Connect 2 Chronicles 36:23 with Isaiah's prophecy about Cyrus in Isaiah 44:28. Scripture Focus “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him. Let him go up.’” “who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all My desire’; he will say of Jerusalem, ‘Let it be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid.’” Historical Backdrop: From Babylonian Captivity to Persian Rule • Babylon conquered Judah in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8–11). • Seventy years of exile were foretold (Jeremiah 25:11–12; 29:10) and later recognized by Daniel (Daniel 9:2). • In 539 BC the Medo-Persian coalition under Cyrus conquered Babylon, instantly becoming ruler over the Jewish exiles. Prophecy Given: Isaiah Names Cyrus • Isaiah wrote between 740–700 BC, roughly 150 years before Cyrus was born. • Key details in Isaiah 44:24–45:13: – Cyrus is called by name (44:28; 45:1, 4). – God calls him “My shepherd” and “His anointed” (45:1). – Mission: rebuild Jerusalem and lay the temple’s foundation (44:28). – Divine empowerment: nations subdued, gates opened (45:1–2). • Literal wording forms the backbone for later historical fulfillment. Prophecy Fulfilled: Cyrus’ Decree Recorded • 2 Chronicles 36:23 captures Cyrus’ official proclamation. • Parallel text: Ezra 1:1–4 gives the extended decree, echoing Isaiah’s language about building the “house of the LORD.” • Within the first year of his reign (538 BC), Cyrus permits and funds the return of Jewish exiles and temple reconstruction. Threads That Tie the Texts Together • Same person: Cyrus specifically named in both passages. • Same purpose: rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. • Same authority: Cyrus credits “the LORD, the God of heaven” for his victories, fulfilling Isaiah’s statement that God would raise him up. • Same beneficiaries: God’s covenant people released from captivity. • Timeline harmony: Isaiah’s prophecy precedes the decree by about a century and a half—clear, measurable fulfillment. Wider Biblical Footprints • Isaiah 45:13 reinforces Cyrus’ role: “He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free.” • Haggai 1–2 and Zechariah 1:16 show the continuing work of rebuilding under later Persian kings, all springing from Cyrus’ initial edict. • God’s sovereignty over rulers is affirmed in Proverbs 21:1 and Daniel 2:21. Takeaways for Today • God’s Word stands literal and reliable; fulfilled prophecy undergirds trust in every promise (Joshua 23:14). • The Lord steers world leaders—even non-believers—for His redemptive purposes (Romans 13:1). • What He promises, He performs—encouragement for personal faith and obedience (Philippians 1:6). |
    |