1:1 The Book of Ezra opens with a perfect example of God's full control within every situation; God has an incredible ability to divinely-arrange specific details to ensure certain outcomes. In the fulfillment of prophecy spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, the people of Judah were to be released from their bondage (Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:2).
The period of discipline ended, God released its iron chains. He turned the heart of their captor, Cyrus king of Persia, and built a door of exit where before had been a wall. Had they grown, learned from the repercussions of their turn to immorality? Their captivity was symbolic for In the captivity of our sins, we cannot serve righteousness. Who they were was not conducive to the lifestyle God blessed them with.
Growth enables us to walk through doors into new spaces. God again offered freedom to His people, what would they do with it? What will we? All of His discipline and blessing is given in order to prepare and equip us for great individual purpose. Though we at times wilt in faithlessness, after a period of discipline and learning, we are again blessed with the chance to blossom. To produce good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) as branches on the vine of God, John 15:15.
1:2-4 Cyrus made a proclamation that enabled the people of Judah to return home. Cyrus was not a believer; he was somewhat arrogant and entirely in love with his power. But God manipulated his arrogance to result in the restoration of Jerusalem. Children of God sense His divine sense of humor as they witness Him wield their enemies and captors without them ever catching on.
Their captor actually sent the people of Judah back to their home to restore it. He thought it was his idea, but is was God's providence that made it so. Only God can arrange such an outcome; one we cannot predict or even dare to hope for; one we do not feel deserving of or necessarily adequate for.
1:5-6 God had moved the spirits of a select few (as well as the leaders of Judah tribe and Benjamin tribe); He always has children who remain faithful to Him and thus can be trusted with divine purpose.
1:7-11 King Cyrus brought out the articles that were taken from the house of the Lord by Nebuchadnezzer. It was to be returned, restored, rebuilt, refilled.
