Topical Encyclopedia The concept of anointing in the Bible often signifies the consecration of individuals for a specific purpose or role, typically involving a divine appointment. While the term "anointing" is frequently associated with priests, prophets, and kings within Israel, the case of Cyrus the Great, a Persian king, presents a unique instance of anointing in the biblical narrative.Cyrus in Biblical Context Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Jewish exile and subsequent return to Jerusalem. His role is prominently highlighted in the Book of Isaiah, where he is referred to as the "anointed" of the Lord. This designation is noteworthy because Cyrus was a Gentile king, yet he was chosen by God to fulfill a specific purpose in the history of Israel. Isaiah's Prophecy The prophet Isaiah, writing long before Cyrus's rise to power, prophesied about a deliverer who would facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. In Isaiah 45:1, the Lord speaks through the prophet, saying, "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" . Here, the term "anointed" (Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) is used, which is typically reserved for those consecrated for divine service. Divine Appointment and Purpose Cyrus's anointing signifies God's sovereign choice and use of a foreign ruler to accomplish His divine purposes. Despite not being an Israelite, Cyrus is depicted as an instrument in God's hand, chosen to enact His will. This anointing underscores the theme of God's control over history and His ability to use any individual, regardless of their background, to fulfill His plans. Cyrus's Decree and the Return from Exile The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy is recorded in the Book of Ezra, where Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. 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 send 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, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah'" . This decree not only marks the end of the Babylonian captivity but also highlights Cyrus's role as a divinely appointed agent in the restoration of Israel. Theological Implications Cyrus's anointing and subsequent actions serve as a powerful reminder of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. It illustrates that God's purposes transcend national and ethnic boundaries, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. The anointing of Cyrus also prefigures the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah, who would bring about spiritual deliverance and restoration. In summary, the anointing of Cyrus in the biblical narrative is a profound example of God's ability to use unexpected means and individuals to achieve His divine objectives, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His overarching plan for redemption. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 45:1Thus said the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; Nave's Topical Index Library An American Reformer. An American Reformer Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What was the significance of anointing spices in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org What is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Anointing in Consecration of High Priests Anointing in Consecration of Kings Anointing in Consecration of Priests Anointing in Consecration of Prophets Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle Anointing in Consecration: Altars of Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus Anointing in Consecration: David Anointing in Consecration: Hazael Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz Anointing in Consecration: Jehu Anointing in Consecration: Joash Anointing in Consecration: Saul Anointing in Consecration: Solomon Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses Anointing was Applied to The Eyes Anointing was Applied to The Face Anointing was Applied to The Feet Anointing was Applied to The Head Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed Anointing: Omitted in Mourning Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God Related Terms Anointing-portion (1 Occurrence) |
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