The verse isn't just offering permission; it frames the rebuilding of the Temple as a divine mandate for "the God of Israel" who specifically resides in Jerusalem. This subtly emphasizes that God's presence is localized and tied to this particular place, making the return and rebuilding an act of restoring that divine dwelling, not just constructing a building.
Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of King Cyrus of Persia's decree, issued after God stirred his heart to allow the Jewish exiles to return from Babylon. The decree explicitly calls for all of God's people, not just those from Judah, to go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. It blesses those who undertake this journey, framing it as an act of obedience to "the LORD, the God of Israel," who has chosen Jerusalem as His dwelling place.
Cyrus's decree sounds like a bold political move, but who's really behind it? When you see a powerful leader doing something that aligns with God's plan, it's not accidental.
The book of Ezra opens with a stunning declaration: the Lord 'stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia' (Ezra 1:1). This isn't just a historical footnote; it's a theological powerhouse.
Cyrus's decree is an amazing opportunity, but the wording of Ezra 1:3 turns it into something deeply personal. It’s not just a command, but a heartfelt invitation.
The phrase 'his God be with him' is more than just a polite wish; it's a divine endorsement and empowerment for the arduous task ahead.
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Understand the original words
sarid · Hebrew Noun
The term used for those who remained alive after a catastrophe or judgment. In redemptive history, it signifies the faithful remnant preserved by God to continue the covenant line.
nedabah · Hebrew Noun
A gift offered to God voluntarily, not out of legal obligation or compulsion, but as a spontaneous expression of devotion, gratitude, or dedication to the Lord and His service.
This verse is spoken in the context of the Persian Empire allowing the Jewish exiles to return home after decades in Babylonian captivity, a pivotal moment of restoration initiated by a foreign king.
c. 721 BC
Assyrian Deportation of the Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (the ten tribes) was conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and many of its inhabitants were deported. This event scattered Israelites far beyond the land of Judah.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem, deporting some of the Judean elite, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marked the beginning of the 70-year exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces destroyed Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and leading to a larger deportation of Judeans.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Persian, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, conquered the Babylonian Empire. This shifted political power and created a new geopolitical landscape for the exiles.
538 BC— this verse
Cyrus' Edict of Return
Following his conquest, Cyrus issued a decree permitting exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their ancestral lands and rebuild their temples. This is the decree that Ezra 1:1-4 announces.
This passage is a direct parallel, stating Cyrus's decree and attributing the 'stirring up' of his spirit to the Lord, highlighting God's sovereign hand in the events.
Isaiah 44:28This prophecy, made by Isaiah centuries earlier, foretells Cyrus by name and declares that Jerusalem would be rebuilt and the temple's foundation laid, directly foreshadowing the events described in Ezra.
Jeremiah 29:10This prophetic word established the 70-year timeframe for exile and the promise of return, giving context to the decree in Ezra as the fulfillment of God's plan for His people's restoration.
1 Kings 18:39The emphatic declaration 'He is the God!' in Ezra echoes Elijah's powerful challenge to the people of Israel, affirming Yahweh as the one true God, distinct from the idols of the surrounding nations.
henryEzra 1:1-4: "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,"
1:1-4 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. The hearts of kings are in the hand of the Lord. God governs the world by his influence on the spirits of men; whatever good they do, God stirs up their spirits to do it. I…
pooleEzra 1:3: "Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem."
Of all his people, to wit, of Israel. A material clause; by virtue of which they justly refused the help of those aliens who pretended to join with them in the building, Ezra 4:2,3 . His God be with him; let his God help him, as I also shall do. Which is in Jerusalem, or only in Jerusa…
The verse isn't just offering permission; it frames the rebuilding of the Temple as a divine mandate for "the God of Israel" who specifically resides in Jerusalem. This subtly emphasizes that God's presence is localized and tied to this particular place, making the return and rebuilding an act of restoring that divine dwelling, not just constructing a building.
This verse is part of King Cyrus of Persia's decree, issued after God stirred his heart to allow the Jewish exiles to return from Babylon. The decree explicitly calls for all of God's people, not just those from Judah, to go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. It blesses those who undertake this journey, framing it as an act of obedience to "the LORD, the God of Israel," who has chosen Jerusalem as His dwelling place.
This verse is part of King Cyrus of Persia's decree, issued after God stirred his heart to allow the Jewish exiles to return from Babylon. The decree explicitly calls for all of God's people, not just those from Judah, to go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. It blesses those who undertake this journey, framing it as an act of obedience to "the LORD, the God of Israel," who has chosen Jerusalem as His dwelling place.
"Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever…" — The verse isn't just offering permission; it frames the rebuilding of the Temple as a divine mandate for "the God of Israel" who specifically resides in Jerusalem. This subtly emphasizes that God's…
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Last reviewed October 2026
