This verse, Ezra 1:8, describes a specific act of the Persian King Cyrus in the aftermath of his decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"Even those...": This refers back to the vessels (articles) of the house of the Lord that were previously mentioned in the earlier verses of Ezra 1. These were items that Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem when he conquered the city.
"Cyrus king of Persia...": This identifies the person in charge and responsible for this act. Cyrus was the king who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish people to return and rebuild their temple.
"brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer...": This tells us how the vessels were taken out. Mithredath was Cyrus's treasurer, indicating that this was an official act of the Persian government. The act of "bringing out by the hand" suggests a careful and supervised release.
"and counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.": This specifies who received the vessels. Sheshbazzar was a Jewish leader, referred to here as "the prince of Judah." Counting them out to Sheshbazzar implies a formal inventory and transfer of responsibility, ensuring that each vessel was accounted for and that Sheshbazzar was now responsible for these sacred items.
In essence, this verse describes Cyrus, the Persian king, officially returning the sacred Temple vessels, through his treasurer Mithredath, to Sheshbazzar, a Jewish leader, who was tasked with bringing them back to Jerusalem for the rebuilt Temple. It demonstrates Cyrus's benevolence and support for the Jewish people in rebuilding their religious life and temple.
This verse, Ezra 1:8, describes a specific act of the Persian King Cyrus in the aftermath of his decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"Even those...": This refers back to the vessels (articles) of the house of the Lord that were previously mentioned in the earlier verses of Ezra 1. These were items that Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem when he conquered the city.
"Cyrus king of Persia...": This identifies the person in charge and responsible for this act. Cyrus was the king who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish people to return and rebuild their temple.
"brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer...": This tells us how the vessels were taken out. Mithredath was Cyrus's treasurer, indicating that this was an official act of the Persian government. The act of "bringing out by the hand" suggests a careful and supervised release.
"and counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.": This specifies who received the vessels. Sheshbazzar was a Jewish leader, referred to here as "the prince of Judah." Counting them out to Sheshbazzar implies a formal inventory and transfer of responsibility, ensuring that each vessel was accounted for and that Sheshbazzar was now responsible for these sacred items.
In essence, this verse describes Cyrus, the Persian king, officially returning the sacred Temple vessels, through his treasurer Mithredath, to Sheshbazzar, a Jewish leader, who was tasked with bringing them back to Jerusalem for the rebuilt Temple. It demonstrates Cyrus's benevolence and support for the Jewish people in rebuilding their religious life and temple.