Babylon falls. Isaiah inspires Israel and Cyrus liberates them.
The book of Daniel tells the story of the fall of Babylon and the triumph of Cyrus.
There are two records of the restoration. Ezra 1:2-4; 6:3-5.
Cyrus was a new thing in rulers. He favored granting subject peoples cultural autonomy—freedom to have their own religion.
Sheshbazzar was followed by Zerubbabel as governor of Judah. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah offered encouragement.
The Jews returned in successive waves of dedicated rebuilders. The early arrivals met with bitter disappointment.
Cambyses maintained his father’s conquests and added Egypt. He continued to foster Jewish restoration.
The more prosperous Jews remained in Babylon. The early years were fraught with hardship and frustration. They were greatly hampered by the Samaritans.
It required 18 years to lay the foundations for the temple. At last they were aroused and finished the work in four years.
Haggai spurred the people to finish the temple. Hag 1:1-11. Zechariah joined in this revival.
In March 515 the temple was finished and dedicated. Ezra 6:13-18.
But the best things promised by the prophets did not materialize. Judah struggled along—as a sub-province of Samaria.