Ezra 4 New International Version

Opposition to the Rebuilding

4 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.”

3 But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.”

4 Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.[a] 5 They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Later Opposition Under Xerxes and Artaxerxes

6 At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes,[b] they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter was written in Aramaic script and in the Aramaic language.[c][d]

8 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows:

9 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary, together with the rest of their associates—the judges, officials and administrators over the people from Persia, Uruk and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, 10 and the other people whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates.

11 (This is a copy of the letter they sent him.)

To King Artaxerxes,

From your servants in Trans-Euphrates:

12 The king should know that the people who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations.

13 Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer.[e] 14 Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king, 15 so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition. That is why this city was destroyed. 16 We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.

17 The king sent this reply:

To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates:

Greetings.

18 The letter you sent us has been read and translated in my presence. 19 I issued an order and a search was made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition. 20 Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates, and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them. 21 Now issue an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. 22 Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?

23 As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop.

24 Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Ezra 4 New International Version
Opposition to the Rebuilding
4&nbsp;When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building&nbsp;a temple for the&nbsp;Lord, the God of Israel,&nbsp;2&nbsp;they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, &ldquo;Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon&nbsp;king of Assyria, who brought us here.&rdquo;
3&nbsp;But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, &ldquo;You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the&nbsp;Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.&rdquo;
4&nbsp;Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%204%3A1-24&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12115a">a</a>]&nbsp;5&nbsp;They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Later Opposition Under Xerxes and Artaxerxes
6&nbsp;At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%204%3A1-24&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12117b">b</a>]&nbsp;they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
7&nbsp;And in the days of Artaxerxes&nbsp;king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter was written in Aramaic script and in the Aramaic&nbsp;language.[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%204%3A1-24&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12118c">c</a>][<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%204%3A1-24&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12118d">d</a>]
8&nbsp;Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows:
9&nbsp;Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary, together with the rest of their associates&mdash;the judges, officials and administrators over the people from Persia, Uruk&nbsp;and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa,&nbsp;10&nbsp;and the other people whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal&nbsp;deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates.
11&nbsp;(This is a copy of the letter they sent him.)
To King Artaxerxes,
From your servants in Trans-Euphrates:
12&nbsp;The king should know that the people who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations.
13&nbsp;Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty&nbsp;will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer.[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%204%3A1-24&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12124e">e</a>]&nbsp;14&nbsp;Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king,&nbsp;15&nbsp;so that a search may be made in the archives&nbsp;of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition. That is why this city was destroyed.&nbsp;16&nbsp;We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.
17&nbsp;The king sent this reply:
To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates:
Greetings.
18&nbsp;The letter you sent us has been read and translated in my presence.&nbsp;19&nbsp;I issued an order and a search was made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt&nbsp;against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition.&nbsp;20&nbsp;Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates,&nbsp;and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them.&nbsp;21&nbsp;Now issue an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.&nbsp;22&nbsp;Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?
23&nbsp;As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and their associates,&nbsp;they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop.
24&nbsp;Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius&nbsp;king of Persia.

In the Word: Ezra 4:1-24 - "Laying The Foundation - Part 2"

Ezra 3:10-4:3 New International Version

10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:

“He is good;
    his love toward Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.

Opposition to the Rebuilding

4 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.”

3 But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.”

Ezra 3:10-4:3 New International Version
10&nbsp;When the builders laid&nbsp;the foundation of the temple of the&nbsp;Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets,&nbsp;and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lord, as prescribed by David&nbsp;king of Israel.&nbsp;11&nbsp;With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the&nbsp;Lord:
&ldquo;He is good; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;his love toward Israel endures forever.&rdquo;
And all the people gave a great shout&nbsp;of praise to the&nbsp;Lord, because the foundation&nbsp;of the house of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;was laid.&nbsp;12&nbsp;But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple,&nbsp;wept&nbsp;aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.&nbsp;13&nbsp;No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy&nbsp;from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
Opposition to the Rebuilding
4&nbsp;When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building&nbsp;a temple for the&nbsp;Lord, the God of Israel,&nbsp;2&nbsp;they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, &ldquo;Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon&nbsp;king of Assyria, who brought us here.&rdquo;
3&nbsp;But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, &ldquo;You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the&nbsp;Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.&rdquo;

