# Day 191

# The Release from Babylon

Ezra 1:1–2:67

Cyrus, the emperor of Persia, was a friend of the Jews. Years before, the prophet Jeremiah had spoken about their captivity. He said the Jews would be captive in Babylon for seventy years.

Seventy years passed, and God stirred Cyrus’s spirit. He commanded: “The Lord has given me all the kingdoms on earth. He has now told me to build his temple at Jerusalem in Judah. All of God’s people have my permission to go up to Jerusalem. They may rebuild the house of the Lord—God be with them! Give the Jews silver and gold, goods and animals. Make offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.”

The leaders of Judah and Benjamin made ready. The priests and Levites prepared. King Cyrus himself gave them the vessels from the Lord’s house—gold and silver cups, plates, and bowls. There were 5,400 vessels in all.

A total of 42,360 Jews returned to Jerusalem with this treasure. Also, 7,337 servants and 200 singers went along. The enormous caravan included 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

Questions: Why did Cyrus let the people return to Jerusalem? What were the Jews to do when they returned to Jerusalem?