Ezra 1:4
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)
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Cyrus isn't just telling the remaining Jews to help their brethren; he's commanding their non-Jewish neighbors to provide material aid. This means even those who didn't share the Jewish faith were obligated to support the rebuilding effort.
This decree from King Cyrus isn't just about letting the exiles go home; it's about actively supporting their return. It calls on the people wherever the Jewish survivors are living to provide them with financial and material aid for their journey and resettlement. This assistance is to be given in addition to any free-will offerings that individuals might contribute for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
God's decree wasn't just about setting people free; it was about making sure they could actually go.
Cyrus's proclamation in Ezra 1:4 includes a vital detail: the people where the exiles were living were to assist them.
Practical Support
This wasn't just a spiritual nudge; it was a command for tangible help. The 'men of his place' were instructed to provide 'silver and gold, with goods and with beasts.' This meant equipping the returning exiles with:
A Shared Responsibility
The decree shows that God's work of restoration involves the wider community, not just those directly returning. It’s a powerful reminder that when God calls people to a new work, He often mobilizes resources and people, even non-believers, to support that mission.
While the king mandated assistance, the call for freewill offerings points to a deeper level of devotion.
Ezra 1:4 distinguishes between mandated assistance and voluntary giving.
Commanded vs. Cheerful
The instruction for the local people to help was a decree, a royal command. However, it was 'besides the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.'
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 highlights the practical, logistical support required for the exiles' return, emphasizing that God's work often involves the cooperation of both His people and governing authorities, even those who don't share their faith.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, a significant portion of the Judean elite and skilled workers were exiled to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, with another wave of exiles deported to Babylon.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, conquered the Babylonian Empire, ushering in a new era for the region and for the Jewish exiles.
538 BC— this verse
Cyrus' Decree of Return
Cyrus issued a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This decree is the immediate context for Ezra 1:4.
This passage speaks to the principle of generosity and meeting the needs of those in want within the community, mirroring the instruction in Ezra to assist those returning to Jerusalem.
Isaiah 44:28This verse directly prophesies Cyrus by name and his role in rebuilding the temple, highlighting the divine orchestration behind the decree in Ezra.
2 Corinthians 8:12This New Testament passage emphasizes that a willing mind and ability to give are key for offerings, reflecting the spirit of freewill offerings mentioned in Ezra for the rebuilding of the temple.
Nehemiah 2:18This passage shows a similar encouragement and support from both Jewish leaders and Persians for the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, echoing the assistance given to the exiles in Ezra.
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…
Cyrus isn't just telling the remaining Jews to help their brethren; he's commanding their non-Jewish neighbors to provide material aid. This means even those who didn't share the Jewish faith were obligated to support the rebuilding effort.
This decree from King Cyrus isn't just about letting the exiles go home; it's about actively supporting their return. It calls on the people wherever the Jewish survivors are living to provide them with financial and material aid for their journey and resettlement. This assistance is to be given in addition to any free-will offerings that individuals might contribute for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
This decree from King Cyrus isn't just about letting the exiles go home; it's about actively supporting their return. It calls on the people wherever the Jewish survivors are living to provide them with financial and material aid for their journey and resettlement. This assistance is to be given any free-will offerings that individuals might contribute for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
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Motivation Matters
This distinction highlights a core principle: God desires our willing hearts. He wants the gifts and service that flow not from obligation, but from a genuine desire to honor Him and participate in His work. Cyrus himself, though a pagan king, initiated this process, showing even a secular ruler understood the importance of devotion towards the divine.
537 BC
First Return of Exiles
A large group of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returned to Jerusalem to begin the rebuilding process, aided by the provisions outlined in Cyrus' 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.”" — Cyrus isn't just telling the remaining Jews to help their brethren; he's commanding their non-Jewish neighbors to provide material aid. This means even those who didn't share the Jewish faith were ob…
