538 BC – 400 BC · 234 passages
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Showing 1–60 of 234 passages; pick a book above to see all of its passages, or switch to “by book”.
Gatekeepers' duties traced to David and Samuel's day (c. 1000 BC) and continued after the exile Best estimate
The gatekeepers' work is described: guarding the entrance to the Tent as their fathers did, standing watch through the night and handling the utensils. Other Levites baked bread, prepared spices and served as musicians.
Vision of Zion's glory (return era c. 538–500 BC per many; Isaiah's vision per tradition) Best estimate
Zion is told to arise and shine because the LORD's glory has risen upon her, though darkness covers other peoples. Nations and kings come to her light, bringing her scattered children and treasures such as gold and frankincense.
Vision of Zion's glory (return era c. 538–500 BC per many; Isaiah's vision per tradition) Best estimate
Ships bring Zion's children and wealth from far away, and foreigners rebuild her walls. Gates stay open, and those who once oppressed her come bowing, calling her the City of the LORD.
Vision of Zion's glory (return era c. 538–500 BC per many; Isaiah's vision per tradition) Best estimate
God promises to turn Zion's shame into pride, with peace as her governor and violence gone. He will be her everlasting light, replacing sun and moon, and her righteous people will possess the land forever.
The anointed herald of good news and rebuilding (return era per many scholars) Best estimate
A speaker says the Spirit of the Lord GOD is on him because he was anointed to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and free captives. He proclaims the year of the LORD's favor and comforts mourners with beauty for ashes.
The anointed herald of good news and rebuilding (return era per many scholars) Best estimate
The mourners will rebuild the ancient ruins while foreigners tend their fields. The people will be called priests of the LORD, receive a double portion, and God will make an everlasting covenant with them.
The anointed herald of good news and rebuilding (return era per many scholars) Best estimate
The speaker rejoices in the LORD, who has clothed him in garments of salvation like a bridegroom or bride. As a garden makes seeds sprout, God will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
Jerusalem's vindication; watchmen on her walls (return era per many scholars) Best estimate
The speaker says he will not stay silent until Zion's righteousness shines like a torch. She will receive a new name, Hephzibah and Beulah, no longer Forsaken, because God delights in her as a bridegroom in his bride.
Jerusalem's vindication; watchmen on her walls (return era per many scholars) Best estimate
God posts watchmen on Jerusalem's walls who must never be silent, and those who call on the LORD are told not to rest until he makes Jerusalem the praise of the earth. God swears her grain and wine will no longer go to enemies.
Jerusalem's vindication; watchmen on her walls (return era per many scholars) Best estimate
People are told to go through the gates and build up the highway, because the LORD has announced that Zion's Savior comes with his reward. Her people will be called the Holy People and the city Sought Out, Not Forsaken.
Divine warrior returns from Edom (date debated) Best estimate
A questioner asks who comes from Edom with garments stained red, and the answer says he is mighty to save. He describes trampling the nations alone as in a winepress, because the day of vengeance had come.
Lament recalling God's past kindness; temple in ruins (63:18) points after 586 BC Best estimate
A prayer begins by recalling the LORD's love and how he saved his people in all their distress. They rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit, then remembered how he led them through the sea in Moses' day.
Lament recalling God's past kindness; temple in ruins (63:18) points after 586 BC Best estimate
The people ask God to look down from heaven, saying his zeal and compassion seem restrained. Though Abraham does not know them, God is their Father and Redeemer; they ask him to return because enemies have trampled the sanctuary.
Community lament over a ruined temple and cities (after 586 BC per many) Best estimate
The people plead for God to tear open the heavens and come down so the nations tremble. They admit they sinned, are unclean, and their righteous acts are like filthy rags, and that no one calls on his name.
Community lament over a ruined temple and cities (after 586 BC per many) Best estimate
The people say God is their Father and they are clay in the potter's hand, and ask him not to be angry forever. They describe the ruined holy cities and burned temple, and ask whether he will still hold back.
God's answer to a rebellious people; new heavens and new earth (date debated) Best estimate
God answers by saying he was ready to be found by those who did not seek him, holding out his hands to a people who chose idolatry and unclean practices. He will repay their sins and those of their ancestors.
God's answer to a rebellious people; new heavens and new earth (date debated) Best estimate
God says he will not destroy all his people, as a good cluster is kept from spoiling, and his servants will inherit the land. Those who abandon him for Fortune and Destiny face the sword and hunger, while his servants will eat, drink and rejoice.
God's answer to a rebellious people; new heavens and new earth (date debated) Best estimate
God promises to create new heavens and a new earth and a joyful Jerusalem without weeping or early death. People will enjoy their houses and vineyards, God will answer before they call, and the wolf and lamb will feed together.
Temple theme (66:1) often read as c. 520–515 BC, rebuilding; date debated Best estimate
God says heaven is his throne and earth his footstool, so no house can contain him. He esteems the humble who tremble at his word and rejects empty rituals, promising to repay his enemies.
