Cyrus: King of Persia

(God’s Chosen Shepherd)

 

You are about to discover both the mystery and the majesty, in the predictive prophecies of jehovah, the God, who tells  us the future, like riding a newspaper hundreds of years ahead of time. He alone declares the future before it happens with perfect clarity, precise timing, and exacting detail. And in numerable cross referencing: Only God predicts the future with such divine, perfect, and undeniable accuracy.

See for yourself:

Although Cyrus, king of Persia, did not know Jehovah, the king of heaven, and the God of Israel, God specifically called, Cyrus, by name, 200 years before his birth, and specifically named him the Shepherd of his people. 

 

Jehovah, had already laid out the plans that Cyrus would fulfill for Him, even before he knew that God had called him.

 

Cyrus learned this after the fact. But even so, everything God called him to do he did. He conquered Babylon, an impregnable city, formally the most powerful nation on the Earth–in one night (see Daniel, chapter 5, the handwriting on the wall). Cyrus, set the people of Israel free, to return to their own land, and to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. And Cyrus even funded the building of the temple, and the rebuilding of the city from his own money.

 

We will begin to prove this first, from the biblical perspective, sharing of the scriptures, and second, from the historical perspective, detailing the secular, historical viewpoint of events that support the biblical events.

 

We will start by reading from, Daniel 5:1-31, highlighting, the handwriting on the wall in verse 25 below:

Daniel 5:22-31 (KJV)

 

22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; 23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: 24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

25 And this is the writing that was written,

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

 

26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. 29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. 31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

 

[Take note:  Darius the Mede, was a servant of Cyrus King of Persia, and acting under the authority of king Cyrus. Therefore in essence, he was doing the will of Cyrus, and fulfilling the word of God, as a servant to the king of Persia.]

Note: the testimony above is a fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah chapter 45 which you will read about below. Which is also a fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah 70 years prophecy. The People of Israel were required by God to let the land rest and have a sabbath every seventh year (Exodus chapter 23), but for 490 years, the Israelites did not obey God, in keeping the sabbath year of rest for the land. Therefore God decided to implement his requirement upon the land, keeping covenant with himself. Even though the people of Israel broke his covenant. He chose to keep covenant, so that the land would be restored to the covenant of God. As such, he deported his people out of the land, and they became prisoners of the kingdom of Babylon. But God raised up a deliver, not from Israel, but from the pagan nation of Persia, king Cyrus. And through Cyrus, God how old Israel and gave favor to the servants of God to return to Jerusalem, and rebuild the temple and reestablish the nation of Israel a second time. This was their second chance to get it right, to quit serving idols, and start serving the one true living God, the God of the covenant. Fulfilling The blood covenant of God.

 

Above outline, courtesy of  Meta.AI

 

 

Next, we need to jump into Isaiah 44, and Isaiah 45, and then we can jump to, Ezra one: one – 11, and second Chronicles, chapter 28, and Jeremiah chapter 52.

 

Background recommended reading:

As a follow up, I recommend reading: the book of Daniel. The book of Ezra, The book of Nehemiah (These are the three easiest straightforward books, mostly narrative, historical events.   Next, I recommend reading the end, let’s say the last five chapters scratch, that the last 10 chapters of the book of second Chronicles. To get a little more historical background. Then you’ll be more ready to jump to reading the book of Jeremiah, which is more challenging than, daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, less challenging than Isaiah and Ezekiel. But after reading, he knows you should continue on to read Zachariah and Haggai. To get a solid foundation to understand all of these books, it would be important and valuable to read the first five books of Moses, known in Hebrew as the Torah. Commonly called the instructions, or the law of God. Or the law of Moses. Then to get, the conceptual historic background, one should read JOSHUA and judges, and first and second kings, and first and second Chronicles. That will greatly improve that you’re understanding of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the rest of the profits. Beyond that the book of Daniel will greatly help you understand the Four Gospels, and the book of Revelation.

 

All of these books cross reference each other, and the many events, and prophecies, intertwine like a mysterious, yet majestic weaving of a royal cloth, with invisible knots and incredibly tight and marvelous craftsmanship.

The more you read, the Torah and the prophets, the more you understand the incredible intersections, that are like intimate chemical bonds which cannot be broken, that make up the word of God, and hold it together, both visibly and invisibly, preserving its wisdom, and integrity, and flawless wisdom, to the one who can see it from God’s perspective.

 

A computer generated image of the 63,779 cross references contained in the Bible.⁶

 

 

 

So let’s jump into this prophetic calling of Cyrus King of Persia, 200 years before he is born.

Isaiah chapters 44 and 45 contain prophecies about Cyrus, King of Persia, 200 years before his birth. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Isaiah 44:24-28

• Verse 24: God declares He is the one who formed Israel and will redeem them.

• Verse 25: God will thwart the signs of false prophets and make fools of diviners.

• Verse 26: God will confirm the word of His servant and fulfill the counsel of His messengers.

