This content is adapted from the Holman Commentary. From its contents we especially learn, that every good work will meet with opposition from enemies, and be hurt by the misconduct of friends; but that God will make his cause to prevail, notwithstanding all obstacles and adversaries. Ezra 1:1-6.PROCLAMATION OF CYRUS FOR BUILDING THE TEMPLE. Now] Heb. To appreciate the significance of Ezra's journey to Jerusalem, we need to bear in mind that 80 years had passed since the first return from Babylon (ch.1-2) and about 60 years since … 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. 1. What does this verse really mean? Chapter 1. Commentary on Ezra 1:1-4 (Read Ezra 1:1-4) The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. Ezra 1:1 Translation & Meaning. The decree of Cyrus the Persian. 1. The second part of the book of Ezra (i.e. Use this table to get a word-for-word translation of the original Hebrew Scripture. 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, On Advent 1, God spoke to Jeremiah … Continue reading "Commentary on Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13" Analysis The hearts of kings are in the hand of the Lord. [HALES]. that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled--(See Jeremiah 25:12, 29:10). Ezra 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, Ver. “Mithredath” is a well-known Persian name meaning “Given to [the god] Mithra.” Mithra was worshiped as a … 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. (1) God stirs Cyrus to make a decree. They are astounding verses. God governs the world by his influence on the spirits of men; whatever good they do, God stirs up their spirits to do it. The history of this book is the accomplishment of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the return of the Jews out of Babylon. On this third Sunday in Advent, we jump from Isaiah 40 to Ezra 1-3. Check out this excerpt to see what we’re talking about! Ezra chapter 1 New International Version 1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: CHAPTER 1. But it isn’t just commentary. Ezra 1:1-11 – Cyrus’s Decree Summary The decree of Cyrus the Great permitted the people to return to their homes in Jerusalem, thus ending the Babylonian exile and fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. Ezra 1 – Cyrus Allows the Exiles to Return A. This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions. Ezra 1:8 "Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah." Ezra 1:1-3a is identical to 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. chapters 7-10) deals with Ezra's mission. The Holman Series goes more in-depth with background and application, in a very easy -to-follow way—more than most commentaries. The Hand of God is a section of commentary on Ezra from the Holman Commentary.