Esdra 1-5
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
POINT VM Ezr 1:3-6—Why were the Israelites who did not volunteer to return to
Jerusalem not necessarily weak in faith? (w06 1/15 17 _5; 19 _1)
1:3-6—Were the Israelites who did not volunteer to return to their homeland weak
in faith? Some may not have returned to Jerusalem because they were materialistic or
lacked appreciation for true worship, but this was not true in every case. First of all, the
1,000-mile [1,600 km] journey to Jerusalem took four or five months. Moreover, settling in
a land that had remained desolate for 70 years and doing the rebuilding work there would
require much physical stamina. Therefore, unfavorable circumstances, such as physical
ailments, advanced age, and family obligations, undoubtedly prevented some from
returning.
1:3-6. Like some of the Israelites who remained in Babylon, many of Jehovah’s
Witnesses cannot take up the full-time ministry or serve where the need is greater. Yet,
they support and encourage those who can and make voluntary donations to further the
Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.
Ezr 4:1-3—Why was an offer of help rejected? (w06 1/15 19 _3)
4:1-3. The faithful remnant rejected an offer that would have meant forming a religious
alliance with false worshippers. (Exodus 20:5; 34:12) Jehovah’s worshippers today
similarly take no part in any interfaith movements.
What does this week’s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah?
*** w14 5/1 p. 6 Can Anyone See the Future? ***
Historians agree that this conquest by Cyrus actually occurred. Cyrus’ army
employed the tremendous engineering feat of diverting one of Babylon’s
waterways—in effect, drying up rivers. What is more, the army entered the city
through gates that had been left open. Cyrus thereafter freed the Jewish people
and declared that they could rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. That was
unusual, for Cyrus did not worship the God of the Jews. (Ezra 1:1-3) Who but
God could have predicted the details of those historical events?
*** w02 1/15 pp. 12-13 par. 9 Jehovah—The Supreme Example of
Goodness ***
9 God thus disciplined his people. Through the prophet Jeremiah, however, he foretold
that in Jerusalem there would yet be heard the voice of those saying: “Laud Jehovah of
armies, for Jehovah is good; for to time indefinite is his loving-kindness!” (Jeremiah 33:10,
11) And so it proved to be. After a 70-year desolation of the land, in 537 B.C.E., a Jewish
remnant returned to Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:1, 2) They rebuilt the altar at the
temple site on Mount Moriah and began to offer sacrifices there. The temple’s foundation
was laid in the second year of their return. What a thrilling time! “When the builders laid the
foundation of the temple of Jehovah,” said Ezra, “then the priests in official clothing, with
the trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph, with the cymbals, stood up to praise
Jehovah according to the direction of David the king of Israel. And they began to respond
by praising and giving thanks to Jehovah, ‘for he is good, for his loving-kindness toward
Israel is to time indefinite.’”—Ezra 3:1-11.
*** w02 7/15 p. 13 par. 17 Add Godly Devotion to Your Endurance ***
17
Discouragement
can
weaken our endurance and have
a detrimental effect on our godly
devotion. Many of Jehovah’s
servants
have
experienced
discouragement.
(Numbers 11:11-15; Ezra 4:4;
Jonah
4:3)
Especially can
discouragement
have
a
devastating effect on us if it is
accompanied by resentment because we feel slighted or have been strongly chastised or
disciplined. Reproof and discipline, however, are evidence of divine interest and loving
concern. (Hebrews 12:5-7, 10, 11) Discipline should be considered not simply punishment
but a means of training us in the way of righteousness. If we are humble, we will appreciate
and accept counsel, realizing that “the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.” (Proverbs
6:23) This can help us to make fine spiritual progress in pursuing godly devotion.