Final promise of Zion's comfort and gathering of nations (date debated) Best estimate
Zion is pictured as giving birth to a nation in a single day, and those who love Jerusalem are invited to rejoice with her. God promises peace like a river and comfort like a mother's, and his hand will be revealed to his servants.
Final promise of Zion's comfort and gathering of nations (date debated) Best estimate
The LORD comes with fire to judge those who rebel, then gathers all nations to see his glory and sends survivors to declare it. Exiles are brought back, all people worship him every Sabbath, and the rebels' fate is a lasting horror.
After Judah's exile: the first to resettle, c. 538 BC on, in the lists of returned families Best estimate
The chapter says all Israel was recorded in the genealogies, while Judah was exiled to Babylon for unfaithfulness. It lists the first settlers who returned to Jerusalem from Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Priests settled in Jerusalem after the return from exile Best estimate
The priests who lived in Jerusalem are named, including Azariah, chief official of the temple. The priests numbered 1,760 able men for the work of the house of God.
Levites and gatekeepers settled in Jerusalem after the return Best estimate
Levites who settled around Jerusalem are named, along with the gatekeepers under Shallum. Some had served at the King's Gate on the east side.
538 BC – Cyrus of Persia, after conquering Babylon, decrees the temple's rebuilding Well established
In Cyrus of Persia's first year, God stirs him to issue a written proclamation. He says the LORD has appointed him to build a house in Jerusalem and invites any of God's people to go up.
538 BC – Cyrus of Persia, first year after taking Babylon, decrees that the Jerusalem temple be rebuilt Well established
God moves King Cyrus of Persia to announce that the exiles may go to Jerusalem to rebuild the LORD's house, and that neighbors should help them with gifts.
538 BC – the exiles prepare to go; Cyrus returns the temple articles to Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah Well established
Family heads, priests, and Levites prepare to go, neighbors give generously, and Cyrus returns the temple articles Nebuchadnezzar had taken. Sheshbazzar receives them and carries them to Jerusalem.
c. 538–537 BC – the roll of exiles who returned under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, counted by family and town Traditional date
The chapter opens by introducing the people from the province who came back from Babylonian captivity, each to his own town, led by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and others.
c. 538–537 BC – the roll of exiles who returned under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, counted by family and town Traditional date
A count of laypeople who returned, listed first by ancestral families (such as Parosh and Pahath-moab) and then by hometowns such as Bethlehem and Jericho.
c. 538–537 BC – the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants who returned Traditional date
The list turns to those serving in worship: four priestly families, a small number of Levites, the singers descended from Asaph, and the gatekeepers.
c. 538–537 BC – the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants who returned Traditional date
Two further groups who served at the temple are named: the temple servants and the descendants of Solomon's servants, totaling 392.
c. 538–537 BC – families who could not prove their ancestry are excluded from the priesthood Traditional date
Some families could not show records of their Israelite descent, and some priestly families could not find their registration. These priests were excluded from priestly duty and from eating the most holy things until a priest could consult God by Urim and Thummim.
c. 538–537 BC – totals of returnees, servants and animals for the journey from Babylon Traditional date
The whole assembly totals 42,360, besides servants, singers, and a large number of animals that they brought along.
List from the first return c. 538 BC (under Cyrus), copied in Nehemiah's day c. 444 BC; compare Ezra 2 Traditional date
The register lists the lay families and the men of various towns who returned, with counts for each group.
List from the first return c. 538 BC, preserved and recopied c. 444 BC; priests, Levites and temple staff (Ezra 2) Traditional date
The list continues with the priestly families, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon's servants, with totals.
List from the first return c. 538 BC; families who could not prove their ancestry (copy in Nehemiah's day c. 444 BC) Traditional date
Some families could not document that they were Israelites, and priests who lacked records were excluded from priestly duty. The governor ruled that they could not eat the most holy food until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim.
Autumn 444 BC – totals of the register and gifts for the work at the first return and now Traditional date
The whole group numbers 42,360, plus servants, singers, and animals. Leaders and people give gold, silver, and priestly garments for the work, and the people settle in their towns by the seventh month.
Lists of those who came with Zerubbabel and Jeshua c. 538 BC and later priestly succession to c. 450 BC Traditional date
The chapter lists the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and the line of high priests down to Jaddua.
Lists of priestly heads in Joiakim's day and later generations, recorded up to the Persian period (c. 450–400 BC) Traditional date
The heads of priestly families under Joiakim, the recording of Levite families, and the leaders of praise and gatekeeping are listed. The Levites take turns in worship as David prescribed.
Uncertain – Korahite psalm after a restoration; often read as post-return (538 BC or later), though some place it earlier Best estimate
The psalmist recalls that God once restored his people from captivity, forgave their sin and turned from his anger.
Uncertain – Korahite psalm after a restoration; often read as post-return (538 BC or later), though some place it earlier Best estimate
Now the people ask God to restore them again and end his displeasure. They wonder whether his anger will last forever and pray to be revived and shown his loving devotion.
