c. 538 BC
After Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon, he issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Zerubbabel led the first wave of about 50,000 returnees. The rebuilt Temple was completed in 516 BC.
The return from exile fulfilled Jeremiah's seventy-year prophecy and demonstrated God's faithfulness to restore His people. Cyrus's decree, foretold by Isaiah by name, shows God's sovereignty over world empires.
Explore other events from this period in biblical history.
Queen Esther, a Jewish woman married to Persian King Ahasuerus, risked her life to expose Haman's pl...
Ezra, a priest and scribe, led a second wave of returnees from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was grieved...
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, received permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its...
Malachi, the last Old Testament prophet, rebuked Israel for corrupt worship, unfaithfulness, and spi...
Create a free account to bookmark events, save study notes, and track your journey through Scripture.