In The Word: Ezra 3:10-4:3 - "Laying The Foundation - Part 2"

Ezra 2:20-70 New International Version

20 of Gibbar9521 the men of Bethlehem12322 of Netophah5623 of Anathoth12824 of Azmaveth4225 of Kiriath Jearim,[a] Kephirah and Beeroth74326 of Ramah and Geba62127 of Mikmash12228 of Bethel and Ai22329 of Nebo5230 of Magbish15631 of the other Elam1,25432 of Harim32033 of Lod, Hadid and Ono72534 of Jericho34535 of Senaah3,630

36 The priests:

the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua)97337 of Immer1,05238 of Pashhur1,24739 of Harim1,017

40 The Levites:

the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (of the line of Hodaviah)74

41 The musicians:

the descendants of Asaph128

42 The gatekeepers of the temple:

the descendants ofShallum, Ater, Talmon,Akkub, Hatita and Shobai139

43 The temple servants:

the descendants ofZiha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,44 Keros, Siaha, Padon,45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai,50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,54 Neziah and Hatipha

55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:

the descendants ofSotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,57 Shephatiah, Hattil,Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami58 The temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon392

59 The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:

60 The descendants ofDelaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda652

61 And from among the priests:

The descendants ofHobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).

62 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.

64 The whole company numbered 42,360, 65 besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and they also had 200 male and female singers. 66 They had 736 horses, 245 mules, 67 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

68 When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics[b] of gold, 5,000 minas[c] of silver and 100 priestly garments.

70 The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

Ezra 2:20-70 New International Version
20 of Gibbar9521 the men of Bethlehem12322 of Netophah5623 of Anathoth12824 of Azmaveth4225 of Kiriath Jearim,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%202%3A20-70&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12053a">a</a>]&nbsp;Kephirah and Beeroth74326&nbsp;of Ramah&nbsp;and Geba62127&nbsp;of Mikmash12228&nbsp;of Bethel and Ai22329&nbsp;of Nebo5230&nbsp;of Magbish15631&nbsp;of the other Elam1,25432&nbsp;of Harim32033&nbsp;of Lod, Hadid and Ono72534&nbsp;of Jericho34535&nbsp;of Senaah3,630
36&nbsp;The priests:
the descendants of Jedaiah&nbsp;(through the family of Jeshua)97337&nbsp;of Immer1,05238&nbsp;of Pashhur1,24739&nbsp;of Harim1,017
40&nbsp;The Levites:
the descendants of Jeshua&nbsp;and Kadmiel (of the line of Hodaviah)74
41&nbsp;The musicians:
the descendants of Asaph128
42&nbsp;The gatekeepers&nbsp;of the temple:
the descendants ofShallum, Ater, Talmon,Akkub, Hatita and Shobai139
43&nbsp;The temple servants:
the descendants ofZiha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,44&nbsp;Keros, Siaha, Padon,45&nbsp;Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,46&nbsp;Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,47&nbsp;Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,48&nbsp;Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,49&nbsp;Uzza, Paseah, Besai,50&nbsp;Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,51&nbsp;Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,52&nbsp;Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,53&nbsp;Barkos, Sisera, Temah,54&nbsp;Neziah and Hatipha
55&nbsp;The descendants of the servants of Solomon:
the descendants ofSotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,56&nbsp;Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,57&nbsp;Shephatiah, Hattil,Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami58&nbsp;The temple servants&nbsp;and the descendants of the servants of Solomon392
59&nbsp;The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended&nbsp;from Israel:
60&nbsp;The descendants ofDelaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda652
61&nbsp;And from among the priests:
The descendants ofHobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite&nbsp;and was called by that name).
62&nbsp;These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood&nbsp;as unclean.&nbsp;63&nbsp;The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food&nbsp;until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.
64&nbsp;The whole company numbered 42,360,&nbsp;65&nbsp;besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and they also had 200 male and female singers.&nbsp;66&nbsp;They had 736 horses,&nbsp;245 mules,&nbsp;67&nbsp;435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.
68&nbsp;When they arrived at the house of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families&nbsp;gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site.&nbsp;69&nbsp;According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%202%3A20-70&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12097b">b</a>]&nbsp;of gold, 5,000 minas[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%202%3A20-70&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12097c">c</a>]&nbsp;of silver and 100 priestly garments.
70&nbsp;The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

