 Yet despite these events Yahweh does not forget his people, but sends Cyrus, king of Persia to deliver them from bondage.The Israelites are allowed to return to Judah and Benjamin, the Holy Temple is rebuilt, the priestly orders restored, and the service of sacrifice resumed.Through the offices of the sage Ezra, Israel is constituted as a holy nation, bound by the Torah and holding itself apart from all other peoples.