It was still the Lord's purpose, as it have been from the beginning, that His people should be a praise in the earth, to the glory of His name. During the long years of their exile He had given them many opportunities to return to their allegiance to Him. Some had chosen to listen and to learn; some had found salvation in the midst of affliction. Many of these were to be numbered among the remnant that should return. They were likened by Inspiration to "the highest branch of the high cedar," which was to be planted "upon an high mountain and eminent: in the mountain of the height of Israel." Ezekiel 17:22, 23.

Det havde været Guds vilje lige fra begyndelsen, at hans folk skulle være til pris på jorden og en ære for hans navn. Under fangenskabets lange år havde han givet dem rig anledning til at forny deres pagt med ham. Nogle lyttede og tog ved lære, og en del af folket fandt frelsen midt under prøvelserne. Mange af disse taltes med blandt den rest, der rejste hjem. Det inspirerede ord sammenlignede dem med "en gren af cederens top", som skulle plantes "på et højt, knejsende bjerg. På Israels høje bjerg". Ez. 17,22-23.