Ezra 1:1-3 KJV
1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.

God has the power to use the ungodly to do his will. After captivity of Israel after Babylon came the captivity of the persian empire. King Cyrus declare the Jews could return to Israel and build there Temple. Many religious group did this at the time of King Cyrus. Though the Jewish people accept their return was God ordained, others would probably deny until Jeremiah prophecies came to pass. Why is this important for prophecy be true it must be fullfilled. Until then doubters come and oh these advents just happened. Writtings must be dated as well as time period it written to make as being foreknowledge. Foreknowledge in this day and age must be based on person ability to know a fact and date plus time it occurred. So God enabled them not only return but also with sacred relics belonging to the God's Temple because the own no gods to return with.

Where was the ark some believe it was in a safe location. God did something on Ezra and Nehemiah day from the building of the wall in Jerusalem and the Temple. God began to restore his people during Persian, Greek and Egyptian rule, until the next time period from Macbean wars, and Roman take over. What one gets when reading tge Bible is the lives of people during different time periods that worship and do not worship God. God's word of prophesy aids with fuel for each generation to not only believe but to have blessed hope. Why is this important? God through prophesy still speaks to the believers heart of things to come with sight and things they did not know about until they see it unfold. It like seeing the impossible by man come to pass but not impossible for God.

Pharaoh heard and seen prophesy that came to past with seven plagues. A person wants only good prophesy. Prophesy that builds the spirit and not slice the spirit straight to the heart. As believers we need both good and bad prophesy one to show sin and consequences for ones action. Heathen need the choice of there decision to reject. They need knowledge they have been warned.

Jesus paid the price for all sin. Cyrus was Idolator yet he seen a God that had given him power. He was obedient to God but also to the desires of thepeople that wanted their idols. Confusion, no because God use the decree of Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. All went to their homeland Jews and Gentiles.

God does use what idolators do for his glory and honor. The curriculum in Ezra and Nehemiah the blessings on God's people after God's people had been exiled. Their time of work and restoration. And it did not come without a fight. Yet the full restoration came with a repented heart after the reading of the laws of God.

Dear Heavenly for using whoever to accomplish your will for your people. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Luke 2:1-3 KJV
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.