Ezra 1:2 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 build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.”
In studying ancient history for this period (600 BC – 400 BC) you find that King Cyrus was quite a wise and practical ruler. He believed that when he conquered a people it was because their god had allowed it to happen. So as his kingdom grew in size it became necessary for his control over the people to allow them to return to their conquered land and re-establish their places of worship to their god. In this way, so Cyrus thought, he could continue to find the favor of all the gods whose people and lands he had conquered. The people would be happy, the gods are happy and Cyrus could reign unchallenged.
His announcement to return the Israelites to Judah seems to be a routine diplomatic courtesy towards the Israelites and their “God”. Yet, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). In Cyrus’s announcement God begins the restoration of His people to their rightful place. God fulfills his promise to the patriarchs that in time His people would be more numerous than the stars in the sky. Seventy years in captivity is an awful long time to wait. It is also not an event that cannot be overcome by God.
The invitation to return home, to return to God is a free offer. Cyrus did not demand that anyone would go. It was a free offer to anyone of the LORD’s people. They could go if they chose, or they could remain in the lands of their exile.
The invitation remains open to you today. The King invites you to return to Him and be reestablished in the place he has planned for you. The invitation is to accept that God will work in you and in your life for the good as you love Him and accept His purpose for your life.
