God’s Strengthening Word: Offering God Thanks and PraiseНамуна

Introduction

Ezra 1:1–11: Today, we will begin reading excerpts from the book of Ezra, which describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. The Babylonians captured Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and destroyed the Temple in the process. A few decades later, Emperor Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonians and allowed the exiles to return home and rebuild the Temple. Today’s reading includes Cyrus’s decree permitting the Jews to return home. The prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s choosing Cyrus to bring this about (see Isaiah 45:1–8; 48:12–16).

Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 1:5 GNT

Then the heads of the clans of the tribes Judah and Benjamin, the priests and the Levites, and everyone else whose heart God had moved got ready to go and rebuild the LORD’s Temple in Jerusalem.

Reflect

What was stated in Cyrus’s decree (verses 2–4)? What help did the Jewish exiles’ neighbors provide (verse 6)? What did Cyrus return to the Jewish exiles (verse 7)? Based on today’s reading, how would you describe Cyrus as a ruler?

Pray

Gracious God, I thank and praise you for keeping me in the shelter of your love and care. Open my heart and eyes to the needs of those I encounter today that I may share the bounty of your blessings with others. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Ezra 3:1–13: Worship life and the rebuilding of the Temple begins.