Cyrus (the Great)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew כּוֹרֶשׁ (Kōreš), likely “sun” or “throne,” a royal name used for the Persian ruler
• Period/Era: Post-Exilic
• Main References: Isaiah 44:28–45:13; Ezra 1:1–4; 6:1–5; Daniel 6:28
• Key Connections: Judahite exiles; the Jerusalem temple restoration; prophetic proclamation in Isaiah

Who was Cyrus (the Great)?

Cyrus was the king of Persia who succeeded Babylon as the dominant imperial power.
In Scripture he is presented as a foreign ruler through whom the LORD directed political change.
His reign is linked to the end of Judah’s exile and the authorization for return and rebuilding in Jerusalem.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Issued a decree permitting Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1–4).
• Event 2: Was named in Isaiah as the LORD’s “shepherd” and “anointed,” appointed to restore Jerusalem and the temple (Isa. 44:28–45:1).
• Event 3: His decree was later confirmed from Persian records, supporting continued temple work under subsequent Persian administration (Ezra 6:1–5).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Cyrus’s role highlights the biblical theme that Israel’s God can direct foreign kings to advance his declared purposes for his people.

Key Verse

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed:” — Isaiah 45:1, ESV