Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.

2 CHRONICLES 36:23KJV
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2 Chronicles 36:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 36:23 mean?

2 Chronicles 36:23 records King Cyrus of Persia announcing that God has given him authority over all kingdoms and has told him to rebuild God’s temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus invites any of God’s people to return to Jerusalem in Judah to take part in this rebuilding, blessing them as they go.

This verse is spoken by Cyrus, the Persian king, after he conquers Babylon and becomes ruler over the Jewish exiles. The situation is the end of the Jewish exile in Babylon, and Cyrus is allowing — even encouraging — the Jewish people to return home and rebuild their temple. The verse highlights Cyrus’s recognition of the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) as the God who has given him power and a task, which is unusual for a foreign king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 36:23

  • “LORD” (יהוה, Yahweh): This is the specific name for Israel’s God, showing that Cyrus is not just speaking about any god, but the God of the Jews.
  • “charged” (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means to appoint, assign, or give a responsibility. Cyrus claims that God has specifically given him the duty to rebuild the temple, not just allowed it.
  • “house” (בַּיִת, bayit): This refers to the temple, God’s dwelling place in Jerusalem, making clear that the focus is on restoring worship and religious life.
  • “up” (עָלָה, ‘alah): This word means to go up, often used for traveling to Jerusalem, which sits on higher ground and is seen as a spiritual ascent.

Why 2 Chronicles 36:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple were not just political events, but were seen as acts directed by God, even through a non-Israelite king.
  • It shows that Cyrus recognizes the authority of the LORD, which is remarkable given his position as a Persian ruler, and frames the return as a fulfillment of God’s plan.
  • The verse connects the end of 2 Chronicles directly to the beginning of the book of Ezra, showing continuity in the story of Israel’s restoration.