Ezra 1:5-11

The Return of the Jews under Sheshbazzar with the Holy Vessels. The carrying out of the decree.

Ezra 1:5. even all. Jerusalem: implying that many did not avail themselves of the opportunity of returning. The lot of many of the exiles was far from unhappy, while the prospect for those who might decide to return was not bright.

Ezra 1:6. all they that were round about them: i.e. those of their own race. beside all that was willingly offered: the free-will offerings for the Temple; the other gifts were personal.

Ezra 1:7. the vessels. his gods: see 2 Kings 24:13; 2 Kings 25:14 f., 2 Chronicles 36:7.

Ezra 1:8. Mithredath: dedicated to Mithra, the Persian sun-god. Sheshbazzar: not to be identified with Zerubbabel, whose predecessor he was as governor (nasi) of Judah (Stade, Geschichte des Volkes Israel, ii. 100f.).

Ezra 1:11 a. The Chronicler's exaggeration in numbers is characteristic