(536 B.C.?) [See Isa.45 for his prophecy 150+ years earlier.] Unlike the Pharaoh of the Egyptian Exodus, Cyrus, king of Persia, ascending in world power, obediently and compassionately sets at liberty the Hebrew captives of Babylon for repatriation to their homeland. His permission, provisions, and blessings are given for their return and the rebuilding of their capital and the house of God. After 70 total years of Babylonian captivity as prophesied, God's Spirit moves the elders, priests, and Levites of Benjamin and Judah to lead His people home. From willing hearts, munificent supplies are collected for the mission, including the restoration by Cyrus of all Temple Vessels (5,400) taken by Babylon in Jerusalem's fall. (606-586 B.C.)

The first returning remnant, led by Zerubbabel, named and numbered: 42,360 total; 7,337 servants/maids, 200 singers, 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, 6,720 asses. Freewill offerings of gold, silver, and priestly garments given by many of Judah's princes. First migration of priests, Levites, and remnant finally home and resettled.

After seven months all assemble at Jerusalem in unity for the common goal of the restoration of Altar sacrifices to God. God is clearly seen as their Judge and King to be worshiped, served, and called upon for protection against their enemies. Priests, led by Jeshua, set about restoring the Altar. With monotheism now permanently entrenched, as never before, a renewed religious dedication toward all God's laws is evident. All required Feast Days and sacrifices are observed, even prior to the first Temple work. Regional supplies, including the cedars of Lebanon, secured for Temple construction. Levites age 20 and up are selected for work, and the Temple foundation begins in 2nd month, 2nd year of return. Foundational work completed and celebrated with mixed emotions, the young rejoicing, while the older, remembering the greater size and glory of Solomon's Temple, wept. Their celebration is heard afar.

(535 B.C.?) Hearing the news of Jerusalem's rebirth, the Samaritans, a mixed blood Jewish descendant of the Israelite remnants of the northern kingdom's fall to Assyria (721 B.C.) and the foreign peoples introduced for resettlement, come to offer aid in rebuilding. Being rejected, they set about to frustrate God's work, doing so until the reign of Darius, king of Persia. Letters of false accusations are sent to Persian kings, reminding them of the historically rebellious nature of the Jew which led to their previous destruction. Their message: once a Jew always a Jew! Historical records were searched and sufficient evidence was found for consent to the Samaritan opposition to the reconstruction of Jerusalem, which might become a threat to Persia. With Artaxerxes' decree in hand, the Samaritans, zealously with force, successfully confronted the Jews of Jerusalem. Temple construction ceased until the 2nd year of Darius' reign. (Post-captivity Israelites now commonly being called Jews.)

(520 B.C.?) After some 15 years, resumption of Temple construction, encouraged by the prophecy of Haggai and Zechariah now on scene. Zerubbabel responds and work is resumed. A Samaritan governor, Tatnai, demands disclosure of identity of persons responsible. Cyrus' earlier order is cited. Unable this time to prevent the work (because of God's purpose), the Samaritans petition Darius, now king of Persia, chronicling the Jews' argument.

(519 B.C.?) Darius orders historical records searched, finding a Mede scroll corroborating all the Jews had cited. Under extreme penalty for failure (death by hanging and houses converted to dung heaps), Samaritan governor ordered to cease opposition and to timely aid in providing Temple resources. Samaritans quickly comply. Temple completed after 4 years and dedicated 3rd of Adar under Haggai and Zachariah's prophetic ministry. Sacrificial worship, priestly and Levitical sanctification and duties restored with great joy. Passover celebrated on the 14th of Adar, followed by the 7 day Feast of Unleavened Bread with great joy and thanksgiving for Persia's liberality through God's influence.

(457 B.C.?) After many years, Ezra, a priest and descendant of Aaron, an accomplished scribe in the Mosaic Law, being stirred by God, petitions Artaxerxes, Persia's king, to return to Jerusalem to teach and establish the people in God's laws. Generously granted. A 2nd band of Judah's remnants in Babylonian captivity, led by Ezra, arrive in Jerusalem after a 4 month pilgrimage. (Artaxerxes' accompanying letter -- gives both permission and his blessings with gifts to those who desire to return. Generously opens his storehouses for Ezra's withdrawal of tariff-free riches for God's purposes. Commissions Ezra to establish fair judges schooled in his instructions and penalties for disobedience.) Ezra praises God for establishing such a gracious king. Chief Hebrew men selected.

Princes chosen and their lineage. (70 total, beginnings of the ruling Sanhedrin Council which would later evolve.) Assembled and reviewed 3 days by Ezra at Ahava River. No Levites present. Summoned and Levites of good understanding respond. A Fast is declared for divine assistance and protection for the mission as a demonstration of their faith in a sovereign God rather than requesting assistance from the king's army. God pleased and grants. 12 priests given charge of measured treasures for Temple use for safe keeping (a test). In answer to their prayers, a safe journey follows, with no incidents reported. Priests, faithful in their stewardship of treasures, examined on 4th day after arrival in Jerusalem. Burnt offerings made by new arrivals. Provisions from Persia's king, conferred by Ezra to his commanders and governors stationed in Judah, appreciatively received.

Princes report to Ezra their finding of widespread intermarriages of Hebrew men with foreign women of their regions, including priests and Levites. (First national sin since return!) Ezra sits in astonished silence until evening sacrifices, then, with much weeping and conviction, prays for God's forgiveness in their violation of His laws. Who can withstand God against such a sin? Are they not all guilty? There is no defense; God's mercy alone is their only hope!

Jerusalem's citizens: men, women, and children alike, gather during Ezra's heart-rendering prayer before God's house and are moved with great emotion to repentance. Stepping forward from among them, a guilty man, Shechaniah, from the house of Elam, confesses for all, calling for a national covenant to put away their unclean (foreign) wives and children according to Mosaic Law. Ezra obtains an oath from all, including the chief priests and Levites, for this national sanctification. Ezra, now fasting, continues to mourn for Israel's sin. (Having committed the sin of their fathers responsible for their judgment and captivity, great national fear now existed that God's judgment would negate their new freedom, returning them into captivity!) Under threat of dispossession and excommunication for failure to appear, all Hebrew men summoned within 3 days. All assemble with great fear during a massive outpour from the heavens seen as God's wrath. Ezra's command for their national divorce. Time is requested for compliance due to the great rain and magnitude of the guilty. So granted and judges are established to hear each case. A three month process ensues. Guilty enumerated, including priests, Levites, singers, and others. Many innocent children from unlawful marriages affected.