We see the concept of redemption right the way through the scriptures and of course it is at the centre of the gospel story when Jesus redeems us to full connection with Him. In the OT the word ‘redeemed’ was often used in the context of someone being removed from slavery. Slavery was never the context for God’s creation so when they were redeemed they were reset to what was intended. They were brought back to the position that they should have had all along.

During the Israelites exile to Babylon, one of the more distressing scenes for the people would have been when King Nebuchadnezzar took away the items that had been created and used in the temple. These were items which had been created and fashioned for use in the temple during the time of Solomon. They really mattered to the Israelites.

In the book of Ezra we read about how King Cyrus allows the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple – this must have been an incredible moment. However when I read Ezra 1:7 I really saw how the Lord beautifully brought redemption to the pain of their exile.

Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god. Ezra 1:7

How incredible is that? The stuff that was stolen and ultimately defiled was returned and redeemed. I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure the people might have even forgotten about those things in the context of everything else they had lost.

I love that our God is in the business of redemption. He wants to redeem His creation, every piece, every person. I love that every detail is important to Him.