• Verse 27: God will say to the depths of the sea, ‘Dry up, and I will dry up your rivers.’

• Verse 28: God says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall fulfill all My purpose,’ saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’

Isaiah 45:1-13

• Verse 1: God calls Cyrus His anointed and describes Him as one whose right hand He has grasped.

• Verse 2: God will go before Cyrus, level mountains, break in pieces gates of bronze, and cut through bars of iron.

• Verse 3: God will give Cyrus treasures of darkness and hidden riches.

• Verse 4: God declares that Cyrus doesn’t know Him but will call Israel by name for Jacob’s sake.

• Verse 5: God declares there is no other God besides Him.

• Verse 6: God declares He is the one who does all these things.

Prophecies Fulfilled

These prophecies explicitly show how God chose Cyrus:

1. Naming Cyrus: Isaiah 45:1 names Cyrus 200 years before his birth.

2. Anointed for a Purpose: Isaiah 45:1 describes Cyrus as God’s anointed.

3. Conquest Strategy: Isaiah 45:2 describes the strategy Cyrus would use to conquer Babylon – leveling mountains (diverting the River Gyndes) and breaking gates of bronze and bars of iron.

4. Divine Support: Isaiah 45:2-3 emphasizes God’s support for Cyrus.

5. Unaware of God: Isaiah 45:4-5 notes Cyrus’s lack of knowledge about God.

Historical Fulfillment

These prophecies were fulfilled when Cyrus:

1. Conquered Babylon: In 539 BCE, using the strategy described.

2. Issued the Decree: Allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-11).

3. Recognized God’s Sovereignty: Cyrus acknowledged God’s hand in his conquests (The Cyrus Cylinder).

Significance

These prophecies demonstrate:

1. God’s Sovereignty: God’s control over history and nations.

2. Prophetic Accuracy: The precise fulfillment of prophecy 200 years in advance.

3. Divine Plan: God’s plan to redeem Israel and restore Jerusalem.

Can you create a full study on the life of Cyrus king of Persia from the scriptures and from history for me?

Here’s a comprehensive study on the life of Cyrus, King of Persia, based on scriptures and historical records:

Introduction

Cyrus II, commonly known as Cyrus the Great, was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and king of Persia from 559 to 530 BCE. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the ancient Near East.

Scriptural Accounts

Cyrus is mentioned in several books of the Bible:

• Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-13: Isaiah prophesies that Cyrus will be the one to free the Israelites from Babylonian captivity and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

• Ezra 1:1-11; 5:13-6:5: Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.

• 2 Chronicles 36:22-23: Cyrus’s decree is repeated.

Historical Accounts

Historical records confirm the biblical accounts and provide additional information:

• The Cyrus Cylinder: Discovered in 1879, this clay cylinder contains Cyrus’s declaration allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.

• Herodotus’s Histories: The Greek historian provides details about Cyrus’s life, conquests, and policies.

• Xenophon’s Cyropaedia: A Greek historian and philosopher, Xenophon wrote a semi-fictional biography of Cyrus.

Life and Reign

Cyrus was born around 600 BCE to Cambyses I, king of Anshan, and Mandana, daughter of Astyages, king of Media. He succeeded his father as king of Anshan in 559 BCE.

Conquests

Cyrus expanded his empire through military campaigns:

• Conquest of Lydia (547 BCE): Cyrus defeated Croesus, king of Lydia.

• Conquest of Babylon (539 BCE): Cyrus defeated Nabonidus, king of Babylon.

Policies

Cyrus implemented policies that allowed for regional autonomy and religious tolerance:

• Cyrus’s Declaration: Allowed conquered peoples to maintain their cultural and religious practices.

• Satrapies: Cyrus divided his empire into provinces governed by satraps.

Death and Succession

Cyrus died in 530 BCE, possibly in battle or due to illness. His son Cambyses II succeeded him.

Legacy

Cyrus’s legacy extends beyond his military conquests:

• Tolerant Empire: Cyrus’s policies allowed for cultural and religious diversity.

• Rebuilding of Jerusalem: Cyrus’s decree enabled the rebuilding of the Temple.

• Influence on Western Civilization: Cyrus’s ideas about human rights and tolerance have influenced Western thoght.

Conclusion

Cyrus, King of Persia, was a significant figure in history and scripture. His policies of tolerance and autonomy allowed for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the return of the Jews. His legacy continues to influence modern thought.

Would you like more information or specific details on Cyrus’s life or reign?

yes

Here’s a more detailed study on Cyrus, King of Persia:

Early Life and Family

• Birth: Cyrus was born around 600 BCE in Anshan, Persia (modern-day Iran).

• Father: Cambyses I, king of Anshan.

• Mother: Mandana, daughter of Astyages, king of Media.

• Grandfather: Astyages, king of Media, who had conquered the Persians.

• Marriage: Cyrus married Cassandane, a Persian princess.

Rise to Power

• Succession: Cyrus succeeded his father as king of Anshan in 559 BCE.

• Revolt against Astyages: Cyrus led a successful revolt against his grandfather, Astyages, with the help of the Persian nobles.

