13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
13 "However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God.
13 However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree that this house of God should be rebuilt.
13 "But when Cyrus became king of Babylon, in his first year he issued a building permit to rebuild this Temple of God.
13 However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to build this house of God.
13 However, King Cyrus of Babylon, during the first year of his reign, issued a decree that the Temple of God should be rebuilt.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 5:13
Commentary on Ezra 5:3-17
(Read Ezra 5:3-17)
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the wrath of God. All our sufferings spring from thence, and all our comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a habitation of God through the Spirit.