25 September 2023

‘Thus says King Cyrus 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 in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill-offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’
Ezra 1:1-6, NRSV

For the people of Israel who had endured exile in Babylon, these words of the new king must have given great hope and promise. Having conquered the city of Babylon, King Cyrus set about righting many of the wrongs that had been done in its name. All captive peoples were allowed to return to their homelands. Even more amazingly, Cyrus decreed that their holy places, including the Temple in Jerusalem, should be repaired and made fit for use again. He decreed that funds be made available and returned money that had been taken from the captives so that they could achieve this task. A large number of people took up this offer to return home from exile and to rebuild “the house of the Lord”.

• • Can you imagine the reaction of the Jewish people to this decree from King Cyrus?
  • Who are the people who strive to bring liberation and hope today?

Pray for all people exiled from their homeland, and for those who try to bring them hope and welcome.