Ezra 1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Fulfilled — Nebuchadnezzar carried many of the Jews into captivity in the first year of his reign (the fourth of Jehoiakim). He reigned forty — five years, his son Evil — merodach twenty — three, and his grandson Belshazzar, three years, which make up the seventy years foretold by Jeremiah. First year — Of his reign in Babylon: for he had been king of Persia for many years.

All, &c. — In those parts of the world; all that vast empire formerly under the Assyrians and Babylonians. The gift of which he ascribes to the great God; by that express prophecy of Isaiah concerning him, Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:1, Isaiah 45:13, so long before he was born; which prophecy the Jews had doubtlessly shewed him, which also carried a great evidence with it, especially to him who was so highly encouraged by it: or by a special illumination which God vouchsafed to him, as he did to Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, and some other Heathen princes.

Then rose up, &c. — These being a new generation, went out like their father Abraham, from this land of the Chaldees, not knowing whither they went.

Strengthened their hands — God can, when he pleases, incline the hearts of strangers to be kind to his people; yea, make those strengthen their hands, who formerly weakened them.

Sheshbazzar — Zerubbabel; the Chaldeans called him Sheshbazzar, that is, Joy in tribulation, but among his own people he was called Zerubbabel, a stranger in Babylon. So he looked upon himself, tho' (Josephus says) he was captain of the life — guard.