*** w02 11/15 p. 5 Do Not Give Up Meeting Together ***
As foretold by the prophet Isaiah, God raised up King Cyrus of Persia to liberate the
Jews from the power of Babylon. (Isaiah 45:1) Following a 70-year exile, they returned to
Jerusalem in 537 B.C.E. for the purpose of rebuilding the temple. (Ezra 1:1-6; 2:1, 2;
Jeremiah 29:10) After delays in construction, the temple was finally completed in
515 B.C.E., and the pure worship of God was restored. Though it was not as glorious as
Solomon’s temple, the structure lasted for nearly 600 years. However, this temple also fell
into disrepair because the Israelites neglected the worship of Jehovah. When Jesus Christ
appeared on the earthly scene, the temple was in the process of being progressively rebuilt
by King Herod. What was in the offing for this temple?
*** w01 9/15 p. 11 par. 6 Will Jehovah’s Blessing Overtake You? ***
6 The repatriated Jews set up an altar and began work on the temple in Jerusalem. But
when powerful opposition arose, their zeal began to flag and construction stopped. (Ezra
3:1-3, 10; 4:1-4, 23, 24) They also started to give priority to personal comforts. Hence, God
sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to rekindle his people’s zeal for true worship.
Through Haggai, Jehovah said: “Is it the time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled
houses, while this house [of worship] is waste? . . . Set your heart upon your ways. You
have sown much seed, but there is a bringing of little in. There is an eating, but it is not to
satisfaction. . . . And he that is hiring himself out is hiring himself out for a bag having holes.”
(Haggai 1:4-6) Sacrificing spiritual interests in the pursuit of material advantages does not
result in Jehovah’s blessing.—Luke 12:15-21.
*** w95 3/15 p. 14 par. 15 Learning to Find Enjoyment in the Fear of Jehovah ***
This was not due to any failure on Jehovah’s part. Jehovah did, indeed, take steps to
put the fear of God in the hearts of his people. By the mercy that he showed in delivering
them from Babylon and restoring them to their homeland, he gave them every reason to
view him with profound reverence. God reinforced all of that with reminders, counsel, and
reproof by means of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi; by Ezra, who was sent
to them as a teacher; by means of Governor Nehemiah; and by God’s own Son himself. At
times the people listened. They did so when they rebuilt Jehovah’s temple at the urging of
Haggai and Zechariah and when they sent away foreign wives in the days of Ezra. (Ezra
5:1, 2; 10:1-4) But more often they did not obey. They were not consistent about paying
attention; they did not continue to be receptive to counsel; they did not keep their hearts
open. The Israelites were not cultivating godly fear, and as a result, it was not a powerful
motivating force in their lives.—Malachi 1:6; Matthew 15:7, 8.
15
*** w95 9/1 pp. 12-13 par. 19 Witnesses Against the False God ***
19
When the time came, Cyrus the Persian conquered Babylon just as prophesied.
Cyrus, though a pagan, proclaimed Jehovah’s Godship when he issued a pronouncement
to the Jews in Babylon: “Whoever there is among you of all his people, may his God prove
to be with him. So let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of
Jehovah the God of Israel—he is the true God—which was in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:3) Many
Jews responded. They trekked back to the Promised Land and erected an altar on the
ancient temple site. Despite discouragement and strong opposition, they were finally able
to rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem. All of this happened, as Jehovah himself
said, “not by a military force, nor by power, but by [his] spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6) These
accomplishments gave further evidence that Jehovah is the true God.
*** w92 9/15 p. 8 par. 2 Jehovah Forgives in a Large Way ***
2 To “search for Jehovah” and call to him with acceptance, a wicked person has to
abandon his wrong way and any thought of doing harm to others. The need to “return to
Jehovah” indicates that the wrongdoer left God, with whom he once had an intimate
relationship. That was the case with Judah’s inhabitants, whose unfaithfulness to God
eventually led to exile in Babylon. The Jewish exiles needed to return to Jehovah by
repenting of misdeeds that had resulted in their Babylonian captivity and the foretold 70year desolation of their homeland. In 537 B.C.E., that land was reoccupied by a Godfearing remnant of Jews released from Babylon by governmental decree. (Ezra 1:1-8;
Daniel 9:1-4) So grand were the effects of that restoration that the land of Judah was
compared with the Edenic Paradise.—Ezekiel 36:33-36.
