The following is an excerpt from Steven R. Martins’ Reforming the Heart: A 40-Day Devotional on the Book of Ezra (Cántaro Publications, 2025).
Scripture Reading: Ezra 1:1-3
Excerpt:
“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah” (v. 2).
The Book of Ezra begins with a profound testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness. For context, Israel had experienced the severe consequences of God’s judgment, culminating in their exile from the Promised Land (2 Kings 17:5-23; 24-25; 1 Chron. 5:26; Jer. 25:1-14; 29; Dan. 1:1-2; Isa. 7:17). This land, which God had graciously given as a place of blessing and which was meant to be a beacon of righteousness to the nations (Gen. 12:1-3; Isa. 42:6; 49:6), had tragically become a place of apostasy due to Israel’s continual violations of God’s Law. Time and again, when Israel seemed poised for spiritual reformation and renewal—such as during the reign of King Josiah over Judah (2 Kings 23)—they reverted to sinful patterns, ignoring the repeated admonitions of the Lord’s prophets.
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel’s history is marked by recurring deviations from God’s Law, resulting in the inevitable consequences outlined in Deuteronomy 30:15-20. “But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess” (vv. 17-18). Despite the repeated warnings sent through God’s prophets, the people consistently turned their hearts to other gods. The results were devastating: the northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 bc, and the southern kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 bc. As God had foretold, His people were exiled from the land because of their unrepentant sin.
Yet, even in the midst of judgment, God’s promises endured. Through His prophets, He had declared that His people would be restored and would return to their land after a time of exile (Jer. 27:21-22; 31:1-17). The Book of Ezra records the fulfillment of this divine promise, marking a new chapter in Israel’s history—one of restoration and renewed covenant faithfulness.
As we reflect on Ezra 1:1-3, we are reminded of God’s unchanging nature. Wherever we find His discipline, we find that it is always accompanied by His mercy. Though Israel was scattered due to their disobedience, God’s promise to gather them again testifies to His enduring grace. This truth speaks to us just as clearly today, as we too are prone to wander, yet God perseveres with His elect, continually calling us back to Himself in faithful obedience.
Reflection:
How does the story of Israel’s exile and return challenge your understanding of God’s discipline and grace? In what ways have you experienced God’s restoring hand after a season of wandering? Are there areas of your life where you have not been wholly faithful to the Lord? Confess them and repent; the history of Israel shows that none of us can outrun judgment for sin.
Prayer:
Lord God, we thank You for Your faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. Help us to learn from the history of Your people and to walk in obedience to Your Word. Restore us when we stray, and remind us of Your enduring promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For further reading:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20