The verse "and by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Judea" (1 Esdras 2:12) refers to the return of the Temple vessels that had been taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Let's break it down:
"And by him...": "Him" refers to Cyrus, the King of Persia. Cyrus, in his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, also ordered the return of the sacred Temple vessels (bowls, censers, etc.) that had been looted.
"they were delivered...": This indicates that the Temple vessels were handed over, probably by Persian officials, under Cyrus's authority.
"to Sanabassar the governor of Judea": Sanabassar was appointed as the governor of Judea (the province) by Cyrus. He was tasked with leading the initial return of the exiles and overseeing the rebuilding of the Temple. Sanabassar is often identified with Sheshbazzar mentioned in the Book of Ezra.
In summary: This verse means that the Temple vessels that had been taken to Babylon were handed over, on Cyrus's orders, to Sanabassar, the appointed governor of Judea, to be returned to Jerusalem for use in the rebuilt Temple. It highlights the historical context of the Jews' return from exile and the beginning of the Second Temple period.
The verse "and by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Judea" (1 Esdras 2:12) refers to the return of the Temple vessels that had been taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Let's break it down:
"And by him...": "Him" refers to Cyrus, the King of Persia. Cyrus, in his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, also ordered the return of the sacred Temple vessels (bowls, censers, etc.) that had been looted.
"they were delivered...": This indicates that the Temple vessels were handed over, probably by Persian officials, under Cyrus's authority.
"to Sanabassar the governor of Judea": Sanabassar was appointed as the governor of Judea (the province) by Cyrus. He was tasked with leading the initial return of the exiles and overseeing the rebuilding of the Temple. Sanabassar is often identified with Sheshbazzar mentioned in the Book of Ezra.
In summary: This verse means that the Temple vessels that had been taken to Babylon were handed over, on Cyrus's orders, to Sanabassar, the appointed governor of Judea, to be returned to Jerusalem for use in the rebuilt Temple. It highlights the historical context of the Jews' return from exile and the beginning of the Second Temple period.
