Theory question 102
Concern for Judah(a) Describe the return of the Exiles from Babylon during the reign of Cyrus
(b) Give two reasons for the positive response from the people.
Show the model answer
(a) In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the Lord stirred up his spirit to fulfil the word of Jeremiah (Ezra 1:1).
He proclaimed that God had charged him to build a house at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2).
Any of God's people could go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:3).
Neighbours were to help them with silver, gold, goods, beasts and freewill offerings (Ezra 1:4, 6).
The heads of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites, everyone whose spirit God stirred, rose to go (Ezra 1:5).
Cyrus returned the temple vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken, counted out to Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah (Ezra 1:7-11).
The returning company numbered 42,360 with servants and animals (Ezra 2:64-67).
They rebuilt the altar, kept the feasts and laid the foundation of the temple with praise (Ezra 3:1-11).
(b) Any two: God stirred their spirits; love for Jerusalem and the temple; the desire to worship God in their own land; fulfilment of prophecy gave them hope; the king's support and the gifts from neighbours.
Describe Ezra 1–3, then two reasons.