| All the
peoples of the lands are told that each survivor is to
be allowed to return to Jerusalem. All who choose not
to return are to lead in an effort to assist those are.
They are to give them gold and silver and other treasures
to use in the rebuilding of their world. Cyrus himself
ordered the return of the treasures of the temple which
had been taken by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. Something
over five thousand items were returned to the Jews from
the state treasury.
What possible
explanation can you give for the open heart of Cyrus and
the peoples of the land which allowed for, even ordered,
the return of the exiles and their property? How does
God operate in the hearts of men to accomplish something
as enormous as this? Can you find other examples in Scripture
where God opens (or closes) hearts to accomplish His will?
Chapter 2 tells
of the peoples who did return to their native land. Some
are named; most are numbered. Why do you think it was
important for this type historical data to find its way
into the Bible?
Note verse
59. What significance do you place on the fact that there
were some who were not able to support their genealogy?
Why do you
feel it important for the number of servants, animals,
etc. to be listed in Scripture?Note that listed in the
returnees were some two hundred male and female singers
(verse 65). What is the significance of that?
Who were Nethanites?
What role did they play in the return from exile?
Was this first
“wave” of returnees sent only to rebuild Jerusalem
and the temple, or were they to attempt to rebuild the
entire Jewish economy of the past?
It appears
that God is interested in restoring the nation of Judah
and in particular, the city of Jerusalem. Yet it is clear
that He is the one who caused the destruction and the
exile.
Only a few
years have lapsed between these two events. What might
have caused God to change in this time period ? or did
He really change?
Why do you
think that restoring the nation was important to God?
What was He attempting to accomplish in this? What lessons
can we learn about God and His will through our understanding
of His involvement in both the destruction and rebuilding
of the nation Judah? |