In the Word: Ezra 2:20-70 - "Laying The Foundation"

Ezra 2:1-29 New International Version

The List of the Exiles Who Returned

2 Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town, 2 in company with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah):

The list of the men of the people of Israel:

3 the descendants of Parosh2,1724 of Shephatiah3725 of Arah7756 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab)2,8127 of Elam1,2548 of Zattu9459 of Zakkai76010 of Bani64211 of Bebai62312 of Azgad1,22213 of Adonikam66614 of Bigvai2,05615 of Adin45416 of Ater (through Hezekiah)9817 of Bezai32318 of Jorah11219 of Hashum22320 of Gibbar9521 the men of Bethlehem12322 of Netophah5623 of Anathoth12824 of Azmaveth4225 of Kiriath Jearim,[a] Kephirah and Beeroth74326 of Ramah and Geba62127 of Mikmash12228 of Bethel and Ai22329 of Nebo52

Ezra 2:1-29 New International Version
The List of the Exiles Who Returned
2&nbsp;Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles,&nbsp;whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon&nbsp;had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town,&nbsp;2&nbsp;in company with Zerubbabel,&nbsp;Joshua,&nbsp;Nehemiah, Seraiah,&nbsp;Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah):
The list of the men of the people of Israel:
3&nbsp;the descendants of Parosh2,1724&nbsp;of Shephatiah3725&nbsp;of Arah7756&nbsp;of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab)2,8127&nbsp;of Elam1,2548&nbsp;of Zattu9459&nbsp;of Zakkai76010&nbsp;of Bani64211&nbsp;of Bebai62312&nbsp;of Azgad1,22213&nbsp;of Adonikam66614&nbsp;of Bigvai2,05615&nbsp;of Adin45416&nbsp;of Ater (through Hezekiah)9817&nbsp;of Bezai32318&nbsp;of Jorah11219&nbsp;of Hashum22320&nbsp;of Gibbar9521&nbsp;the men of Bethlehem12322&nbsp;of Netophah5623&nbsp;of Anathoth12824&nbsp;of Azmaveth4225&nbsp;of Kiriath Jearim,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%202%3A1-29&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12053a">a</a>]&nbsp;Kephirah and Beeroth74326&nbsp;of Ramah&nbsp;and Geba62127&nbsp;of Mikmash12228&nbsp;of Bethel and Ai22329&nbsp;of Nebo52

In the Word: Ezra 2:1-29 - "Laying The Foundation"

Ezra 1:4-11 New International Version

4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”

5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.

7 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.[a] 8 Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.

9 This was the inventory:

gold dishes30silver dishes1,000silver pans[b]2910 gold bowls30matching silver bowls410other articles1,000

11 In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along with the exiles when they came up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Ezra 1:4-11 New International Version
4&nbsp;And in any locality where survivors&nbsp;may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold,&nbsp;with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings&nbsp;for the temple of God&nbsp;in Jerusalem.&rsquo;&rdquo;
5&nbsp;Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin,&nbsp;and the priests and Levites&mdash;everyone whose heart God had moved&mdash;prepared to go up and build the house&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;in Jerusalem.&nbsp;6&nbsp;All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold,&nbsp;with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.
7&nbsp;Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the&nbsp;Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god.[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%201%3A4-11&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12024a">a</a>]&nbsp;8&nbsp;Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar&nbsp;the prince of Judah.
9&nbsp;This was the inventory:
gold dishes30silver dishes1,000silver pans[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%201%3A4-11&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12026b">b</a>]2910&nbsp;gold bowls30matching silver bowls410other articles1,000
11&nbsp;In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along with the exiles when they came up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

