Cyrus Forenamed in Prophecy

“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.AGP 151.3

“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.” Isaiah 45:13.AGP 151.4

In a direct address to “His anointed, to Cyrus,” the Lord ascribes the success of his campaigns to the divine purpose and guidance:AGP 151.5

“For Jacob My servant’s sake, and Israel Mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though Thou hast not known Me.” Verses 4, 5.

Truly here is a remarkable portrayal. Writing even long before the captivity itself, the prophet was given a message concerning the restoration, calling the Persian ruler by name, and assigning to him his work. Then, two centuries later, the Lord uses another prophet, bringing him by a series of providences to the side of the king named and addressed, that he may make known to him the expressed will of God.AGP 151.6

No less remarkable is the fact that this proud heathen king should, at the zenith of his power, bow in humble acknowledgment before the God of a despised and captive race.AGP 151.7

Two years after the capture of Babylon the new ruler, Darius the Mede, died, and Cyrus, the great Persian general and king, succeeded him. One of his first recorded acts is as follows:AGP 151.8

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

“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 1:1-3.