Definition: But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a really important one from the Book of Ezra. Here's what it means in plain language: Basically, it says that Cyrus, the king of Babylon, declared that he was going to build a temple for God. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Ezra 5:13” : This is the verse itself. It's from a specific passage in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). “But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon…” : This tells us who made this decree. It’s about Cyrus, who ruled over Babylon – a very large and powerful city in ancient Persia. “…the same king Cyrus…” : This reinforces that he was the king making the decision. “made a decree…” : He issued a formal order or plan. “…to build this house of God.” : This is the key part! “House of God” refers to a temple – a place where people could worship and connect with God. So, what's the significance? This verse points to a really significant event in history: Cyrus’s decision to rebuild a temple in Babylon after a long period of neglect. It was a symbolic act of restoring religious faith and bringing back a sense of reverence for God in that city. Why is this important? It shows Cyrus's leadership: He was taking responsibility for rebuilding something important – a place for worship. It’s part of a larger story: It’s connected to the idea of rebuilding and restoration throughout history, especially when faith is threatened. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail or perhaps explore what this verse might mean within the context of the Bible as a whole?