Theory question 104
Concern for Judah(a) Give an account of the incident that made the Jews describe King Cyrus of Persia as the Lord's anointed. (b) Identify three ways by which immigrants can contribute to the welfare of their host nation.
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(a) Isaiah prophesied God's word "to his anointed, to Cyrus", whose right hand God grasped to subdue nations (Isaiah 45:1).
God called him His shepherd who would say of Jerusalem, "She shall be built", and of the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid" (Isaiah 44:28).
Cyrus conquered Babylon, where the Jews were exiled.
In his first year God stirred his spirit to fulfil Jeremiah's word (Ezra 1:1).
He proclaimed that the God of heaven had charged him to build Him a house in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2).
He let the Jews return to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:3).
He ordered neighbours to help with silver, gold and goods (Ezra 1:4).
He returned the temple vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar (Ezra 1:7-11).
(b) Any three: hard work and paying taxes; obeying the laws; bringing skills and investment; contributing to culture and trade; peaceful co-existence; community service.
Use Isaiah 44:28–45:1 and Ezra 1, then three ways.