I. THE FIRST RETURN UNDER ZERUBBABEL.
(1-4) The decree of Cyrus: marking an epoch of very great importance,
and therefore repeated almost word for word from the end of
Chronicles.
(1) THE FIRST YEAR. — Cyrus became king of Persia in B.C. 559.
Twenty years afterwards he took Babylon from Belshazzar;... [ Continue Reading ]
(5-11) Immediate result of the decree.
(5) WITH ALL THEM WHOSE SPIRIT GOD HAD RAISED. — _Namely, all_ is
the more exact rendering. The same influence that prompted the decree
of Cyrus was necessary to overcome the inertness of the captives: many
preferred to remain in Babylon. — The people were enum... [ Continue Reading ]