Nonsense. The returning Israelites were provided with EVERYTHING they needed.....and more.
Gold silver bronze vessels and implements, animals (for sacrifices) grain wine oil and military protection and tons of other support.
Here’s a detailed table summarizing everything the Persian kings provided to the returning Israelites during Ezra and Nehemiah’s missions, based on the biblical records:
Category Specifics Biblical Reference Precious metals & temple vessels Gold, silver, bronze, and vessels formerly belonging to Solomon’s Temple Ezra 1:4-7; 6:3-5 Animals for sacrifices Bulls, rams, lambs, male goats for sin, burnt, and thanksgiving offerings Ezra 6:17; Nehemiah 10:33 Food supplies Grain, wine, oil for priests, Levites, and offerings Ezra 6:9-10; Nehemiah 13:5 Timber & construction materials Timber from Lebanon for the Temple, gates, and walls Ezra 3:7 Military protection Official letters granting safe passage and security from local enemies Ezra 7:21-23; Nehemiah 2:7-9 Tax & labor exemptions Exemption from taxes, tribute, and forced labor for the Temple and its personnel Ezra 7:24; Nehemiah 5:13 Administrative/judicial authority Ezra authorized as priest and scribe to interpret the Law, appoint magistrates, and judge the people Ezra 7:25-26 Financial support for officials & workers Money, silver, and goods for local governors, priests, and Levites Ezra 6:8-10 Letters of authorization Documents ordering local rulers to help the exiles, restore property, and not interfere Ezra 7:12-20; Nehemiah 2:7-9 Personal gifts for encouragement Gifts to individuals such as Ezra, including silver, gold, and provisions for travel Ezra 7:15-17
Summary: The kings didn’t just give money or animals—they created a full support system: legal authority, military protection, tax exemptions, building materials, administrative power, and daily provisions. This shows how seriously the Persian empire backed the return and restoration.
None of the above is military support. Passage papers authorized the Jews to travel through the various provinces of the kingdom to their land.