In his first year as king of Persia, Cyrus the Great issued a decree in writing to the Israelite exiles living under his rule: The God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a temple for Him in Jerusalem. Any of His people may go up to Jerusalem in Judah to build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel. And in any place where survivors may now be living, the people of Persia are to provide them with silver, gold, goods, livestock, and offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem. - Ezra 1:2-4 (paraphrased).

Decades later, in the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, the king noticed a sadness in his cupbearer, Nehemiah. When asked why he looked so ill, Nehemiah replied: May the king live forever! Why should I not look sad when the city of my ancestors lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire? If it pleases you, and if I have found favor in your eyes, let me go to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried.