Cyrus Proclaims Liberty for the Exiles

Cyrus rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord,. All the leading priests and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful following all the abominations of the nations. And they polluted the house of the Lord, which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. The book of Proverbs, chapter 9, verses 1-6: Wisdom has built her house. She has slaughtered her beasts. She has mixed her wine. She has sent out her maids to call from the highest places in the town. Whoever is simple, let him turn in here. To him who is