• Conquest of Media: Cyrus conquered Media in 550 BCE, incorporating its territories into his empire.

Military Campaigns

• Conquest of Lydia (547 BCE):

• • Cyrus defeated Croesus, king of Lydia.

• • Lydia’s wealth and resources significantly strengthened Cyrus’s empire.

• Conquest of Babylon (539 BCE):

• • Cyrus defeated Nabonidus, king of Babylon.

• • Cyrus’s victory marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Policies and Reforms

• Cyrus’s Declaration: Allowed conquered peoples to maintain their cultural and religious practices.

• Satrapies: Cyrus divided his empire into provinces governed by satraps (governors).

• Tolerance: Cyrus promoted religious tolerance, allowing people to worship their own gods.

• Infrastructure: Cyrus invested in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and canals.

Relationship with the Jews

• Capture of Babylon: Cyrus freed the Jews from Babylonian captivity.

• Decree to Rebuild the Temple: Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-11).

• Financial Support: Cyrus provided financial support for the rebuilding of the Temple.

Death and Succession

• Death: Cyrus died in 530 BCE, possibly in battle or due to illness.

• Successor: His son Cambyses II succeeded him.

• Burial: Cyrus was buried in Pasargadae, his capital city.

Legacy

• Achaemenid Empire: Cyrus founded the Achaemenid Empire, which lasted for over two centuries.

• Human Rights: Cyrus’s ideas about human rights and tolerance have influenced Western thought.

• Cultural Exchange: Cyrus’s empire facilitated cultural exchange between East and West.

Archaeological Evidence

• The Cyrus Cylinder: Discovered in 1879, this clay cylinder contains Cyrus’s declaration.

• Pasargadae: Excavations at Pasargadae have uncovered Cyrus’s tomb and other archaeological remains.

Historical Sources

• Herodotus’s Histories: Provides details about Cyrus’s life and conquests.

• Xenophon’s Cyropaedia: A semi-fictional biography of Cyrus.

• The Behistun Inscription: A trilingual inscription that confirms Cyrus’s reign.

Would you like more information on:

1. Cyrus’s military tactics

2. The impact of Cyrus’s policies on the ancient world

3. The archaeological significance of Pasargadae

4. Cyrus’s legacy in modern times

Please let me know!

Can you tell me in detail how Cyrus king of Persia conquered, Babylon, on the night the handwriting from god was written on the wall?

The conquest of Babylon by Cyrus, King of Persia, is a pivotal event in history and scripture. Here’s a detailed account of the events surrounding the fall of Babylon:

Background

In 539 BCE, Babylon was the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ruled by King Nabonidus and his son Belshazzar. The Babylonians had conquered Judah and destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE.

Cyrus’s Military Campaign

Cyrus, King of Persia, had been expanding his empire and had already conquered Lydia and Media. He set his sights on Babylon, which was heavily fortified and considered impregnable.

The River Gyndes (Modern-Day Diyala River)

Cyrus’s army encountered the River Gyndes, which flowed through Babylon. To facilitate his conquest, Cyrus diverted the river by digging a canal upstream, reducing the water level and allowing his troops to march under the city walls.

The Night of the Handwriting on the Wall

On the night of October 12, 539 BCE, Belshazzar held a grand feast in the palace, using the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem. During the feast:

1. A mysterious hand appeared, writing on the wall in an unknown script (Daniel 5:1-31).

2. Daniel interpreted the handwriting, foretelling the fall of Babylon and the division of the kingdom among the Medes and Persians.

3. Belshazzar was killed, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom.

Cyrus’s Conquest

While the Babylonians were distracted by the feast and the mysterious handwriting:

1. Cyrus’s troops entered the city, using the lowered riverbed to march under the walls.

2. The city was taken without significant resistance, as the Babylonians were unaware of the approaching army.

The Fall of Babylon

Cyrus’s conquest marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The city of Babylon became the capital of the Achaemenid Empire.

Historical Records

• The Cyrus Cylinder: Confirms Cyrus’s conquest of Babylon and his declaration allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

• The Behistun Inscription: A trilingual inscription that confirms Cyrus’s reign and conquests.

• Herodotus’s Histories: Provides details about Cyrus’s military campaigns.

Scriptural Accounts

• Daniel 5: Describes the night of the handwriting on the wall and Belshazzar’s death.

• Daniel 6: Tells the story of Daniel’s rise to prominence in the Persian court.

Archaeological Evidence

• Excavations in Babylon: Have uncovered evidence of the city’s conquest, including the famous Ishtar Gate.

The Significance of the Handwriting on the Wall

The handwriting on the wall marked the end of the Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Persian Empire. It also symbolized God’s judgment on Babylon and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Would you like more information on:

1. The historical context of Cyrus’s conquest

2. The significance of the handwriting on the wall in biblical prophecy

3. The archaeological evidence supporting the conquest

4. The impact of Cyrus’s conquest on the ancient world

Please let me know!