Cyrus’s Decree

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Ezra
• Chapters: Ezra 1; 2 Chronicles 36
• Summary: Cyrus king of Persia issued a proclamation allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the LORD.

Details

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the LORD stirred the king’s spirit so that Jeremiah’s word about return from exile would be fulfilled. Cyrus announced that the God of heaven had given him his kingdoms and charged him to build a house at Jerusalem.

The decree authorized any of the LORD’s people to go up to Judah, and it called neighbors to support them with silver, gold, goods, animals, and freewill offerings. Cyrus also returned the temple vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away to Babylon, entrusting them to Sheshbazzar for the journey back.

Key People Involved

• Cyrus - Persian king whose decree opened the return
• Zerubbabel - Led the first return under the decree
• Sheshbazzar - Received the restored temple vessels

Key Places

• Persia - Empire issuing the decree
• Babylon - Exile location from which the vessels were returned
• Jerusalem - Destination and temple site

Important Verses

“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.” - Ezra 1:2

Cross-References

• First Return - The return that followed the decree
• Foundation Laid - The rebuilding work begins
• Darius Confirms Cyrus’s Decree - Later Persian confirmation
• Related books: Ezra, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah

Notes

The decree links the end of Chronicles to the beginning of Ezra, turning exile toward restoration through a Gentile king moved by God.