The CUNEIFORM SCRIPT carved into this clay cylinder tells of Cyrus’ deeds in Babylon. It also describes how he allowed captured people to return to their homes and rebuild their temples. The BOOK OF EZRA mentions Cyrus issuing a decree allowing the Israelites to return home with their temple treasures.

GOD KEPT HIS PROMISE TO BRING HIS PEOPLE BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND.

THE EXILES RETURNED HOME

This might look like a strange ear of corn, but it is actually a document. This document is known as the CYRUS CYLINDER. It was issued by Cyrus the Great in the year 539 BC.

BIBLE PASSAGE: EZRA 1; 3

MEMORY VERSE: EZRA 3:11A

BIBLE STORY REVIEW CIRCLE THE CORRECT ANSWER TO EACH QUESTION.USE YOUR BIBLE TO EXAMINE EZRA 1 AND 3 IF YOU NEED HELP.

WHO HAD BEEN EXILED?

The Israelites OR the PersiansWHO WAS THE NEW KING OF PERSIA?Nebuchadnezzar OR Cyrus

WHERE DID THE NEW KING DECIDE THE ISRAELITES COULD GO?

Jerusalem OR Susa

THE KING GAVE BACK ITEMS THAT HAD BEEN TAKEN FROM WHAT SPECIAL BUILDING?

The temple OR the library

WHAT SPECIAL FESTIVAL DID THE PEOPLE CELEBRATE WHEN THEY RETURNED HOME?

The Festival of Booths OR The Festival of Stuffed Animals

WHAT PART OF THE TEMPLE DID

THE WORKERS BUILD FIRST?

Ceiling OR Foundation

WHO DID THE PEOPLE SING SONGS TO AND PRAISE? God OR the King of Persia

CYRUSCYLINDER

CHECK OUT THIS TINY COPY OF A PART OF THE CYRUS CYLINDER. IT IS ABOUT 1 BY 1 1/2 INCHES WIDE.

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GOD KEPT HIS PROMISE TO BRING HIS PEOPLE BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND.

CYRUS FREEING THE JEWS

REASONS TO PRAISE

A plaquette is a relief carved from a small tablet. This

silver plaquette was created by a German artist in the late

17th century. It shows King Cyrus releasing the Israelites

from Babylonian captivity.WHO WAS THE NEW KING OF PERSIA?Nebuchadnezzar OR Cyrus

The Israelites praised God for His goodness and love in today’s Memory Verse, Ezra 3:11a.What are some reasons you can praise God? Write or draw a picture of your reasons in the space provided.

After the Israelites returned home, their leaders led them to worship God. One way the people worshiped God was by celebrating the Festival of Booths.

During this celebration, Jewish people build booths out of branches and plants and remember how they are dependent on God to provide and care for them.

WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL OF BOOTHS?

THIS CELEBRATION IS ALSO KNOWN AS SUKKOT

OR THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES.

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