Why is Cyrus called the king of Babylon (Ezra 5:13)?
The Judean elders probably used this title to contrast Cyrus with the former king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar (v. 12). The term was not incorrect: Cyrus, as ruler of the Persian Empire, could be called the king of any number of nations that were subject to him. In one ancient text he refers to himself not only as the king of Babylon but as king of the world, listing other lands over which he ruled. The Quest Study Bible How did the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah help in the building of the temple (Ezra 6:14)? Work on the temple had made little progress not only because of opposition but also because of the preoccupation of the returnees with their own homes (Haggai 1:29). Because they had placed their own interests first, God sent them famine as a judgment (Haggai 1:56, 1011). Spurred by the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah, and under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, a new effort was begun (Haggai 1:1215). NIV Bible Study Notes Why did Ezra confess guilt as though he himself
