The prophecy concerning Cyrus's decree to rebuild the Temple is a significant event in biblical history, demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. This prophecy is primarily found in the Book of Isaiah and its fulfillment is recorded in the Book of Ezra.

Biblical Prophecy:

The prophecy regarding Cyrus is notably detailed in Isaiah 44:28 and Isaiah 45:1-13. Isaiah, writing approximately 150 years before Cyrus's decree, names Cyrus as the chosen instrument of God to facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. 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 is remarkable not only for its specificity but also for its historical accuracy, as it names Cyrus long before his birth.

Isaiah 45:1-4 further elaborates on Cyrus's role, describing him as the Lord's anointed, whose right hand God will hold to subdue nations and strip kings of their armor. The passage emphasizes that Cyrus's success and his decree are orchestrated by God for the sake of His servant Jacob and Israel, His chosen.

Historical Fulfillment:

The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in the Book of Ezra. After the fall of Babylon to the Persian Empire in 539 B.C., Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Ezra 1:1-2 recounts, "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.'"

This decree not only permitted the Jews to return but also provided them with resources to aid in the reconstruction of the Temple, as detailed in Ezra 1:3-11. The decree is a testament to God's providence and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His divine purposes.

Theological Significance:

The prophecy and its fulfillment underscore several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's omniscience and omnipotence, as He declares future events with precision and brings them to pass through His chosen instruments. Secondly, it illustrates God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, as He orchestrates their return from exile and the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. Lastly, the prophecy serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers, using them to fulfill His redemptive plan.

Cyrus's decree is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking the end of the Babylonian exile and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Jewish people. It is a powerful example of how God works through history to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His promises to His people.