Overview
After seventy years of Babylonian exile, God moved the heart of King Cyrus to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (538 BC). This restoration was fulfilled through multiple returns, with Zerubbabel leading the first group to reconstruct the temple, and Ezra later returning to restore spiritual devotion and God's law among the people.
Key Scriptures
"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm" (Ezra 1:1, NIV).
"So the elders of the Jews continued building and prospered under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes" (Ezra 6:14, NIV).
Application
Trust that God fulfills His promises of restoration and renewal, even after seasons of discipline and exile from His blessing.