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Cyrus the Great, predicted before he was born

The bible correctly foresaw the rise of Cyrus, and predicted he would deliver the Jewish people, allowing them to rebuild their second temple

BIBLICAL

2/17/20262 min read

Biblical Prophecies written 150 Years before Cyrus was born

  • Isaiah 44:28 who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid.”’

  • Isaiah 45:1-4 "This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him... I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me... For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor..."

Historical Fulfillment

Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC without major destruction (the city gates were opened to him, aligning with prophecies about gates not being shut). In his first year, he issued the Edict of Cyrus, allowing Jewish exiles to return to Judah (modern day Israel) and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, restoring sacred vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

  • Ezra 1:1-4 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: 2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”

  • 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 — Similar account of the proclamation.

The Cyrus Cylinder (an ancient artifact pictured above) confirms his general policy of allowing deported peoples to return home and rebuild temples, supporting the biblical narrative with historical evidence.