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Persian Empire, end of the exile · Cyrus’s 1st year, c. 538 BC

Cyrus in the Bible

The Persian king God calls “my shepherd” and “his anointed”. Name meaning: Meaning not given in the Bible; yet the LORD declares, “I have called thee by thy name” (Isa 45:4)

King of Persia, Cyrus is named by the LORD in Isaiah’s prophecy: “He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure” (Isa 44:28). In the first year of his reign, God stirs up his spirit: he proclaims that the LORD, the God of heaven, has charged him to build a house in Jerusalem, and he authorizes the exiles to return there with the temple vessels (Ezra 1:1-8).

Main books: Isaiah, 2 Chronicles, Ezra

Key moments

  • God says of him, “He is my shepherd” Isaiah 44:28
  • God calls him “his anointed” and takes hold of his right hand Isaiah 45:1
  • God raised him up to set his captives free, without payment Isaiah 45:13
  • The LORD stirs up his spirit in the first year of his reign Ezra 1:1
  • He proclaims the order to build a house in Jerusalem Ezra 1:2–3
  • He has the temple vessels returned Ezra 1:7–8
  • His decree is found at Ecbatana under Darius Ezra 6:2–3

Strengths

  • Liberator
  • Generosity
  • Power
  • Acknowledging the God of heaven

Weaknesses

The Bible faults him for nothing; it presents him as an instrument of God, girded by the LORD “though thou hast not known me” (Isa 45:5). His decree nevertheless meets opposition: the work is hindered throughout his lifetime (Ezra 4:4-5).

Lessons for today

  • God holds the kings of the world in his hand: he “stirs up the spirit” of a pagan king to fulfill his word (Ezra 1:1).
  • Announced by Isaiah and by Jeremiah, the return from exile is fulfilled in Cyrus’s first year: what God promises, he accomplishes (Isa 44:28; Ezra 1:1).
  • God works beyond the boundaries of his people: Cyrus did not yet know him, and yet the LORD called him by name (Isa 45:4-5).
  • A work God intends can be hindered without ceasing to be true: Cyrus’s decree is given, the work is obstructed (Ezra 4:4-5), then finished (Ezra 6:14-15).
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Isaiah 44:28
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 45:13
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
Ezra 1:2–3

People around Cyrus

  • Isaiah — The prophet who announces his name and his mission
  • Jeremiah — The prophet whose word is fulfilled through him (Ezra 1:1)
  • Nebuchadnezzar — King of Babylon whose plundered vessels he returns
  • Sheshbazzar — Prince of Judah to whom he has the vessels handed over
  • Zerubbabel — Leader of the exiles who relies on his decree
  • Darius — King of Persia under whom his decree is found

Quiz: how well do you know Cyrus?

What does the LORD say of Cyrus: “He is my …”?

What did Cyrus say he was charged to build in Jerusalem?

What did Cyrus do with the vessels of the house of the LORD that Nebuchadnezzar had carried off?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.