Topical Encyclopedia Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a significant figure in biblical prophecy, particularly in the context of the Jewish exile and subsequent return to Jerusalem. The prophecies concerning Cyrus are primarily found in the Book of Isaiah, with additional references in the Books of Ezra and Daniel. These prophecies highlight God's sovereignty and His use of foreign rulers to accomplish His divine purposes.Isaiah's Prophecies The prophet Isaiah, writing approximately 150 years before Cyrus's rise to power, explicitly names Cyrus as the instrument of God's plan to restore the Israelites to their homeland. In Isaiah 44:28, the Lord declares, "who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he will fulfill all My pleasure,’ saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’” This prophecy underscores Cyrus's role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, despite his status as a pagan king. Isaiah 45:1-4 further elaborates on Cyrus's divine appointment: "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him so that the gates will not be shut: 'I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one, I call you by name; I give you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.'" These passages emphasize that Cyrus's success and conquests are orchestrated by God for the benefit of His people, Israel. The use of the term "anointed" (Hebrew: "mashiach") is particularly noteworthy, as it is typically reserved for Israelite kings and priests, indicating a special divine mission. Ezra's Account The Book of Ezra provides a historical account of the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies. Ezra 1:1-2 records the decree of Cyrus, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah.'" This decree not only fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy but also aligned with Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the end of the Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 29:10). Cyrus's acknowledgment of the God of heaven, despite his own polytheistic beliefs, illustrates the divine influence over his actions. Daniel's Vision The Book of Daniel also alludes to the rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus. In Daniel 10:1, Cyrus is mentioned as the reigning king during Daniel's vision, which provides insight into the spiritual battles surrounding the Persian Empire's ascendancy. While not a direct prophecy concerning Cyrus, the context of Daniel's visions underscores the broader divine orchestration of historical events during Cyrus's reign. Significance in Biblical History Cyrus's role in biblical history is pivotal, as his policies facilitated the return of the Jewish exiles and the reconstruction of the temple, setting the stage for the subsequent developments in Jewish history. The prophecies concerning Cyrus serve as a testament to God's control over world events and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Through Cyrus, God demonstrated His ability to use even those outside the covenant community to fulfill His purposes and bless His people. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 13:17-22Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 21:2 Isaiah 41:2 Isaiah 44:28 Isaiah 45:1-4,13 Isaiah 46:11 Isaiah 48:14,15 Library Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... The Return of the Exiles Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah. The Prophecies Isaiah The Eve of the Restoration Jeremiah Index of Subjects. Ezekiel and Daniel. History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 Resources Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow evil men like Hitler and Saddam to come into power? | GotQuestions.org What is the Deutero-Isaiah theory? Was the Book of Isaiah written by multiple Isaiahs? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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