Why didn’t all the Jews want to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:5-6)?

Response

The book of Ezra commences with King Cyrus of Persia granting the Jews the freedom to return to Jerusalem. Ezra 1:5–6 recounts, “Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—all those whom God had stirred their hearts—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. Their neighbors supported them by providing silver and gold, goods and livestock, and valuable gifts, in addition to freewill offerings.”

Not all the Jews returned home. Some seized the opportunity of Cyrus’ decree and departed Babylon, while others remained in Babylon and supported the cause by contributing gold, silver, and other resources.

Various factors influenced the choice to stay in Babylon. Some Jews may have been too elderly to make the journey back. It had been 70 years since the fall of Jerusalem, and many would have been unable to endure the approximately 900-mile trip. The same would apply to families with young children and individuals who were ill or disabled.

Certain Jews likely declined to relocate due to the comforts of Babylon. Many had been born in Babylon during the exile and were unfamiliar with anything else. Additionally, numerous Jews had achieved significant status during Cyrus’ rule and were content in their current situation.

Another reason for some Jews not returning to Jerusalem was concern for their safety. The route to Jerusalem and the region of Judea itself were dangerous. In fact, Ezra led his companions in a period of prayer and fasting for protection on their journey—a journey considered “fast” as it only lasted four months (Ezra 8:24-36). Verse 31 states, “The hand of our God was upon us, and He protected us from enemies and marauders along the way.”

Regrettably, some Jews were living in disobedience to God at that time.

Time. Consequently, they would not have felt the necessity to go back to Jerusalem.

Moreover, some of the Jews chose not to return due to the extensive effort required to rebuild the nation there. Reconstructing Jerusalem, including its walls, presented a formidable task.

Those Jews who stayed in Persia encountered their own challenges later on, as recounted in the book of Esther. The individuals who did make the journey back to Jerusalem played a crucial role in God’s plan to reconstruct the city and reinstate temple worship, fulfilling God’s promises “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.”, (Jeremiah 29:10).