1. God keeps his word and moves the king’s heart (1-4)

The Lord had promised that after 70 years the Jews exiled in Babylon would return to Jerusalem. God kept his word by allowing Cyrus king of Persia to conquer Babylon. Then he moved the king’s heart to allow the exiles to return and rebuild the temple of the Lord. He acknowledged God and that his power came from God, and he believed that God had appointed him to build the temple in Jerusalem.

2. God moves his people’s hearts (1:5-2:70)

It was hard to leave and return to the devastated land of Judah. God moved the hearts of a few leaders to accept this mission and return to rebuild the temple. Their neighbors gave generously and the king returned the temple articles. When they arrived, the returned exiles first gave a free-will offering for the rebuilding of the temple.


Application: Lord, thank you for keeping your promises. Help us to do your mission whole-heartedly.
One Word: Do God’s mission with all my heart