“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:” Ezra 1:1
As an Aside, and an Introduction to Today’s Reading, suffice it to say that Ezra picks up where 2nd Chronicles leaves off. We see this both historically and perhaps by way of authorship. Historically, as Verse 23 of 2nd Chronicles and Verse 2 of Ezra are identical. By way of Authorship, both Books (1st and 2nd Chronicles being 1 Book) have been linked to Ezra the Scribe by writing style and content, and that the 2nd Book bears his name. But irregardless of its Human Author, we will embrace it as being written by the Holy Spirit!
As far as its Content goes, 70 years of Captivity has been fulfilled and Today’s Verse begins that process. The Jews taken captive by Babylon, and now held by the Medes and Persians, and now being freed to return home. Consider that; God’s people have been Imprisoned for 70 years. They have lived, worked, and multiplied in a foreign land; but now it is time for them to go home. How can this be? Paul says in Romans 11, God’s ways are unsearchable and unfathomable. Here it is in action. So how does that get done? You stir up the heart of the then known “Ruler of the World” to let them go. God’s Power has no bounds or limitations!
Is this the God you Serve? Oh, come let us worship and bow down! He IS a Mighty God!!!