Israel had been in the land for multiple generations, but while the temple had been rebuilt, the people had rebelled. They, like their forefathers, had taken foreign wives, resulting in the worship of foreign gods. So Ezra, eighty years aft er Cyrus’ decree, led a second group to return to Jerusalem. This return, made successful by “the hand of God,” led to the repentance of God’s people and the restoration of true worship.