thus said Cyrus king of the Persians, The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has given me a charge to build him a house in Jerusalem that is in Judea. <a href="/parallel/ezra/1-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=16" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/1.htm">The Proclamation of Cyrus</a> …1In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: 2<a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">“This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3566.htm" title="3566: kō·reš (N-proper-ms) -- A Pers. king. Or (last time), Ezra 1:2) Koresh; from the Persians; Koresh, the Persian king.">Cyrus</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6539.htm" title="6539: pā·ras (N-proper-fs) -- A country in W. Asia which conquered Bab. Of foreign origin; Paras, an Eastern country, including its inhabitants.">of Persia</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">‘The LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·mā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of heaven,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū- (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯan (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">has given</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4467.htm" title="4467: mam·lə·ḵō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign. From malak; dominion, i.e. the estate or the country.">the kingdoms</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the earth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: p̄ā·qaḏ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">has appointed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: liḇ·nō·wṯ- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">to build</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ḇa·yiṯ (N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">a house</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: bî·rū·šā·lim (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">at Jerusalem</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: bî·hū·ḏāh (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">in Judah.</a> 3Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22-23</a> In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a> who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’” <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1</a> This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: <a href="/jeremiah/25-12.htm">Jeremiah 25:12</a> But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation. <a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10</a> For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. <a href="/jeremiah/33-7.htm">Jeremiah 33:7</a> I will restore Judah and Israel from captivity and will rebuild them as in former times. <a href="/daniel/9-2.htm">Daniel 9:2</a> in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. <a href="/haggai/1-1.htm">Haggai 1:1</a> In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating <a href="/zechariah/1-1.htm">Zechariah 1:1</a> In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying: <a href="/1_kings/8-50.htm">1 Kings 8:50</a> May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy. <a href="/2_kings/24-14.htm">2 Kings 24:14</a> He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. <a href="/2_kings/25-11.htm">2 Kings 25:11</a> Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the population. <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3</a> And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Nehemiah 2:8</a> And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. <a href="/matthew/1-17.htm">Matthew 1:17</a> In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.Lord God<a href="/1_kings/8-27.htm">1 Kings 8:27</a> But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?<a href="/2_chronicles/2-12.htm">2 Chronicles 2:12</a> Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.<a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a> Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?hath given<a href="/jeremiah/27-6.htm">Jeremiah 27:6,7</a> And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him… <a href="/daniel/2-37.htm">Daniel 2:37,38</a> Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory… <a href="/daniel/4-25.htm">Daniel 4:25,32</a> That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will… he hath charged<a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Isaiah 44:26-28</a> That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: … <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1,12,13</a> Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/35-2.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Build</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-13.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Cyrus</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-5.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-23.htm">Kingdoms</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-3.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-29.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-19.htm">Temple</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/3-5.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/ezra/1-3.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/1-8.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/ezra/1-7.htm">Cyrus</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/ezra/6-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/ezra/1-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/1-3.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/1-3.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-22.htm">Kingdoms</a> <a href="/ezra/3-6.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/ezra/1-8.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezra/1-3.htm">Temple</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 1</div>1. <a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">The proclamation of Cyrus for the building of the temple</a> 5. <a href="/ezra/1-5.htm">The people provide for their return</a> 7. <a href="/ezra/1-7.htm">Cyrus restores the vessels of the temple to Sheshbazzar</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, which became the largest empire the world had seen at that time. His decree marks a significant moment in biblical history, as it allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. This aligns with historical records, such as the Cyrus Cylinder, which corroborates his policy of repatriation and religious tolerance. Cyrus is seen as a pivotal figure used by God to fulfill His purposes, despite being a pagan king.‘The LORD, the God of heaven, The title "God of heaven" emphasizes God's sovereignty and supreme authority over all creation, a concept that would resonate with both Jews and Persians. This title is used frequently in post-exilic texts, reflecting the influence of Persian culture and the acknowledgment of a supreme deity. It underscores the belief that God is not limited to the land of Israel but rules over all nations.who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, Cyrus acknowledges that his vast empire is a result of divine providence. This reflects the biblical theme that God is the ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. It echoes the message found in <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a>, where God is described as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." This acknowledgment by Cyrus serves as a reminder of God's control over history.has appointed me to build a house for Him Cyrus's decree to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem fulfills the prophecy found in <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a>, where God declares that Cyrus will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid." This act of rebuilding the temple is a type of Christ, as Jesus later refers to His body as the temple (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>), symbolizing the restoration of true worship through Him.at Jerusalem in Judah. Jerusalem holds a central place in Jewish identity and worship, being the location of the original temple built by Solomon. The return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple signify the restoration of the Jewish community and their covenant relationship with God. This geographical focus highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10</a>, where God promises to bring the exiles back after seventy years.