Topical Bible: Rulers: Righteous: Cyrus, in Emancipating the Jews

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Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly noted for his role in the emancipation of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. His actions are seen as divinely orchestrated, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah regarding the return of the Jews to their homeland and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Prophecies and Fulfillment

The prophet Isaiah, writing over a century before Cyrus's rise to power, specifically names him as the instrument of God's plan: "who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he will accomplish all that I please,’" (Isaiah 44:28). Isaiah further declares, "I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for a price or a bribe, says the LORD of Hosts" (Isaiah 45:13). This prophecy underscores the divine selection of Cyrus as a righteous ruler chosen to fulfill God's purposes.

Jeremiah also foretold the end of the Babylonian captivity, stating that it would last seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The rise of Cyrus and his subsequent decree marked the fulfillment of this prophecy, as he allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.

Cyrus's Decree

The historical account of Cyrus's decree is recorded in the Book of Ezra: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by 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, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of His people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem'" (Ezra 1:1-3).

Cyrus's decree not only permitted the Jews to return to their homeland but also provided the means for the reconstruction of the Temple, demonstrating his support for their religious and cultural restoration. This act of liberation and support for the Jewish people is seen as a reflection of his righteousness and alignment with God's will.

Cyrus's Legacy

Cyrus's role in Jewish history is further acknowledged in the Book of 2 Chronicles, which reiterates his decree and the divine influence behind it: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing" (2 Chronicles 36:22).

Cyrus is often regarded as a model of a righteous ruler, whose actions were in harmony with God's plans for His people. His legacy is one of liberation and restoration, and he is remembered as a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, whose reign was marked by justice and benevolence towards the Jewish exiles.

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Ezra 1:1
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
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