For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
On the first day of the first month, he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month, he arrived in Jerusalem, because God's gracious hand was upon him.
This verse shows that Ezra's four-month journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was successful because God was blessing and protecting him along the way.
📚 Historical Context
This describes Ezra's journey in 458 BC from Babylon (modern-day Iraq) to Jerusalem, a dangerous 900-mile trip that took four months. Ezra was a Jewish priest and scribe leading a group of exiles back to rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The Persian king Artaxerxes had given Ezra official permission and resources for this mission.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.