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 decree isn't just about helping the exiles go home; it specifically calls for the "men of his place" – likely the local non-Jewish neighbors – to assist them. This highlights how God's plan for restoration involved the cooperation and generosity of those outside His chosen people, even beyond just the king's decree.
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)
As Cyrus's decree allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, this verse elaborates on the practical support the returnees should receive. It specifies that even those who can't make the journey immediately, or who choose to stay behind, are to be helped by their neighbors with resources for the trip and for rebuilding. This assistance is to be given alongside any voluntary offerings intended for the Jerusalem Temple itself.
Imagine leaving everything behind for a dream—a homeland, a restored temple. What if you didn't have the means to go? This verse reveals an astonishing level of support.
Cyrus's decree wasn't just a permission slip to return; it was a mandate for tangible aid. Notice how the command extends beyond the Jewish people themselves:
This shows a remarkable generosity, commanded by a pagan king, that encompassed both the practical needs of the returnees and the spiritual needs of rebuilding God's sanctuary.
How does a pagan king become the instrument for God's people to return home and rebuild His temple? This verse points to a divine influence at work.
The immediate context of Ezra 1:1 tells us that 'the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia.' This is a profound theological truth:
Ask a follow-up
This means that when we see acts of kindness, provision, or even decrees that benefit God's kingdom, we can recognize the hand of God orchestrating events, even through unexpected channels.
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 decree from Cyrus wasn't just a permission slip; it was a call for tangible support. The command for local populations to assist the returning exiles with resources highlights that rebuilding the Jewish community and its worship was a collective effort, involving both Jews and their Gentile neighbors.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar deports key figures and treasures from Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, with most of the remaining population exiled.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, captures Babylon.
538 BC— this verse
Cyrus's Decree for Jewish Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, fulfilling prophecies and marking the end of the Babylonian Exile.
537 BC
First Return of Exiles
A contingent of Jews, led by Zerubbabel, returns to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the Temple and community.
This passage emphasizes the importance of generosity and meeting the needs of the poor, echoing the spirit of Ezra 1:4 which commands assistance for those returning to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 2:18Nehemiah rallied the people by reminding them of God's hand and the king's support, similar to how Cyrus's decree in Ezra 1:4 mobilized resources and encouraged the return.
2 Corinthians 9:7This verse speaks to giving cheerfully and generously from the heart, reflecting the 'freewill offering' mentioned in Ezra 1:4, highlighting that all giving should be a willing act of worship.
Haggai 1:14The people's spirits were stirred to work on the temple, demonstrating a willingness to contribute, which aligns with the directive in Ezra 1:4 for both personal support and temple offerings.
clarkeEzra 1:4: "And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem."
Whosoever remaineth in any place - Every one was at liberty to go, but none was obliged to go. Thus their attachment to God was tried; he whose heart was right with God went; he who was comfortably settled in Babylon, might go if he chose. Those who did not go,…
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…
This decree isn't just about helping the exiles go home; it specifically calls for the "men of his place" – likely the local non-Jewish neighbors – to assist them. This highlights how God's plan for restoration involved the cooperation and generosity of those outside His chosen people, even beyond just the king's decree.
As Cyrus's decree allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, this verse elaborates on the practical support the returnees should receive. It specifies that even those who can't make the journey immediately, or who choose to stay behind, are to be helped by their neighbors with resources for the trip and for rebuilding. This assistance is to be given alongside any voluntary offerings intended for the Jerusalem Temple itself.
As Cyrus's decree allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, this verse elaborates on the practical support the returnees should receive. It specifies that even those who can't make the journey immediately, or who choose to stay behind, are to be helped by their neighbors with resources for the trip and for rebuilding. This assistance is to be given alongside any voluntary offerings intended for the Jerusalem Temple itself.
"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.”" — This decree isn't just about helping the exiles go home; it specifically calls for the "men of his place" – likely the local non-Jewish neighbors – to assist them. This highlights how God's plan for…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026