Ezra Chapter 1: The Sovereign Lord
Verses 1-2:
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: “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.’
◇ The Book of Ezra demonstrates God's faithfulness and providence in the process of Israel's restoration.
As seen in the Books of Kings, God does not tolerate idolatry and injustice. Therefore, He judged Israel for its idolatry and unrepentant injustice. However, God restored Israel as they wept and repented in their exile in Babylon, clearly showing that He is a forgiving God to those who repent.
The Book of Ezra shows the restoration of Israel, thoroughly devastated, the return of the exiles, and the rebuilding of the burned temple. In this rebuilding process, we encounter God working in history. Today, we meet God who is with us, restoring and rebuilding us, and we hope to obey His guidance.
Ezra portrays King Cyrus of Persia as one who knew and served God correctly: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah” (verses 2-3).
When we hear the words of Cyrus in verses 2 and 3, it seems as though he has embraced the Jewish faith. But is that really the case? Such confessions could be seen as stemming from his polytheistic religious views. Cyrus, ruling over a vast territory, recognized and encouraged the gods of each nation as a means of governance. To rule over the colony of Israel without issues, Cyrus allowed the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. He acknowledged and exalted their God, the Lord, as one among many gods. He did not praise the Lord from a monotheistic faith but considered the Lord as one among many in a polytheistic faith.
What we should pay attention to is verse 1: “In order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia.” This shows that God keeps His promises and is the Sovereign over the world. Jeremiah had prophesied that after 70 years they would return to their homeland (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10). God fulfilled the prophecy spoken through Jeremiah.
Whether or not Cyrus confessed God, the Lord used him when He wished to act. God used Cyrus as a tool to fulfill His promise and to accomplish His will of forgiving those who repent. God uses all of His creation to accomplish His will, whether they are Gentiles or Jews, unbelievers or Christians, the unjust or the righteous. The important thing is that God accomplishes His will. He is the Sovereign of the world.
Lord, make us those who are used for good, confessing You as our Master! Grant us eyes to see correctly when You work to accomplish Your will and to join in! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!