Discover how God used a pagan king to fulfill His promises to Israel after 70 years of Babylonian captivity, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and the precision of biblical prophecy.
Cyrus King of Persia: God's Instrument of Restoration
The first chapter of Ezra opens with one of the most remarkable prophecies fulfilled in all of Scripture. After 70 years of Babylonian captivity, God stirred the heart of a pagan king to accomplish His divine purposes for His people.
The Prophetic Fulfillment
"Now 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..." (Ezra 1:1)
What we witness in these opening verses is nothing short of miraculous. The prophet Isaiah, writing approximately 176 years before these events transpired, not only predicted Israel's return from captivity but named the very king who would make it possible - Cyrus of Persia.
Isaiah's Remarkable Prophecy
In Isaiah 44:28, God declares: "That saith of Cyrus, 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."
Consider the astounding nature of this prophecy:
The Fall of Babylon
The prophecies concerning Cyrus's conquest of Babylon were fulfilled in remarkable detail:
The Drying of the Euphrates
Isaiah 44:27 prophesied: "That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers."
Historical records confirm that Cyrus diverted the Euphrates River, lowering its waters to mid-calf level, allowing his armies to march through the riverbed and enter the seemingly impregnable city of Babylon.
The Gates Left Open
Isaiah 45:1 declared that God would "open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut."
During a drunken celebration (recorded in Daniel 5), the massive gates protecting the city from river invasion were left open, allowing Cyrus's forces to take the city virtually without resistance.
God's Sovereign Hand
The decree of Cyrus demonstrates several profound truths:
1. **God's Authority Over Nations**: The LORD "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" - showing that even pagan rulers serve God's purposes
2. **Prophecy's Precision**: The detailed fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies validates Scripture's divine origin
3. **Divine Timing**: After exactly 70 years, as Jeremiah prophesied, God's people would return
The Cyrus Decree
Cyrus's proclamation (Ezra 1:2-4) reflects both his political wisdom and God's sovereignty:
"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."
This decree not only permitted the Jews to return but:
Lessons for Today
The story of Cyrus reminds us that:
As we face uncertainties in our own time, we can take comfort knowing that the same God who stirred the heart of Cyrus to restore His people continues to work all things according to His will for those who love Him.
*This study is part of our series on the Book of Ezra, exploring God's faithfulness in restoring His people and His Word.*