Topical Encyclopedia Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly noted for his role in the liberation of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. His actions are often highlighted as an example of liberality, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and benevolence that aligns with divine purposes.Cyrus in Biblical Context Cyrus is mentioned in several books of the Bible, most notably in the books of Isaiah, Ezra, and 2 Chronicles. His liberality is first prophesied in the book of Isaiah, where he is referred to as the Lord's "anointed" (Isaiah 45:1). This designation is remarkable, as it is one of the few instances where a non-Israelite is described in such terms, indicating God's sovereign choice to use Cyrus for His purposes. Isaiah 45:1-3 states: "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him so that the gates will not be shut: 'I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hidden riches of secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.'" The Decree of Cyrus Cyrus's liberality is most clearly demonstrated in his decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree is recorded in Ezra 1:1-4 : "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let every survivor, wherever he resides, be assisted by the men of his region with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.'" This decree not only allowed the Jews to return to their homeland but also encouraged the people of the empire to support them materially. Cyrus's actions reflect a profound respect for the God of Israel and a willingness to facilitate the fulfillment of His promises. Cyrus's Impact and Legacy Cyrus's liberality had a lasting impact on the Jewish people and their history. By enabling the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple, he played a crucial role in the restoration of Jewish worship and community life. His actions are seen as a fulfillment of God's promises and a testament to the divine orchestration of history. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 echoes the account in Ezra, emphasizing the divine influence behind Cyrus's decree: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.'" Cyrus's liberality is thus seen as a divinely inspired act that underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people. His example serves as a reminder of the potential for leaders to be instruments of God's purposes, regardless of their own religious affiliations. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 1:2-4,7-11Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 3:7 Ezra 5:13-15 Ezra 6:3 Library Building in Troublous Times Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. The Story of Panthea. Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. the life of constantine The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia Index of Subjects. The Life of Sir Thomas Browne. General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. General Index. Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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