Ezra 1 (résumé): Cyrus helps the exiles to return

The book of Ezra is a book about Israel re-emerging as a nation after the 70 year Babylonian exile. This book picks up exactly where 2 Chronicles ended. The first section covers the initial return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem over the first 6 chapters, culminating with the re-building of the temple. The second section from chapters 7-10 covers the second return of exiles led by Ezra who was a priest. 

Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BC led by King Cyrus the Great bringing to the end the exile of Israel. Chapter 1 relates the decree of Cyrus, given to him by God, which authorizes the release of the Israelites to go and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus encouraged people to give the returning exiles silver, gold, goods and livestock as freewill offerings for the Jerusalem temple, and many made their contributions. Cyrus also gave those returning to Jerusalem 5,400 silver and gold articles that had been seized from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar.