In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. The people have returned to their land after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. They renew their covenant with God and dedicate the city, with only a tenth of the population allowed to live inside the city walls. The preacher also mentions the book of Esther, which showcases God's providential control over events to fulfill his purposes. The sermon emphasizes the power and wisdom of God in preserving his people and thwarting Satan's plans.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to fulfill the prophecy of the return of the Jewish captives from Babylon, as foretold by Jeremiah and Isaiah. He highlights the importance of prayer, as exemplified by Daniel, in influencing leaders and initiating divine movements. Meyer notes that while God can stir hearts, obedience is essential, and sadly, only a few of the Jewish captives responded to the call to return. He encourages believers to rise up and act whenever they feel a divine stirring in their lives. Ultimately, the sermon calls for faith and responsiveness to God's leading.