Study Desk

^(C1)Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he ^(C2)sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:

"This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and ^(C1)He has appointed me to rebuild for Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

'Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! ^(F1)Go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; ^(C1)He is the God who is in Jerusalem.

'And every survivor, at whatever place he may ^(F1)live, the people of ^(F2)that place are to support him with silver and gold, with equipment and cattle, together with a ^(F3)voluntary offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.'"