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/cyrus_king_of_persia.htm">Cyrus King of Persia</a> The ruler of the Persian Empire who conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. His actions were seen as divinely inspired, fulfilling prophecy. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord,_the_god_of_heaven.htm">The LORD, the God of heaven</a> The sovereign God recognized by Cyrus as the one true God who has authority over all kingdoms. This acknowledgment by a pagan king highlights God's universal dominion. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city chosen by God as the place for His temple, representing His presence among His people. It is the focal point of Jewish worship and identity. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The region where Jerusalem is located, representing the remnant of Israel that returns from exile to restore their homeland and religious practices. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_decree_to_rebuild_the_temple.htm">The Decree to Rebuild the Temple</a> An event marking the beginning of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, fulfilling God's promise to restore His people and their worship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a> God can use anyone, even pagan rulers, to accomplish His divine purposes. This reminds us that God is in control of world events and leaders. <a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> The decree by Cyrus fulfills specific prophecies, demonstrating that God's word is reliable and trustworthy. We can have confidence in God's promises for our lives. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_hope.htm">Restoration and Hope</a> The return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple symbolize restoration and hope. In our lives, God offers restoration and new beginnings, no matter our past. <a href="/topical/d/divine_appointment.htm">Divine Appointment</a> Just as Cyrus was appointed by God for a specific task, each of us has a divine purpose. We should seek to understand and fulfill God's calling in our lives. <a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_god's_authority.htm">Recognition of God's Authority</a> Cyrus's acknowledgment of God challenges us to recognize and submit to God's authority in every area of our lives, trusting His plan and timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 1</a> <a href="/q/is_artaxerxes'_decree_in_ezra_8_reliable.htm">How reliable is the depiction of Artaxerxes' decree in Ezra 8 when extant Persian documents make no mention of this event?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_ezra_1_2_show_cyrus_honoring_god.htm">Why does Ezra 1:2 portray Cyrus as acknowledging the LORD’s sovereignty, despite historical records showing Cyrus remained loyal to his own deities? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_ezra_1_conflict_with_2_kings_24-25.htm">Why does Ezra 1 conflict with accounts in 2 Kings 24-25 that suggest more extensive destruction of Jerusalem's treasures than implied here?</a> <a href="/q/is_ezekiel_44's_temple_purely_symbolic.htm">Ezekiel 44’s temple regulations appear highly specific, yet no archaeological site conclusively matches this description—could this be evidence the prophecy was purely symbolic or never fulfilled?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Thus saith Cyrus. Persian inscriptions do not ordinarily commence in this way; but the formula "says Darius the king," "says Xerxes the king" is frequent in them. King of Persia. So the Behistun inscription: "I am Darius, the great king, the king of kings, the king of Persia." The Lord God of heaven, Yehovah Elohey hashshamayim. "God of heaven" seems to have been a usual title of the Supreme Being among the Persians (see below, <a href="/ezra/6-9.htm">Ezra 6:9, 10</a>; <a href="/ezra/7-12.htm">Ezra 7:12, 23</a>), and perhaps designated Ormuzd in contradistinction to Ahriman, who was lord of the infernal regions. The use of the term "Jehovah," instead of Ormuzd, is remarkable, and was probably limited to the Hebrew transcript of the proclamation. Hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth. An acknowledgment that they have received and hold their royal power from Ormuzd is universal on the part of all the Persian kings who have left inscriptions of any length; but they do not often indulge in such a hyperbole as this of Cyrus. Artaxerxes Ochus, however, calls himself "king of this world" (Rawlinson, 'Cuneiform Inser.,' vol. 1. p. 341). The mention of the "kingdoms of the earth" is appropriate, since Cyrus had not inherited his empire, but built it up by the conquest of a vast number of independent states ('Herod.' 1. passim). His earn feeling that God had in all cases given him the victory harmonizes with the statement of Isaiah in <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1</a>. He hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem. The he is emphatic, and is expressed by αὐτὸς in the Septuagint and ipse in the Vulgate. He himself, Jehovah-Elohim, has given it me in charge to build him a house. Most critics rightly explain by referring to <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a>, and accepting the statement of Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 11:1) that the passage was shown to Cyrus shortly after his capture of Babylon. He understood the prophecy as a command, and proceeded to obey it. Which is in Judah. The addition of this clause marks strongly the oblivion into which the ruined city had fallen. Apparently, it was necessary, to recall its situation to men's minds by an express mention of the province whereof it had been the capital. Note the repetition of the clause in the next verse. <a href="/commentaries/ezra/1-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“This is what כֹּ֣ה (kōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now Cyrus כֹּ֚רֶשׁ (kō·reš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3566.htm">Strong's 3566: </a> Cyrus -- a person king king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Persia פָּרַ֔ס (pā·ras) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6539.htm">Strong's 6539: </a> Persia -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon says: אָמַ֗ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘The LORD, יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of heaven, הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (haš·šā·mā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> Heaven, sky who וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are has given נָ֣תַן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set me לִ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> all כֹּ֚ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the kingdoms מַמְלְכ֣וֹת (mam·lə·ḵō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4467.htm">Strong's 4467: </a> Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign of the earth, הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land has appointed פָקַ֤ד (p̄ā·qaḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit me עָלַי֙ (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against to build לִבְנֽוֹת־ (liḇ·nō·wṯ-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build a house בַ֔יִת (ḇa·yiṯ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house for Him ל֣וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> at Jerusalem בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel in Judah. בִּֽיהוּדָֽה׃ (bî·hū·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">OT History: Ezra 1:2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia All (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/1-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 1:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 1:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/1-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 1:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 1:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>