*** w88 8/1 p. 28 God’s Undeserved Kindness—Do Not Miss Its Purpose! ***
A situation similar to this had developed centuries earlier. In the spring of 537 B.C.E.,
Jehovah God released his chosen nation of Israel from Babylonian captivity by means of
the Persian king Cyrus. The purpose of their deliverance was identified by Cyrus himself in
the following decree: “Whoever there is among you of all his people, may his God prove to
be with him. So let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of
Jehovah the God of Israel.”—Ezra 1:1-3.
Yes, it was Jehovah’s appointed time to have true worship restored to the land of Judah.
Because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, those repatriated Jews had the privilege of
rebuilding his temple in Jerusalem. Accepting the challenge, the returned exiles got settled
in their homeland and began restoration work on the temple.—Ezra 1:5-11.
*** w87 11/1 p. 15 par. 1 Are You Remaining Clean in Every Respect? ***
SUDDENLY they were free—after 70 years of slavery! A royal decree of about
538 B.C.E. allowed the Jewish nation to return “and rebuild the house of Jehovah the God
of Israel.” (Ezra 1:2, 3) Next, another startling development: “King Cyrus [of Persia] himself
brought forth the utensils of the house of Jehovah, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought out
from Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:7, 8) Among these were the sacred vessels Belshazzar and his
grandees had defiled on the night of Babylon’s fall by brazenly using them to praise false
gods! (Daniel 5:3, 4) Now the former exiles could return these utensils to Jerusalem and
use them in praise of Jehovah!
*** w75 2/1 p. 82 par. 9 Hope Based on the Unfolding Purpose of God ***
9
But Jehovah God also warned that if they turned away from him they would be
punished. In fact, he foretold their going into Babylonian exile. True to his word, when they
turned away from him, Jehovah did indeed punish them. (Deut. 31:29; Isa. 39:5-7; 2 Chron.
36:15-21) Likewise, in harmony with his promise, he restored a repentant remnant to their
homeland. (Lev. 26:41-45; Ezra 1:1-3) Finally, by the mouth of his greatest prophet, his
own Son, Jesus Christ, Jehovah foretold another desolating of Jerusalem. This was fulfilled
in 70 C.E. when the Roman armies under General Titus destroyed Jerusalem and her
glorious temple. (Luke 19:41-44) No question about it, Jehovah has shown himself faithful
and dependable, always fulfilling his word. Yes, as the apostle Paul assures us, ‘God
cannot lie.’—Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18.
*** w69 6/15 p. 359 The Bible—the Book That Gives Hope ***
The Bible gives hope because everything that God has promised has come to pass,
and that exactly on time. Thus, by his prophet Jeremiah God foretold that the land of Israel
would lie desolate for seventy years while his people would serve the king of Babylon. And
when those seventy years were fulfilled, those Israelites who were hoping in God were not
disappointed. God had liberated them and, right on time, they had arrived back in their
homeland.—Jer. 25:11; Dan. 9:2; Ezra 1:1-4.
What points from this week’s Bible reading can I use in the field
ministry
*** w11 8/15 p. 30 par. 12 Pursue Peace ***
King Artaxerxes was told that the Jews
were rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and
were about to rebel against the Persian
Empire. The king believed the false report
and ordered that all rebuilding in
Jerusalem cease. As a result, the Jews
stopped work on God’s temple. (Ezra
4:11-13, 23, 24) Christian elders wisely
follow Paul’s counsel to Timothy to avoid
making premature judgments.—Read
1 Timothy 5:21.
*** w08 6/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 8-11 Things From Which We Must Flee ***
Persian King Cyrus II issued a
decree for the Jews to return and rebuild
Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem.—Ezra
1:1-4.