In the Word: Ezra 1:4-11 - "God's Good Hand"

Ezra 1:1-4 New International Version 

Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return

1 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 and also to put it in writing:

2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”

Ezra 1:1-4 New International Version&nbsp;
Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return
1&nbsp;In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;spoken by Jeremiah,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;moved the heart&nbsp;of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
2&nbsp;&ldquo;This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
&ldquo;&lsquo;The&nbsp;Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed&nbsp;me to build&nbsp;a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.&nbsp;3&nbsp;Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the&nbsp;Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.&nbsp;4&nbsp;And in any locality where survivors&nbsp;may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold,&nbsp;with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings&nbsp;for the temple of God&nbsp;in Jerusalem.&rsquo;&rdquo;

In the Word: Ezra 1:1-4 - "God's Good Hand"

2 Chronicles 36:17-23New International Version

17 He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[a] who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and did not spare young men or young women, the elderly or the infirm. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. 18 He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the Lord’s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. 19 They set fire to God’s temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.

20 He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. 21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.

22 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 and also to put it in writing:

23 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”

2 Chronicles 36:17-23New International Version
17&nbsp;He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A17-23&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12011a">a</a>]&nbsp;who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and did not spare young men&nbsp;or young women, the elderly or the infirm.&nbsp;God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar.&nbsp;18&nbsp;He carried to Babylon all the articles&nbsp;from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the&nbsp;Lord&rsquo;s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials.&nbsp;19&nbsp;They set fire&nbsp;to God&rsquo;s temple&nbsp;and broke down the wall&nbsp;of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed&nbsp;everything of value there.
20&nbsp;He carried into exile&nbsp;to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants&nbsp;to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power.&nbsp;21&nbsp;The land enjoyed its sabbath rests;&nbsp;all the time of its desolation it rested,&nbsp;until the seventy years&nbsp;were completed in fulfillment of the word of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;spoken by Jeremiah.
22&nbsp;In the first year of Cyrus&nbsp;king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;spoken by Jeremiah, the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
23&nbsp;&ldquo;This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
&ldquo;&lsquo;The&nbsp;Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed&nbsp;me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;their God be with them.&rsquo;&rdquo;

In The Word: 2 Chronicles 36:17-23 - "The Path Forward"

2 Chronicles 36:14-21 New International Version

14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.

The Fall of Jerusalem

15 The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 17 He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[a] who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and did not spare young men or young women, the elderly or the infirm. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. 18 He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the Lord’s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. 19 They set fire to God’s temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.

20 He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. 21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.

2 Chronicles 36:14-21 New International Version
14&nbsp;Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful,&nbsp;following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the&nbsp;Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.
The Fall of Jerusalem
15&nbsp;The&nbsp;Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers&nbsp;again and again,&nbsp;because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place.&nbsp;16&nbsp;But they mocked God&rsquo;s messengers, despised his words and scoffed&nbsp;at his prophets until the wrath&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.&nbsp;17&nbsp;He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A14-21&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12011a">a</a>]&nbsp;who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and did not spare young men&nbsp;or young women, the elderly or the infirm.&nbsp;God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar.&nbsp;18&nbsp;He carried to Babylon all the articles&nbsp;from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the&nbsp;Lord&rsquo;s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials.&nbsp;19&nbsp;They set fire&nbsp;to God&rsquo;s temple&nbsp;and broke down the wall&nbsp;of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed&nbsp;everything of value there.
20&nbsp;He carried into exile&nbsp;to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants&nbsp;to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power.&nbsp;21&nbsp;The land enjoyed its sabbath rests;&nbsp;all the time of its desolation it rested,&nbsp;until the seventy years&nbsp;were completed in fulfillment of the word of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;spoken by Jeremiah.

