Sunday: The First Return of Exiles
Read Jeremiah 25:11-12 and Jeremiah 29:10 and Daniel 9:1-2. When did the first return of the exiles happen? What prophecy was the return fulfilling?
The Lord influenced Cyrus to allow the first return, in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s 70-year prophecy. Jeremiah had written that the land of Judah would lie desolate for 70 years under Babylon (this happened, from 606/605 B.C. to 537/536 B.C.), but then God would open the doors for the captives’ return. As Daniel studied the writings of Jeremiah, he realized that the time had come for that promised return.
Cyrus and Daniel
In Daniel 9, Daniel is distraught because the 70 years were nearly up with no apparent change, and the new Persian empire had now risen to power. He mourned and turned to God, pleading for mercy and the fulfillment of His promises. In the same chapter (Dan. 9:24-27), God assured Daniel that He watches over everything and has a future planned, with a Deliverer who will die for the people to atone for their sins, bring righteousness, and fulfill the sacrificial system. In effect, God was saying, “Daniel, don’t worry. Since the true Deliverer (Jesus) will surely come, I will also send a deliver for you now”. Shortly afterward, God moved Cyrus, the king of Persia, to give the command to release the captives. God is always true to His promises (See Daniel 10 for how God intervened in order to secure the prosperity of His people in their homeland.)
Ezra 1 records King Cyrus’s proclamation that the nation of Israel was free to return to Jerusalem and to build the house of the Lord. The command was given sometime between the years 539–537 B.C. Not only does Cyrus let them go, but he also makes sure that they return with gifts and offerings, including the original vessels from the temple, which had been stolen by Nebuchadnezzar. This event reminds us of the Israelites leaving Egypt many years before, when God also moved the hearts of the people to present them with parting gifts. This first group to return to Judah was composed of about 50,000 people, which most likely included women and children from other territories.
| What other historical prophecies have been fulfilled exactly as promised in the Word, and how can we draw comfort from them that God knows the future and that we can trust His promises to us? |
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Several historical came to mind, Abraham was told after four generations the Israelites will be free, Adam and Eve after sin entered the world and the coming of Jesus.
"I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isaiah 46:10).
I declare - I am that I am - He is forever is the same. Time does not change Him. Circumstances cannot bend him.
End from the beginning - He declares the end and then unfolds the story from the beginning. Before the thought of sin entered the thought of satan, God had made provision and sacrifice.
From ancient times - When Babylon was in height of it's rule, God revealed there will be an another king.
Things are not yet done - Things that seem impossible comes to pass because He who had spoken is true and faithful.
My counsel shall stand - Abraham tried to walk away from the counsel, yet God reiterated this is my promise and I will visit you again you will be with a child of promise. .
I will do all my pleasure - God is saying, notwithstanding the circumstances, I will do all my pleasure.
This gives us to trust the impossible, This gives us the strength to propel forward. This gives us the power to love the unlovable. It's like reading a novel knowing the end in spite of all that unfolds in the story.
We can trust the LORD's promises, so long as we understand them.
Many quote Jer 29:11, without realizing that the plans for a future would only happen after 70 years of captivity.
The good news is the LORD promised deliverance after 70 years and it happened, and it was linked to the 1st coming of the Messiah and to the second coming for which we eagerly wait.
What can we learn from the 3 stage return of the Exiles?
What can we learn?
On the way to the bright future, we may be made to lie down in green pastures at times. At other times we may be led beside still waters where our soul is restored. But we will also at times walk through the valley of the shadow of death and it is in those times that our faith and perseverance/endurance will be stretched - unfortunately even severely. This is where our faith and our character are 'forged'. Not at all pleasant - but an unfortunately inescapable reality along the road to restoration while we are in a sin-infected world. However, we are never alone or abandoned by God - no matter how alone and abandoned we may feel at times! (Psalm 23:2-4; James 1:2-4; Psalm 22:1,24).
So how do we understand the promises of God? 1. Read. 2. Recite. 3. Reflect.
As we read the promises, if we ask, the Holy Spirit, He gives us understanding.
Reciting to God in prayer what we have read, gives God information of what to help us with in understanding His promises. If there is dificulty reciting just read His promises to Him.
Reflecting like a mirror to others Gods promises, is one aspect of letting Gods light shine before men.
We have nothing of ourselves, but the light of His love shines upon us, and we are to reflect its brightness.
By the way the 3 R's also help in a better relationship with the One who is giving the promises.
Can someone please clarify on the exact date(s) when the first return of exiles takes place?
537 BC is when the first decree was made and the Israelites we released back to Jerusalem
608 went into captivity and 538 out of captivity. 70 years in captivity. Prophecy. Hope that clarifies dates for you.