Ezra 1:5

Easy To Read Version

So the family leaders from the family groups of Judah and Benjamin prepared to go up to Jerusalem. They were going to Jerusalem to build the Lord’s temple. Also, every person that God had encouraged got ready to go to Jerusalem.

Cross References

2 Chronicles 36:22

During the first year that Cyrus {\cf2\super [458]} was king of Persia, the Lord caused Cyrus to make a special announcement. He did this so that the things the Lord promised through Jeremiah the prophet would really happen. Cyrus sent messengers to every place in his kingdom. They carried this message:

Ezra 1:1

During the first year {\cf2\super [1]} that Cyrus was king of Persia, the Lord encouraged Cyrus to make an announcement. Cyrus put that announcement in writing and had it read every place in his kingdom. This happened so that the Lord’s message that was spoken through Jeremiah {\cf2\super [2]} would truly happen. This is the announcement:

Ezra 1:2

“From Cyrus king of Persia:

Ezra 1:4

And so in any place where there might be survivors {\cf2\super [3]} of Israel, the men in that place must support those survivors. Give those people silver, gold, cows, and other things. Give them gifts for God’s temple in Jerusalem.”

Proverbs 16:1

People make their plans. But it is the Lord who makes those things happen.

Haggai 1:14

\{Then the Lord God made the people excited about building the temple\}. Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel was the governor of Judah. The Lord made him excited! Joshua son of Jehozadak was the high priest. The Lord made him excited! And the Lord made all the people excited \{about building the temple\}. So they began working on the temple {\cf2\super [5]} of their God, the Lord All-Powerful.

2 Corinthians 8:16

I thank God because he gave Titus the same love for you that I have.

Philippians 2:13

Yes, God is working in you. God helps you want to do the things that please him. And he gives you the power to do these things.