Overview
After 70 years of exile, God moved King Cyrus of Persia to permit the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Three major returns occurred under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, restoring the community, temple worship, and the Law's centrality in Israel's life.
Key Scriptures
"Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah'" (Ezra 1:2, ESV).
"Thus says the LORD: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place'" (Jeremiah 29:10, ESV).
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV).
Application
Trust that God fulfills His promises despite lengthy trials, and remember Christ's resurrection guarantees our ultimate spiritual restoration.