966 B
966 B
first year
This refers to the beginning of the reign of King Cyrus and records when the first Jews returned from Persia to Judea. Upon return to Judea, the focus of the rest of the Old Testament is on the Jewish people.
Yahweh fulfilled his word that came from the mouth of Jeremiah
"Yahweh did what Jeremiah prophesied that Yahweh would do"
Yahweh
This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament.
Yahweh ... stirred Cyrus' spirit
"Yahweh ... made Cyrus want to act". King Cyrus allowed them to return because he wanted them to rebuild the temple. Those who stayed behind gave gifts to those who left to help them on their journey and resettlement, which was a way to maintain peace throughout his kingdom.
Cyrus' voice went out over his entire kingdom
"Cyrus sent a message to everyone over whom he ruled"
what was written and spoken
"what Cyrus wrote and what his messengers read so people could hear them"