9
Thousands of Jews seized this
opportunity and returned. (Ezra 2:64-67)
In doing so, they fulfilled Jeremiah’s
prophetic command that in their case
involved fleeing in one sense, getting away to another location. (Read Jeremiah 51:6,
45, 50.) Circumstances did not permit all the Jews to make the long trip back to Jerusalem
and Judah. Those remaining in Babylon, such as the aged prophet Daniel, could have
God’s blessing, provided they wholeheartedly supported pure worship centered in
Jerusalem and remained separate from Babylonian false worship.
10
Today, billions of humans are involved in various forms of false religion that can be
traced back to ancient Babylon. (Gen. 11:6-9) Collectively, those religions are designated
as “Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.”
(Rev. 17:5) False religion has a long history of supporting the political rulers of this world.
Among “the disgusting things” that she bears responsibility for are the many wars that have
resulted in hundreds of millions being “slaughtered on the earth.” (Rev. 18:24) Additional
“disgusting things” include acts of pedophilia and other forms of sexual immorality
committed by clergymen and tolerated by the church authorities. Is it any wonder that
Jehovah God will soon rid this earth of false religion?—Rev. 18:8.
11 True Christians, who know this, have an obligation to warn members of Babylon the
Great. One way they do so is by distributing Bibles and related literature published by “the
faithful and discreet slave,” whom Jesus appointed to provide spiritual “food at the proper
time.” (Matt. 24:45) When individuals show an interest in the Bible’s message,
arrangements are made to help them by means of a Bible study. Hopefully, they will see
the need to “flee out of the midst of Babylon” before it is too late.—Rev. 18:4.
*** w08 12/15 p. 22 Ancient Cuneiform and the Bible ***
One famous cuneiform inscription found in 1879, the Cyrus Cylinder, records that after
taking Babylon in 539 B.C.E., Cyrus applied his policy of returning captives to their
homelands. Among those to benefit were the Jews. (Ezra 1:1-4) Many 19th-century
scholars had questioned the authenticity of the decree quoted in the Bible. However,
cuneiform documents from the Persian period, including the Cyrus Cylinder, provide
convincing evidence that the Bible record is accurate.
*** w06 4/15 p. 21 pars. 5-7 “I Am With You People” ***
5
The book of Ezra
provides some historical
background. After the
Jews
returned
from
captivity in Babylon in
537 B.C.E.,
Governor
Zerubbabel and High
Priest Joshua (or Jeshua)
supervised the laying of
the foundation of the new
temple in 536 B.C.E.
(Ezra 3:8-13; 5:1) While
that was cause for great
rejoicing, before long, fright began to come upon the Jews. Adversaries, “the people of the
land,” says Ezra 4:4, “were continually weakening the hands of the people of Judah and
disheartening them from building.” Such enemies, particularly Samaritans, made false
accusations against the Jews. These opposers induced the king of Persia to ban the temple
construction work.—Ezra 4:10-21.
6
Initial enthusiasm for the temple work waned. The Jews turned to personal interests.
However, in 520 B.C.E., 16 years after the foundation of the temple was laid, Jehovah
raised up Haggai and Zechariah to stir up the people to renew the work on the temple.
(Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1) Roused by God’s messengers and having clear evidence of
Jehovah’s backing, the Jews resumed the work on the temple and completed it in
515 B.C.E.—Ezra 6:14, 15.
7
Do you know the significance of all of this for us? We have work to do in connection
with the preaching of the “good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) That work took on
special emphasis after World War I. Just as the ancient Jews were released from literal
captivity in Babylon, so Jehovah’s modern-day people were freed from captivity to Babylon
the Great, the world empire of false religion. God’s anointed ones applied themselves to
the work of preaching, teaching, and directing people to true worship. That work continues
today on an even greater scale, and you may be sharing in it. Now is the time for it to be
done, for the end of this wicked system is just ahead! This God-ordained work must
continue until Jehovah intervenes in human affairs at the “great tribulation.” (Matthew
24:21) That will clear away wickedness and allow true worship to flourish fully on earth.
