Read 2 Chronicles 36 – Ezra 2
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing. Ezra 1:1 KJV
2 Chronicles ends and Ezra begins with the same three verses regarding the decree of Cyrus to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. They are encouraging words at a difficult time in Judah’s history. Two interesting points are brought to our attention: (1) the decree of Cyrus was in fulfillment of a prophecy given seventy years earlier in Jeremiah 25:11-12. At the start of the Babylonian Captivity, God established the end of Judah’s punishment and the start of Babylon’s judgment. (2) One hundred and forty years earlier, in Isaiah 44:28 – 45:4 it was prophesied that a future ruler named Cyrus would issue a decree to rebuild the Temple. God named Cyrus before he even existed! Clearly, God controls time, people, and nations to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises. By doing so He demonstrated then and now there is none like Him, He is God and deserves our trust.
Lord, how encouraging it is to see Your will carried out in people and time. It reassures my faith in You, helping me understand You know people and events before they come into being and use them in keeping Your promises. You are worthy of my trust.
