(a) In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, he issued a decree to the effect that the Lord, the God of heaven, had charged him to build a house for Him in Jerusalem. He, therefore, allowed everybody from among the Jewish exiles, who so wished, to return to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the temple. He authorised that such returnees should be assisted with silver and gold and other essential materials, including freewill offerings to God for His yet-to-be-built house in Jerusalem. In quick response, the heads of families, the priests, the Levites and others who were touched by this gesture rose up. Others who were so minded gave them all assistance in cash and kind, including beasts of burden. Cyrus himself brought out all the vessels which Nebuchadnezzar had looted from the temple, counted them and handed them over to Sheshbazzar, the leader of the returnees. A large company then left Babylon for Judah.

(b) Reasons for positive response on the part of the exiles are:
(i) The people had the feeling that home is home coupled with the spirit of nationalism.
(ii) In a foreign land, they could not freely practice their culture and religion.
(iii) Slavery is a curse to any people.
(iv) It showed the fulfilment of God's promise.