*** w06 4/15 p. 25 pars. 3-4 Let Your Hands Be Strong ***
3
As the preceding article
noted, the prophecies of
Haggai
and
Zechariah
involved the time when the
Jews returned to their Godgiven land after their release
from captivity in Babylon.
The two prophets gave
attention to the rebuilding of
the temple. The Jews laid
the foundation of the temple
in 536 B.C.E. While some
older Jews focused on the
past, overall there was
much “shouting for joy.” In
reality, though, something even more momentous has occurred in our time. How so?—
Ezra 3:3-13.
Soon after World War I, Jehovah’s anointed ones were released from captivity to
Babylon the Great. That represented a major indication of Jehovah’s support. Earlier it
seemed that religious leaders and their political associates had brought an end to the Bible
Students’ public preaching and teaching work. (Ezra 4:8, 13, 21-24) However, Jehovah
God cleared away obstacles to the preaching and disciple-making work. Over the decades
since 1919, the Kingdom work has flourished and nothing has been able to stop its
progress.
4
*** w06 1/15 p. 18 par. 7-p. 19 par. 4 Highlights From the Book of Ezra ***
1:2. What Isaiah prophesied some 200 years earlier came true. (Isaiah 44:28)
Prophecies in Jehovah’s Word never fail.
3:1-6. In the seventh month of 537 B.C.E. (Tishri, corresponding to
September/October), the faithful returnees offered their first sacrifice. The Babylonians had
entered Jerusalem in the fifth month (Ab, corresponding to July/August) of 607 B.C.E., and
two months later the city’s desolation was complete. (2 Kings 25:8-17, 22-26) As foretold,
Jerusalem’s 70-year desolation ended right on time. (Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10) Anything
Jehovah’s Word foretells always comes true.
5:1-7; 6:1-12. Jehovah can maneuver matters for the success of his people.
*** w05 2/15 p. 20 par. 13 Safeguarding Our Christian Identity ***
13
Make your Christian identity known. The saying that the
best defense is a good offense is true as we stand up for our
Christian identity. When confronted with opposition to their
efforts to do Jehovah’s will in the days of Ezra, faithful
Israelites stated: “We are the servants of the God of the
heavens and the earth.” (Ezra 5:11) If we are affected by the
reactions and criticism of hostile people, we can become
paralyzed with fear. A policy of pleasing everyone will
undermine our effectiveness. So do not be intimidated. It is
always good to make it clearly known to others that you are
one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In a respectful but firm way, you
can explain to others your values, your beliefs, and your
position as a Christian. Let others know that you have resolved
to maintain Jehovah’s high standards on issues of morality.
Make it clear that your Christian integrity is not negotiable. Show that you are proud of your
moral standards. (Psalm 64:10) Standing out as a steadfast Christian can fortify you,
protect you, and even move some to inquire about Jehovah and his people.
*** w04 10/15 p. 18 par. 14 “Go About in the Land” ***
The Gibeonites continued to manifest a willingness to do humble tasks in Jehovah’s
service. Likely, some of them were among the Nethinim who returned from Babylon and
served at the rebuilt temple. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43-54; 8:20) We can imitate their attitude by
striving to maintain peace with God and being willing to handle even humble assignments
in his service.
*** w02 7/1 p. 13 par. 16 Jehovah Beautifies His People With Light ***
The newcomers want to work. The prophecy goes on to say: “Foreigners will actually
build your walls, and their own kings will minister to you.” (Isaiah 60:10) In the first fulfillment
of these words back in the days of the return from Babylonian exile, kings and others from
the nations did actually help in the rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. (Ezra
3:7; Nehemiah 3:26) In the modern fulfillment, the great crowd has supported the anointed
remnant in building up true worship. They have helped to build up Christian congregations
and thus strengthen the citylike “walls” of Jehovah’s organization. They also share in a
literal building work—the construction of Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and Bethel
facilities. In all these ways, they support their anointed brothers in caring for the needs of
Jehovah’s expanding organization!
16
*** w98 12/15 p. 13 par. 15 Salvation Belongs to Jehovah ***
15 Endurance was needed by Jewish exiles in order to maintain integrity to God while in
Babylonian captivity for some 70 sad years. (Psalm 137:1-6) One noteworthy integrity
keeper was the prophet Daniel. (Daniel 1:1-7; 9:1-3) Imagine his joy when the decree of
Persian King Cyrus went into effect in 537 B.C.E., allowing the Jews to return to Judah to
rebuild the temple! (Ezra 1:1-4) Daniel and others had endured for years, but they finally
saw Babylon’s overthrow and the deliverance of Jehovah’s people. This should help us to
display endurance while we await the destruction of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire
of false religion.—Revelation 18:1-5.
*** w92 3/15 p. 11 par. 17 Do Not Miss the Purpose of God-Given Freedom ***
17
Jehovah gives his loyal servants freedom primarily in vindication of his own
sovereignty but also for their comfort or benefit. He freed the Israelites from Egyptian
bondage so that they might glorify him as a kingdom of priests, his witnesses. (Exodus
19:5, 6; Isaiah 43:10-12) Similarly, Jehovah brought his people out of Babylonian exile
primarily to rebuild his temple and restore true worship. (Ezra 1:2-4) When the exiles
concerned themselves only with their own material comforts, Jehovah sent his prophets
Haggai and Zechariah to alert them to their obligations before God. Having their God-given
freedom thus put in proper perspective resulted in the completion of the temple, to God’s
glory, and also in the comfort and well-being to his people.
*** w92 4/15 p. 13 par. 9 Jehovah’s Provision, the “Given Ones” ***
9 Ezra 1:5 speaks of “everyone whose spirit the true God had roused, to go up and
rebuild the house of Jehovah.” Yes, Jehovah moved all those who returned. He stimulated
their spirit, that is, their impelling mental inclination. Even from the heavens, God could do
this by using his holy spirit, his active force. Thus, all who rose “to go up and rebuild the
house of Jehovah” were helped “by [God’s] spirit.”—Zechariah 4:1, 6; Haggai 1:14.
*** w88 9/15 pp. 24-25 par. 12 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” ***
God resurrected the Jewish nation when 42,360 people of all tribes of Israel and some
7,500 non-Israelites seized their opportunity to repopulate Judah, rebuild Jerusalem and
its temple, and restore true worship in their homeland. (Ezra 1:1-4; 2:64, 65) Similarly, in
1918 the persecuted remnant of spiritual Israel became like those dry bones—killed as
regards their public witnessing work. But in 1919 Jehovah revived them as Kingdom
proclaimers. (Revelation 11:7-12) This parallel should strengthen our confidence that these
anointed ones and their associates make up the earthly organization Jehovah is using
today.—See the 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages 87-125.
*** w86 1/15 p. 9 Jehovah Fulfills His Promises! ***
5:5—Why did the opposers not stop the building work?
Jehovah’s watchcare was upon his faithful servants. (2 Chronicles 16:9) Strengthened
by God’s spirit, the elders refused to be intimidated. They referred to the long-forgotten
decree of Cyrus. Since Persian law was unalterable, the adversaries feared opposing a
royal decree. (Daniel 6:8, 15) Jehovah’s direction was evident, and the work continued.
Lesson for Us: Christian elders today should also seek Jehovah’s guidance. He gives
the insight needed when we face opposers.—Psalm 32:8.
