“King Cyrus himself brought out the articles that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his own gods.”
Ezra 1:7 NLT
Nebudchednezzar was a proud man. We see in the book of Daniel how he viewed himself as a god. Though this wasn’t uncommon in his day amongst royalty, he had the means and the tenacity to accomplish a level of manhood that appeared to be a godhood to other men. It is on this basis that he captured Israel and put them under his foot. In his mind, the Jews worshipped, just another god as well. In Daniel, we see that he was sorely mistaken. In fact, Nebudchednezzar would be made to operate as an animal and his kingdom crushed before God was through. Yet, God’s people, despite their punishment, were remarkably well preserved. In fact Daniel had become a part of the King’s high court. Cyrus, a new king for a new kingdom, had come to understand something about he Jewish God in all this. Namely that he is different and must be treated so. The Jews were a special people in that they had an intimate knowledge and relationship with a deity unlike any other. Are we aware of that fact? Cyrus wasn’t taking any chances. As Christians, we need to remember and acknowledge who God is, even in difficult times. It may be years before he proves his glory, but he always will.
JOSH McGARY. COM 