1  The proclamation of Cyrus, for the release of the Jews, and building of the temple, Ezr 1:1-4.
The return of many of them, Ezr 1:5-6.
Orders given for restoring the vessels of the temple, Ezr 1:7-11.

1:1 Fulfilled - Nebuchadnezzar carried many of the Jews into captivity in the first year of his reign (the fourth of Jehoiakim).He reigned forty - five years, his son Evil - merodach twenty - three, and his grandson Belshazzar, three years, which make up the seventy years foretold by Jeremiah. First year - Of his reign in Babylon: for he had been king of Persia for many years.

1:2 All, etc - In those parts of the world; all that vast empire formerly under the Assyrians and Babylonians. The gift of which he ascribes to the great God; by that express prophecy of Isaiah concerning him, Isa 44:28 Ezr 1, Isa 45:1, Isa 45:13, so long before he was born; which prophecy the Jews had doubtlessly shewed him, which also carried a great evidence with it, especially to him who was so highly encouraged by it: or by a special illumination which God vouchsafed to him, as he did to Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, and some other Heathen princes.

1:5 Then rose up, etc - These being a new generation, went out like their father Abraham, from this land of the Chaldees, not knowing whither they went.

1:6 Strengthened their hands - God can, when he pleases, incline the hearts of strangers to be kind to his people; yea, make those strengthen their hands, who formerly weakened them.

8 

8:16 No man having lighted a candle - As if ho had said, And let your good fruit appear openly. Mat 5:15; Mar 4:21; Luk 11:33.

8:17 For nothing is hid - Strive not to conceal it at all; for you can conceal nothing long. Mat 10:26; Mar 4:22; Luk 12:2.

8:18 The word commonly translated seemeth, wherever it occurs, does not weaken, but greatly strengthens the sense. Mat 13:12; Mar 4:25; Luk 12:26.