May 15
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KING CYRUS OF PERSIA
A poem by ILMA
The Lord fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy in the first year of Cyrus of Persia
He stirred the heart of Cyrus and the king put a proclamation in writing
Cyrus said that the God of heaven gave him all kingdoms of the earth
He declared that God appointed him to build a Temple in Jerusalem.
He told the Israelites that any of God’s people may go back for this task
He even blessed all the exiles from Persia that God be with them
The King Cyrus directed them that wherever the Jewish remnant is
That the neighbors contribute toward their expenses by giving supplies.
He directed all the people to take part in the Temple building
Silver and gold, supplies for the journey and livestock must be given
Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders
They all wanted to rebuild the Temple of the Lord and go to Jerusalem.
Cyrus himself brought out the articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken
He directed Mithredath to count these items and present them to Sheshbazzar
There were 5400 articles of gold and silver that were brought to Jerusalem
In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled, they began the Temple work.
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MEMORY VERSE
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. – Ezra 1:1
Read: Ezra 1, 2, 3
Jeremiah 25:11-12 said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination. Jeremiah also said Babylon would be punished after the 70 years. Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon and brought an end to its empire. Cyrus later offered the captive Jews the freedom to return to their homeland. This was all fuilfilled.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What was the character of King Cyrus according to these chapters?
• What can we emulate from his traits as a king?