the people who dwell in cities over which he now rules. The proclamation of 1:2–4 is therefore politically expedient; Cyrus does for Judah what he does for other nations.15 In this case, however, the providence of the living God has moved his heart to act. The Lord raises up and deposes rulers for purposes about which such rulers may be oblivious. In this case, the Lord’s immediate purpose is to bring his homeless people home to rebuild his house (i.e., temple). But a deeper goal exists. In abandoning