In The Word: 2 Chronicles 36:14-21 - "The Path Forward"

2 Chronicles 36:9-13 New International Version

Jehoiachin King of Judah

9 Jehoiachin was eighteen[a] years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the Lord, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[b] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

Zedekiah King of Judah

11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. 12 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. 13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God’s name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 36:9-13 New International Version
Jehoiachin King of Judah
9&nbsp;Jehoiachin&nbsp;was eighteen[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A9-13&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12003a">a</a>]&nbsp;years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the&nbsp;Lord.&nbsp;10&nbsp;In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon,&nbsp;together with articles of value from the temple of the&nbsp;Lord, and he made Jehoiachin&rsquo;s uncle,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A9-13&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12004b">b</a>]&nbsp;Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.
Zedekiah King of Judah
11&nbsp;Zedekiah&nbsp;was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.&nbsp;12&nbsp;He did evil in the eyes of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;his God and did not humble&nbsp;himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the&nbsp;Lord.&nbsp;13&nbsp;He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath&nbsp;in God&rsquo;s name. He became stiff-necked&nbsp;and hardened his heart and would not turn to the&nbsp;Lord, the God of Israel.

In the Word: 2 Chronicles 36:9-13 - "Four Bad Kings"

2 Chronicles 36:1-12 New International Version

36 1 And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.

Jehoahaz King of Judah

2 Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. 3 The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold. 4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.

Jehoiakim King of Judah

5 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. 6 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked him and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. 7 Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the temple of the Lord and put them in his temple[d] there.

8 The other events of Jehoiakim’s reign, the detestable things he did and all that was found against him, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king.

Jehoiachin King of Judah

9 Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the Lord, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[f] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

Zedekiah King of Judah

11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. 12 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 36:1-12 New International Version
36&nbsp;1&nbsp;And the people&nbsp;of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.
Jehoahaz King of Judah
2&nbsp;Jehoahaz[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-11996a">a</a>]&nbsp;was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.&nbsp;3&nbsp;The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-11997b">b</a>]&nbsp;of silver and a talent[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-11997c">c</a>]&nbsp;of gold.&nbsp;4&nbsp;The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim&rsquo;s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho&nbsp;took Eliakim&rsquo;s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.
Jehoiakim King of Judah
5&nbsp;Jehoiakim&nbsp;was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;his God.&nbsp;6&nbsp;Nebuchadnezzar&nbsp;king of Babylon attacked him and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.&nbsp;7&nbsp;Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the temple of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;and put them in his temple[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12001d">d</a>]&nbsp;there.
8&nbsp;The other events of Jehoiakim&rsquo;s reign, the detestable things he did and all that was found against him, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king.
Jehoiachin King of Judah
9&nbsp;Jehoiachin&nbsp;was eighteen[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12003e">e</a>]&nbsp;years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the&nbsp;Lord.&nbsp;10&nbsp;In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon,&nbsp;together with articles of value from the temple of the&nbsp;Lord, and he made Jehoiachin&rsquo;s uncle,[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2036%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-12004f">f</a>]&nbsp;Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.
Zedekiah King of Judah
11&nbsp;Zedekiah&nbsp;was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.&nbsp;12&nbsp;He did evil in the eyes of the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;his God and did not humble&nbsp;himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the&nbsp;Lord.

In The Word: 2 Chronicles 36:1-12 - "Four Bad Kings"

Calvary Chapel Orlando teaching the timeless truths of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation in order to reach our community and world with the love of Jesus.

Calvary Chapel Orlando teaching the timeless truths of&nbsp;God&rsquo;s Word from Genesis to Revelation in order to reach our community and world with the love of Jesus.

In The Word/Calvary Chapel

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