The prophecy concerning Cyrus's success is a remarkable instance of divine foreknowledge and sovereignty as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures. This prophecy is primarily found in the Book of Isaiah, where the Persian king Cyrus is mentioned by name long before his birth and rise to power. The prophecy highlights God's control over the nations and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people, Israel.

Biblical Context

The prophecy is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's exile and anticipated restoration. The Israelites, having been exiled to Babylon due to their disobedience, were in need of deliverance. Isaiah, a prophet of the 8th century BC, speaks to this future deliverance, foretelling the rise of Cyrus as God's chosen instrument to free His people and facilitate the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Key Passages

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1-4 are central to this prophecy. 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, ‘Its foundation will be laid.’” This passage underscores Cyrus's role as a shepherd-like figure who will execute God's will concerning Jerusalem and the Temple.

Isaiah 45:1-4 further elaborates on Cyrus's divine commissioning: "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.'"

Historical Fulfillment

The historical fulfillment of this prophecy is documented in the biblical books of 2 Chronicles and Ezra, as well as in extra-biblical sources such as the Cyrus Cylinder. Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Shortly thereafter, he issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4. This decree aligns with the prophetic declarations in Isaiah, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy.

Theological Significance

The prophecy of Cyrus's success serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It illustrates that God can use anyone, even a pagan king, to fulfill His divine purposes. This prophecy also reassures believers of God's commitment to His covenant promises, as He orchestrates history to bring about the redemption and restoration of His people.

Furthermore, the mention of Cyrus by name, over a century before his birth, underscores the divine inspiration of Scripture. It affirms the belief that God, who exists outside of time, knows the end from the beginning and is actively involved in the affairs of the world to accomplish His will.