Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezra 1:2

2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth , and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

To wit, 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, either by virtue of those common notions which were in the Minds of the Heathens, who though they worshipped Idols, yet many of them did acknowledge a true and supream God: Or by that clear and express Prophecy of Isaiah concerning him, Isa. 44. 28. & 45. 1, 13. so long before he was born; which Prophecy the Jews had doubtless shewed him, which also carried a great evidence with it, especially to him who was so highly gra[illegible: 1+ letters]ified and incouraged by it: or by a special Illumination which God vouchsafed to him, as he did to Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, and some others of the Heathen Princes.

Either by his Prophets, Isaiah formerly, or Daniel now: or by an inward suggestion to his Mind.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 44. 28. [illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1+ letters]5. 13.