Ezr 1:5-6 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ezra 1:5-6: 1:5-6 As he had done with the heart of Cyrus (1:1 ), God stirred the hearts of Israel’s leaders. • Very few priests and Levites actually responded (see 2:36-42 ). Most of the people who did respond were from two tribes, Judah and Benjamin . Persian documents show that many Jews stayed in Babylon, where they had homes, businesses, and relatives. A dangerous four-month trip back to the desolate city of Jerusalem, now inhabited by foreigners, was not an inviting choice compared to their comfortable life in Babylon. It was much easier to give many valuable gifts and voluntary offerings to those who did return.

c2:36-42►

‏ Ezra 1:5-6

Summary for Ezra 1:5-6: 1:5-6 ^a As he had done with the heart of Cyrus (1:1 ^b), God stirred the hearts of Israel’s leaders.

• Very few priests and Levites actually responded (see 2:36-42 ^c). Most of the people who did respond were from two tribes, Judah and Benjamin. Persian documents show that many Jews stayed in Babylon, where they had homes, businesses, and relatives. A dangerous four-month trip back to the desolate city of Jerusalem, now inhabited by foreigners, was not an inviting choice compared to their comfortable life in Babylon. It was much easier to give many valuable gifts and voluntary offerings to those who did return.