5 Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. 6 And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings.~
Ezra 1:5-6 (NLT)
Stir the King
God “stirred the heart of Cyrus” (v1) which kicked off the return and the building of the temple – the presence of God in Jerusalem. Moreover, it brought the fulfilment of prophecy. This is God’s business – He stirs hearts and even directs them. First, it was Cyrus the King. Proverbs 21:1 tells us, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He pleases.” We looked yesterday at other kings whom God used for His will.
Stir the captive Jews
In today’s verses we see God stir the hearts of the Jews in captivity in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Why did He need to? Wouldn’t they jump for joy at this decree? Some certainly did (those with a spirit like Daniel’s). Others, who had gotten used to life in captivity, might just have wanted to stay. After 70 years, a few generations had been born in Babylon; this was “home”. They needed a deep spiritual stirring from God to motivate them.
Added blessing
They also may have worried about where to get the resources for such a move and to rebuild the temple! Not only did God stir their hearts, He also provided for their journey and the work. Remember when the Jews left Egypt in the exodus and the Egyptians gave them “silver and articles of gold, and clothing”. (Exodus 12:35 NASB)
Continued stirring
So interesting. The Joshua Project Unreached people of the Day to pray for are the Yahudic Jews in Israel. Originally part of the Jewish Diaspora (the capture of most of the Jews in Israel back in 605 BC) these didn’t return to Israel during the time of Ezra and Nehamiah. They stayed in Babylon (Iraq). Most have now returned to Israel but have lost their religious roots; they believe in ethnic religions. How unbearably sad! Pray that God will stir them again. Many of us need a stirring as well.
