Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Prophecies Respecting: To be Rebuilt by Cyrus

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Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning its rebuilding after periods of desolation. One of the most significant prophecies regarding the restoration of Jerusalem is the decree by Cyrus, the king of Persia, who played a pivotal role in the city's reconstruction following the Babylonian exile.

Prophetic Context

The prophecy concerning Cyrus and the rebuilding of Jerusalem is primarily found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah, writing long before the events transpired, foretold the rise of Cyrus and his divine commission to restore Jerusalem and the temple. This prophecy underscores the sovereignty of God in directing the affairs of nations and rulers to fulfill His purposes.

Isaiah's Prophecy

Isaiah 44:28 explicitly names Cyrus as the chosen instrument for the rebuilding of Jerusalem: "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 remarkable prophecy, given over a century before Cyrus's rise to power, highlights the precision of God's plan and His control over history.

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy is recorded in the book of Ezra. After the fall of Babylon to the Persians, Cyrus issued 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, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah.'"

Significance in Biblical History

The decree of Cyrus not only fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy but also marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. It initiated the return of the exiles and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple, which was completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest. This event is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His divine will.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the prophecy and its fulfillment demonstrate God's providence and His commitment to His covenant people. It serves as a reminder of God's promises and His power to bring them to fruition, regardless of the obstacles. The role of Cyrus as a "shepherd" chosen by God also illustrates the theme of divine election and the use of unexpected means to achieve God's purposes.

Conclusion

The prophecy of Jerusalem's rebuilding by Cyrus is a profound example of predictive prophecy in the Bible, showcasing the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human history. It reaffirms the belief in a God who is actively involved in the world, guiding the course of events to fulfill His redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 44:26-28
That confirms the word of his servant, and performes the counsel of his messengers; that said to Jerusalem, You shall be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, You shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... finds himself impelled to these or like conclusions respecting it, the ... Its horizon
answers to that of Jerusalem already threatened by ... [17] Of prophecies in the ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... Prophecies of this calamity were prevalent among the ... The allusion to the destruction
of Jerusalem and the ... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... restore to the sanctuaries, now rebuilt, all the ... a summary of all the prophecies
delivered by ... to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem!" The Scythians ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm