Babylon was a mighty empire that was a constant threat to Israel and other surrounding nations. They thought themselves invincible as no other nation had been able to rival their power and wealth. Babylon took control of Judah in 605 BC, making their King Jehoiakim a token king of Judah, while in reality Jehoiakim was nothing more than a servant to Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar. After 3 years Jehoiakim rebelled by not paying the tribute tax, which was in reality more of a religious tax to support the Temple. Nebuchadnezzar squashed the rebellion and took prisoners to Babylon. Among this group were Daniel and his 3 friends.
In 597 BC Nebuchadnezzar encircled Judah with his army and destroyed it. In the process he took all the fine gold and silver items from the Temple along with 10,000 captives. Among them was the prophet Ezekiel. In 586 BC Jerusalem fell. The Temple had been burned and emptied of anything that had value. The only people left behind were the poorest of the poor who could offer nothing to Babylon.
In the meantime, the Persian Empire had been on the rise. Under King Cyrus ll of Persia Babylon had met its match. The Lord God of Israel chose to use a non-Jewish unbelieving King, namely Cyrus to rout Babylon and destroy it. Listen to what the Prophet Isaiah had to say: “I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness. I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty.” —Isaiah 45:13
Cyrus was the man used by God to release the exiles from captivity. He had compassion for not only his countrymen, but also his prisoners. He not only allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem but actively participated in the rebuilding of Judah and more specifically the Temple. “Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god. Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.”
This was the inventory:
gold dishes 30
silver dishes 1,000
silver pans 29
gold bowls 30
matching silver bowls 410
other articles 1,000” ... all things Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Solomon’s Temple.
Cyrus reign as King of Persia lasted 30 years. During this time there was peace in the land. Because of his benevolent spirit Cyrus was looked upon favorably by God. God uses who he chooses to accomplish his purposes for good.
Up next is the book of Zechariah. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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