The Exiles Return

The Exiles Return

Cyrus King of Persia, had conquered all that was once Babylon. Because of this, he had learned from King Darius the stories of Daniel’s God, and his heart grew toward the exiles from Judah. So, in fulfillment of God’s Word through Jeremiah, he issued a decree that the exiles could return to Judah if they would like. It took over two years to wipe the dust and rubble from the ruined city. However, while Zerubbabel, one of the exiles returning from Babylon, was rebuilding the temple, he sent away his fellow Israelites. Creating enemies instead of unity. All of this showed that it was not just the city that needed to be rebuilt, but the hearts of the people as well.

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Ezra 3:7
In our latest episode, we heard how God rescued Daniel from the lions’ mouths. Daniel had refused to hide his worship of the Lord or to bow to King Darius and was thrown into the lion’s den as punishment as a regretful King Darius looked on, hoping Daniel’s God would save him. God did indeed rescue David and Darius praised the Lord for His greatness. Today’s reading picks up more than fifty years after the last episode’s events. God moved in the heart of the Persian king to allow His people to return home and rebuild their city. God was finally taking His people out of their exile and restoring their homes.
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