Ezra 1:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Cyrus publicly credits the LORD, the God of heaven, with giving him his empire and commissioning him to build a temple in Jerusalem.
What Does Ezra 1:2 Mean?
These are the opening words of the royal decree. Cyrus addresses his whole realm, naming the LORD as the God of heaven who has handed him the kingdoms of the earth. He then states his charge: to build a house for God at Jerusalem. A pagan king speaks of Israel's God with reverence and traces his own authority back to Him.
Cyrus understood that his power was not self-made but given. Every throne is held on loan from the One who gives the kingdoms of the earth. That a ruler outside the covenant should be the one to order the temple rebuilt shows how far God's reach extends. He can accomplish His purposes through anyone, and He delights to build His house. The exile had not erased the promise; God was still gathering a people to meet with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 1:2
What does Ezra 1:2 mean?
Cyrus publicly credits the LORD, the God of heaven, with giving him his empire and commissioning him to build a temple in Jerusalem.