Ezra – Chapter 1

Old Testament11 Verses

Chapter Summary

Ezra 1 opens with the words: "In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up…" The chapter centers on Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar and Jeremiah. Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians: and he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and in writing also, saying:

2Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judea.

3Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him. Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel: he is the God that is in Jerusalem.

4And let all the rest in all places wheresoever they dwell, help him every man from his place, with silver and gold, and goods, and cattle, besides that which they offer freely to the temple of God, which is in Jerusalem.

5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Juda and Benjamin, and the priests, and Levites, and every one whose spirit God had raised up, to go up to build the temple of the Lord, which was in Jerusalem.

6And all they that were round about, helped their hands with vessels of silver, and gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with furniture, besides what they had offered on their own accord.

7And king Cyrus brought forth vessels of the temple of the Lord, which Nabuchodonosor had taken from Jerusalem, and had put them in the temple of his god.

8Now Cyrus king of Persia brought them forth by the hand of Mithridates the son of Gazabar, and numbered them to Sassabasar the prince of Juda.

9And this is the number of them: thirty bowls of gold, a thousand bowls of silver, nine and twenty knives, thirty cups of gold,

10Silver cups of a second sort, four hundred and ten: other vessels a thousand.

11All the vessels of gold and silver, five thousand four hundred: all these Sassabasar brought with them that came up from the captivity of Babylon to Jerusalem.

Important Verses in Ezra 1

Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judea.

Ezra 1:2

Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Juda and Benjamin, and the priests, and Levites, and every one whose spirit God had raised up, to go up to build the temple of the Lord, which was in Jerusalem.

Ezra 1:5

Now Cyrus king of Persia brought them forth by the hand of Mithridates the son of Gazabar, and numbered them to Sassabasar the prince of Juda.

Ezra 1:8

All the vessels of gold and silver, five thousand four hundred: all these Sassabasar brought with them that came up from the captivity of Babylon to Jerusalem.

Ezra 1:11

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Ezra was written with the post-exilic community, called to holiness and fidelity to the Law in view. Chapter 1 of 10 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar and Jeremiah, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled,…" The chapter ends with: "All the vessels of gold and silver, five thousand four hundred: all these Sassabasar brought with them that came up…" In terms of historical background, Ezra recounts two returns from Babylonian exile: the first under Zerubbabel (538 BC), which rebuilt the Temple despite opposition, and the second under Ezra himself (458 BC), who restored the community's fidelity to the… The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About 440-400 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally Ezra the priest and scribe

When It Was Written

About 440-400 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Ezra 1 presents a concrete episode in the history of return from exile and Temple restoration. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of return from exile and Temple restoration. the restoration prefigures the Church's renewal (CIC 710). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2578).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.

People in This Chapter

Cyrus5 mentionsNebuchadnezzar1 mentionJeremiah1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Ezra Chapter 1, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the sanctity of marriage and family remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the sanctity of marriage and family bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ezra Chapter 1 about?

Ezra 1 contains 11 verses. It opens with "In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled,…" and closes with "All the vessels of gold and silver, five thousand four hundred: all these Sassabasar brought with them that came up…". The book as a whole is historical narrative with official documents.

What is a key verse in Ezra 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Ezra Chapter 1?

This chapter mentions Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah.

Who wrote Ezra and when?

Traditionally Ezra the priest and scribe. About 440-400 BC.

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