The History of The Jews: From The Destruction Of Jerusalem To The Present Time

B. C. 536.] THE Jews having remained in captivity seventy years, according to the prediction of the prophet Jeremiah, were restored to their native country by Cyrus the Great, king of Persia. For this purpose he issued a decree, in the first year of his reign, by which they were permitted to return to Palestine, and rebuild their city and temple. This opportunity was joyfully embraced by the most zealous of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin; and Levi. A large part of the Jewish captives, who ch...