The Beginning: After the exile, the Persian king Cyrus issues a decree allowing the people of Judah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the LORD. A group of exiles returns with temple vessels that had been taken from Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, Zerubbabel and Jeshua lead the community as they begin restoring public worship.
The Middle: Before rebuilding the temple itself, the returned exiles rebuild the altar on its foundation and resume sacrifices, including burnt offerings and the celebration of the Feast of Booths. They gather materials and begin laying the temple’s foundation, prompting both joy and weeping—some rejoice at new beginnings while others grieve, remembering the former temple. Opposition arises when local leaders seek involvement and, after being refused, work to discourage the project and influence Persian officials against it. For a time the work slows, but God raises prophets (notably Haggai and Zechariah) to strengthen the people to continue.
The End: Persian authorities investigate, and the earlier decree of Cyrus is confirmed, leading King Darius to order that the rebuilding continue and be supported. The temple is completed, dedicated with offerings, and the priests and Levites are set in their appointed service. The returned community celebrates Passover, marking renewed covenant worship centered on God’s presence among His people.
This story highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises: exile does not end His purposes, and restoration is ultimately His work, even through foreign rulers. The rebuilding of the altar and temple re-centers Israel’s life on worship, sacrifice, and holiness, showing that renewed relationship with God involves both forgiveness and ordered devotion. The narrative also emphasizes God’s sovereignty over nations and history, as imperial decrees and investigations serve the fulfillment of God’s word.
Persian imperial policy often permitted displaced peoples to return to their homelands and restore local sanctuaries, provided they remained loyal and stable. The temple rebuilding described in Ezra fits this broader administrative context, where royal decrees, local officials, and archival records could determine whether construction projects were authorized and funded.
“And they set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD.” — Ezra 3:3
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did Cyrus, king of Persia, decree after the exile?
2. Which Persian king ordered that the rebuilding continue after an investigation confirmed Cyrus’s earlier decree?