Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly in the context of the Jewish exile and return. His calling and purpose are highlighted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where he is depicted as an instrument of God's divine plan.

Biblical Prophecy and Divine Instrument

The prophet Isaiah explicitly mentions Cyrus by name, even before his birth, as part of God's sovereign plan. Isaiah 44:28 states, "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 as a chosen vessel to accomplish God's purposes concerning Jerusalem and the temple.

Isaiah 45:1-4 further elaborates on Cyrus's divine calling: "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 hidden riches of 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 have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.'"

These passages highlight that Cyrus's purpose was not only political but also deeply theological. He was to be God's instrument in the restoration of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

Restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple

Cyrus's decree, as recorded in the book of Ezra, marks the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Ezra 1:1-2 states, "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, 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.'"

Cyrus's edict allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. This act of restoration was not merely a political maneuver but a divinely orchestrated event that reaffirmed God's commitment to His people and His promises.

Cyrus as a Type of Christ

In Christian theology, Cyrus is often seen as a type of Christ—a prefiguration of the Messiah. Just as Cyrus was anointed by God to deliver the Israelites from captivity and restore their place of worship, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate deliverer who frees humanity from the bondage of sin and restores the relationship between God and His people.

Cyrus's role in biblical history serves as a testament to God's ability to use even those outside the covenant community to achieve His divine purposes. His calling exemplifies the overarching biblical theme of redemption and restoration, pointing forward to the ultimate redemption found in Christ.