1:1–3a These verses are almost identical to 2 Chr. 36:22, 23. The pre-Exilic history of 1 and 2 Chronicles gave the post-Exilic returnees direction regarding the Davidic kingship, the Aaronic priesthood, and temple worship. This book continues the story. 1:1 first year. Ca. 538 B.C. Cyrus king of Persia. Ca. 550–530 B.C. The Lord had prophesied through Isaiah, who said of Cyrus, “He is My shepherd, … saying to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be built,’ and to the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid’ ” (Is.