Learn more about Cyrus

Introduction to Cyrus

Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a key historical and prophetic figure in the Bible. His name is deeply linked with the restoration of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. Unlike many foreign rulers in Scripture, Cyrus is portrayed positively and even called God’s “anointed” — a unique title generally reserved for Israelite kings and priests. His involvement in biblical history illustrates how God can use even Gentile rulers to fulfill divine purposes.

Cyrus Pronunciation

“Cyrus” is pronounced as SY-rus, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Cyrus in the Bible

Cyrus is primarily mentioned in the context of Israel’s return from Babylonian exile. His decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem is a central event in post-exilic Jewish history.

• 2 Chronicles 36:22–23: This passage records Cyrus’s decree as the final verses of the Hebrew Bible in the Jewish ordering. It emphasizes that God moved the heart of Cyrus to make the proclamation.
• Ezra 1:1–4: Echoes the Chronicles account, quoting Cyrus’s official proclamation that allows the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Cyrus acknowledges the God of heaven as the one who has given him all kingdoms and charged him with this task.
• Isaiah 44:28–45:1: In a stunning prophecy written well before Cyrus’s birth, Isaiah names him directly as the one who will rebuild Jerusalem and lay the foundation of the Temple. God refers to Cyrus as “My shepherd” and “My anointed,” showcasing divine selection and mission.
• Daniel 1:21; 6:28; 10:1: Cyrus is mentioned in the context of Daniel’s service in the Persian court. Daniel’s life spanned the Babylonian and early Persian empires.

Cyrus in Biblical History and Context

Historically, Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 BCE and instituted policies of religious tolerance, allowing captives of many nations — including the Jews — to return to their homelands. His rule marked the beginning of the Persian period in biblical history. The Bible’s positive portrayal of Cyrus aligns with historical records from the Cyrus Cylinder, which documents his decree for repatriation of exiles and restoration of temples. This policy was unprecedented and reflected both political wisdom and respect for local religious traditions.

His actions marked the end of the Babylonian exile for the Jews and the beginning of the Second Temple period. He is one of the few non-Israelite rulers described in favorable terms by the biblical writers, especially in the prophetic literature of Isaiah.

Related Themes and Meanings to Cyrus

• God's Sovereignty Over Nations: Cyrus’s role shows that God is in control even over foreign kings and uses them for His purposes.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Isaiah’s prophecy, naming Cyrus about 150 years before his birth, stands as a remarkable testament to divine foresight and planning.
• Restoration and Return: Cyrus is a central figure in the theme of return from exile, a major motif in both historical and prophetic books.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Cyrus

• Cyrus is the only non-Israelite in the Bible who is called “the Lord’s anointed” (Isaiah 45:1).
• The Cyrus Cylinder, an archaeological artifact, supports the biblical account of his decree and is often considered the first declaration of human rights.
• Though not a worshiper of Yahweh in the biblical sense, Cyrus is depicted as someone who respected the God of Israel and acknowledged divine sovereignty.
• Cyrus’s policy of repatriation influenced not only Jewish history but also set a precedent for future Persian rulers, like Darius and Artaxerxes, in continuing support for Jewish restoration.
• Josephus, the Jewish historian, claims that Cyrus was shown the Isaiah prophecy naming him, which inspired him to carry out the Temple’s rebuilding — though this is not stated in the Bible itself.

Legacy of Cyrus

Cyrus’s influence extends beyond biblical history into the realms of political theory, religious freedom, and human rights. He is remembered not only as a conqueror but also as a liberator. In the biblical narrative, he stands as a powerful example of how God uses individuals from every nation to accomplish His redemptive plan. For the Jewish people, Cyrus is a symbol of hope, restoration, and divine intervention through unexpected sources.