Ezra 1:5

These were intellectual convictions, which might have nothing to do with a work of conscience or a living faith. Cyrus was even sure he was an instrument chosen to carry out God's purposes (v. 2). But all this was not enough to bring about the restoration of the captives. God intended to show that it was He Himself and no other who fulfilled His Word. That is why it says: "The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" (v. 1). He also stirred up the spirit of the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin. And He stirred up the spirit of the priests and the Levites (v. 5).

It is remarkable how God works. First He "stirs up the spirit" of this pagan king, so that he passes a decree inviting the Jews to return to Jerusalem. He then stirs up the spirit of those who did so (1:5). Whatever men do, a true revival is always a work of God.

First, note that the heads of the fathers' houses who offered themselves for the work came from two tribes: Judah and Benjamin. There were also Levites, but they did not count as a tribe, for Levi had "no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance" (see Deuteronomy 10:8-9). This and other Scriptures make it plain that only these two tribes were restored. Some people from other tribes may have come as well.

The object of the people's return concerned the building of the house of the Lord. This was the subject of the proclamation of Cyrus, whom God raised up for this very purpose... And for this end God worked in the hearts of those who were made willing to return to the land of their fathers.

Verse 5 of the first chapter shows a real work of God in the souls of many, including leaders both civil and religious. It led them to seize at once the opportunity given for a return to the land of their fathers, and to re-establish the worship of God by rebuilding His house. In God's providence Cyrus himself promoted this. A providential work of God in the surrounding world matched the spiritual work of God in the souls of His people.

But not all were ready to go back; only a small remnant was willing. The great majority preferred to remain in Babylon. There was nothing to attract them to Jerusalem — the city of ruins, with the once magnificent temple in ruins. Those who returned loved Jerusalem, the place the LORD had chosen.

Agreement of heart and object is produced in all concerned: in Cyrus, without whose permission the captives could not have returned; in the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, who were needed for the actual work of building; and in those who stayed behind, who shared with their brothers through their freewill offerings and helped cover the necessary costs. Nobody held preliminary meetings to arrange matters and reach an agreement. The action of the Lord on the hearts of all alike, and nothing else, produced this union of heart and purpose. This distinguishes a divine work from a human one, and is the sure proof of a real action of the Spirit of God. Every needed instrument therefore comes forward at the right moment, for the work is of God, and it must be accomplished.