Observation

This question was not popular among the candidates as only a few candidates attempted it. It is not a common topic and as such, majority of the candidates avoided it. From their narration, it was observed that candidates were not familiar with this story narrative, however, majority of those who attempted it performed poorly. The supposed points candidates were expected to have written are:

1. Cyrus was the king of Persia who captured Babylon.
2. During the first year of his reign God inspired him to promulgate a decree in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy.
3. In the decree, he said God had given him all the kingdoms of the earth.
4. And that God has charged him to build a house at Jerusalem for Him.
5. Immediately, he ordered the Jews to return to Jerusalem to build the house of the God of Israel.
6. Heads of the father’s houses of Judah and Benjamin rose up to go.
7. The Priests and the Levites were also inspired to go.
8. Cyrus returned the vessels of gold and silver which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed them in the house of his gods.
9. They were handed over to Sheshebazzar, the prince of Judah to be returned to Jerusalem.
10. Cyrus further stated that every exile was to be helped by his neighbour or men of his place with silver and gold and animals.
11. Freewill offerings were to be included as contributions towards the rebuilding projects.
12. He also helped financially towards the rebuilding programme.
13. King Cyrus fulfilled the dreams of the exiles who for that matter viewed him as the Lord’s anointed or as an instrument of God to free the Jews.

In the B part which however was less challenging to the candidates, the points expected of candidates include;

1. It is our civic responsibility.
2. It is our contribution to socio- economic development.
3. There is pride/dignity.
4. We feel part of the development process / sense of belonging.
5. We can proudly protect what we have.
6. It keeps us active.
7. It strengthens co-operation and unity.
8. It is a call to show/demonstrate patriotism.
9. It is a divine command.
10. It enables us to leave a legacy of posterity.