Uncertain – Korahite psalm after a restoration; often read as post-return (538 BC or later), though some place it earlier Best estimate
The psalmist listens for God's answer and expects peace for the faithful. He describes loving devotion, faithfulness, righteousness and peace meeting as the land yields its increase.
Uncertain – thanks from those gathered from the lands; probably after the return, 538 BC or later Best estimate
The redeemed are told to give thanks to God, who gathered them from all lands. The first group wandered hungry in desert wastes, cried out, and were led to a city where they could live.
Uncertain – thanks from those gathered from the lands; probably after the return, 538 BC or later Best estimate
The second group sat in darkness in chains because they rebelled against God's words. When they cried out, he freed them, breaking gates of bronze and bars of iron, and they are told to give thanks.
Uncertain – thanks from those gathered from the lands; probably after the return, 538 BC or later Best estimate
The third group suffered illness because of their rebellious ways, and drew near to death. God sent his word and healed them, and they should give thanks and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.
Uncertain – thanks from those gathered from the lands; probably after the return, 538 BC or later Best estimate
Merchants at sea saw God raise a storm that brought their skill to nothing. When they cried out he stilled the waves and guided them to harbor, so they should praise him in the assembly.
Uncertain – thanks from those gathered from the lands; probably after the return, 538 BC or later Best estimate
God can turn rivers to desert and desert to springs, settling the hungry in a city and blessing them. He lifts the needy and humbles oppressors, and the wise are told to ponder his love.
c. 538 BC or later – joy at the return from Babylon (some read it as a later prayer) Best estimate
The people recall the time the LORD brought captives back to Zion, when they laughed and sang and even other nations said the LORD had done great things for them.
c. 538 BC or later – joy at the return from Babylon (some read it as a later prayer) Best estimate
The community asks the LORD to restore them again, like streams in a dry land. It promises that those who sow with tears will reap with joy, carrying sheaves home.
c. 537 BC – the returnees give for the temple and settle in their towns Traditional date
On reaching the temple site, some family heads give freewill gifts toward rebuilding, according to their ability, and then everyone settles in their own towns.
Seventh month, c. 537 BC – Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar and offer sacrifices during the Feast of Tabernacles Traditional date
In the seventh month the people gather in Jerusalem, and Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar. They offer daily sacrifices and keep the Feast of Tabernacles as the Law prescribes, despite fearing the surrounding peoples.
c. 537–536 BC – materials are gathered and Levites appointed to oversee the temple work Traditional date
The returnees hire workers and arrange cedar from Lebanon by way of Tyre and Sidon. In the second year, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the Levites begin the temple work.
Second month of the second year, c. 536 BC – the temple foundation is laid amid praise and weeping Traditional date
When the foundation is laid, priests and Levites praise the LORD as David had prescribed, and the people shout. Older people who remembered the first temple weep, and joy and weeping blend into one great sound.
c. 536–520 BC – neighbors offer help, are refused, and oppose the builders 'all the days of Cyrus' to Darius (4:5) Dated in the text
People living in the land ask to join the temple building, but Zerubbabel and the leaders refuse. They then discourage and frighten the builders and hire counselors against them for many years.
c. 536–535 BC – Cyrus's third year: Daniel's vision by the Tigris, soon after the first exiles returned Dated in the text
After three weeks of mourning, Daniel sees a man dressed in linen by the Tigris River, shining like lightning and bronze. His companions flee in terror, and Daniel is left powerless and falls face down.
c. 536–535 BC – Cyrus's third year: Daniel's vision by the Tigris, soon after the first exiles returned Dated in the text
A hand touches Daniel and the messenger tells him to stand, saying his words were heard from the first day. He says he was delayed by the prince of Persia until Michael helped, and has come to explain what will happen to Daniel's people.
c. 536–535 BC – Cyrus's third year: Daniel's vision by the Tigris, soon after the first exiles returned Dated in the text
Daniel, speechless and drained, is touched and strengthened again and told not to be afraid. The messenger says he must return to fight the prince of Persia, then the prince of Greece, but will first tell what is written in the Book of Truth.
c. 536–535 BC – Daniel is told of Persian kings and then a mighty king (often read as Alexander) Dated in the text
The messenger says he supported Darius the Mede, and foretells more Persian kings, then a mighty king whose kingdom will be broken up toward the four winds and not go to his descendants.
c. 536–535 BC – spoken to Daniel; foretells kings of the South and North (traditionally Ptolemies and Seleucids) Dated in the text
The messenger describes a long series of conflicts, alliances and marriages between the kings of the South and the North, with invasions of the Beautiful Land. Several rulers rise and fall, and their plans fail.
c. 536–535 BC – spoken to Daniel; foretells a ruler rising by intrigue (often read as Antiochus IV, 175–164 BC) Dated in the text
A contemptible person seizes the kingdom in a time of peace, using deceit and alliances. He gains wealth, attacks the South and speaks lies at a table, and his heart is set against the holy covenant.