*** w72 5/15 pp. 305-306 par. 10 Appreciating Jehovah’s Deliverance ***
The Israelites who were delivered from Babylon and returned to Jerusalem in
537 B.C.E. did not suffer, but Jehovah saw to it they had sufficient food, clothing and
shelter. Ezra tells us: “As for all those round about them, they strengthened their hands
with utensils of silver, with gold, with goods and with domestic animals and with choice
things, besides all that which was voluntarily offered.” (Ezra 1:6) Jehovah promises to
provide the needed things for his servants today IF we put true worship and Kingdom
interests first in our lives. So show appreciation for Jehovah’s deliverance by putting faith
in him, relying on him for your material needs as you put Kingdom interests first.
(Esdra 1:3-6) 3 Chiunque fra voi è di tutto il suo popolo, il suo Dio sia con lui. Salga
dunque a Gerusalemme, che è in Giuda, e riedifichi la casa di Geova l’Iddio d’Israele — egli
è il [vero] Dio — la quale era a Gerusalemme. 4 In quanto a chiunque resta da tutti i luoghi
dove risiede come forestiero, gli uomini del suo luogo lo assistano con argento e con oro e
con beni e con animali domestici insieme all’offerta volontaria per la casa del [vero] Dio,
che era a Gerusalemme’”. 5 Quindi i capi dei padri di Giuda e di Beniamino e i sacerdoti e
i leviti si levarono, pure ognuno di cui il [vero] Dio aveva destato lo spirito, per salire a
riedificare la casa di Geova, che era a Gerusalemme. 6 In quanto a tutti quelli intorno a loro,
rafforzarono le loro mani con utensili d’argento, con oro, con beni e con animali domestici
e con cose scelte, oltre a tutto ciò che fu offerto volontariamente.
(Esdra 4:1-3) 4 Quando gli avversari di Giuda e di Beniamino ebbero udito che i figli
dell’Esilio edificavano un tempio a Geova l’Iddio d’Israele, 2 si accostarono
immediatamente a Zorobabele e ai capi delle case paterne e dissero loro: “Lasciateci
edificare insieme a voi; poiché, proprio come voi, noi ricerchiamo il vostro Dio e gli
sacrifichiamo fin dai giorni di Esar-Addon re d’Assiria, che ci fece salire qui”. 3 Comunque,
Zorobabele e Iesua e il resto dei capi delle case paterne d’Israele dissero loro: “Voi non
avete nulla a che fare con noi nell’edificare una casa al nostro Dio, poiché noi stessi,
insieme, edificheremo a Geova l’Iddio d’Israele, proprio come ci ha comandato il re Ciro,
re di Persia”.
(Esdra 1:1-3) 1 E nel primo anno di Ciro re di Persia, affinché si adempisse la parola di
Geova dalla bocca di Geremia, Geova destò lo spirito di Ciro re di Persia, così che egli
fece passare un bando per tutto il suo regno, e anche per iscritto, dicendo: 2 “Ciro re di
Persia ha detto questo: ‘Geova l’Iddio dei cieli mi ha dato tutti i regni della terra, ed egli
stesso mi ha incaricato di edificargli una casa a Gerusalemme, che è in Giuda. 3 Chiunque
fra voi è di tutto il suo popolo, il suo Dio sia con lui. Salga dunque a Gerusalemme, che è
in Giuda, e riedifichi la casa di Geova l’Iddio d’Israele — egli è il [vero] Dio — la quale era
a Gerusalemme.
(Esdra 4:4) 4 Allora il popolo del paese indeboliva di continuo le mani del popolo di
Giuda e lo scoraggiava dall’edificare,
(Esdra 3:7) 7 E davano denaro ai tagliatori [di pietre] e agli artefici, e viveri e bevanda
e olio ai sidoni e ai tiri, perché portassero legname di cedro dal Libano al mare a Ioppe,
secondo il permesso dato loro da Ciro re di Persia.
(Esdra 5:5) 5 E l’occhio del loro Dio mostrò d’essere sugli anziani dei giudei, e non li
fermarono finché la comunicazione non fosse giunta a Dario e non fosse quindi rimandato
indietro un documento ufficiale a questo proposito.