The term "Returning Exiles" refers to the Jewish people who returned to the land of Judah after the Babylonian captivity, a significant event in biblical history. This period is primarily documented in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah. The return from exile marks a pivotal moment in the restoration of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Historical Context

The Babylonian captivity began in 586 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, taking many Jews into exile. This period of captivity lasted approximately 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah: "This whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years" (Jeremiah 25:11).

The Decree of Cyrus

The return of the exiles was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. In the first year of his reign, Cyrus issued a proclamation allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Ezra 1:2-3 records this decree: "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel.'"

The First Return under Zerubbabel

The first group of exiles returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, and Jeshua the high priest. This return is detailed in Ezra 2, which lists the families and individuals who made the journey. Approximately 42,360 people, along with servants and animals, returned to Judah. Upon their arrival, they began rebuilding the altar and laid the foundation of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:1-13).

Challenges and Opposition

The returning exiles faced significant challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples who sought to hinder the rebuilding efforts. Ezra 4:4-5 states, "Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia."

The Prophetic Encouragement

Prophets Haggai and Zechariah played crucial roles in encouraging the people to continue the work on the Temple despite the opposition. Haggai 1:7-8 exhorts, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Consider carefully your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,' says the LORD."

The Second Return under Ezra

Several decades later, a second group of exiles returned under the leadership of Ezra, a scribe and priest. Ezra's return, described in Ezra 7, was marked by a focus on spiritual reform and adherence to the Law of Moses. Ezra 7:10 highlights his dedication: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel."

The Third Return under Nehemiah

The final significant return was led by Nehemiah, who served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Nehemiah's mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a task he accomplished despite intense opposition. Nehemiah 6:15-16 records the completion: "So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."

Significance

The return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple were crucial in re-establishing Jewish identity and worship in the land. This period set the stage for the coming of the Messiah, as the lineage of David was preserved and the prophetic promises concerning Israel continued to unfold.