Observation

This question was not popular among the candidates as majority of them avoided it. A great number of those who attempted it performed below average. It has been discovered over the years that candidates barely attempted questions drawn from this aspect of the syllabus due to the historical names and chronological demands needed to answer such question. Expected points from candidates are listed below;

1. In 539B.C, Cyrus the king of Persia defeated Babylon and took control of the Babylonian empire.
2. In the first year of Cyrus’ reign, God inspired him to pass a decree to return the Jews to Jerusalem.
3. This was to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah.
4. In a decree, Cyrus acknowledged the fact that God had made him ruler of the whole world and that he should see to the rebuilding of the temple.
5. Cyrus then declared that whoever is among you may his God be with him
6. He further declared that the God of Israel is the God who is in Jerusalem
7. In view of that, Cyrus asked the exiles to go and rebuild the temple on his behalf.
8. Cyrus asked that the returnees should be given silver, gold, material goods as well as freewill offerings.
9. These items were to be used for the rebuilding of the temple on his behalf.
10. So, the elders of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin as well as the priests and Levites and many others were ready to go.
11. Others who were not willing to go aided the exiles with vessels of silver, gold and freewill offerings.
12. King Cyrus also gave back the vessel of silver and gold which were taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar to the exiles.
13. The king’s treasurer counted the vessels of gold and silver and gave them to Shesh-bazzar.
14. Shesh-bazzar was the son of Jehoiachin who was appointed to lead the returnees.
15. Shesh-bazzar was also supposed to supervise the rebuilding of the temple.

MEASURES A NATION CAN TAKE TO PREVENT GOD’S WRATH

1. Avoid sinful acts/ living righteous life
2. Avoid worshipping other gods/idolatry.
3. Being obedient to God.                           
4. Provision for the needy and marginalized in society.
5. Ensuring fairness and justice for all.
6. Avoiding shedding of innocent blood.
7. Confessing and repenting from sin.