Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia [that is, the first year he ruled Babylon], in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah [the prophet], the LORD stirred up (put in motion) the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying: [Jer 29:10-14] “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is God who is in Jerusalem. In any place where a survivor (Jewish exile) may live, let the men (Gentiles) of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with freewill offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ” Then the heads of the fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites, all those whose spirits God had stirred up, arose to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
Read Ezra 1
Share
Compare All Versions: Ezra 1:1-5
3 Days
Children love to ask questions about almost anything. They ask “Why? What? Who? How?” very often. It’s only natural for children and is part of their trying to make sense of their world. This 3-day Bible plan looks at some of the real questions that real children ask with answers pitched to their understanding. The plan complements the free children’s game app Guardians of Ancora.
Do you wonder if, when, or how God will fulfill His promises to you? Do you hope to live a fruitful life, faithfully serving God with what you have, where you are? In this three-day reading plan, Dr. Kwasi Amoafo points out how the story of Ezra mirrors the story of Jesus, making him an excellent model to follow as we strive to glorify God with our lives.
4 Days
Do you wonder if God has anything to say about your work? Explore key verses from each chapter of the Bible that offer wisdom, guidance, and purpose for everyday work. Part 4: Ezra - Job
The Lord is calling His people to an era of exploits. He is redeeming the time, and we need to partner with people to accomplish the Kingdom mandate. This devotional highlights the example of King Cyrus, and gives us present day life applications to break out of self-imposed mental and social limitations for a more effective life of ministry.
Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!
Home
Bible
Plans
Videos