Cyrus the Great Anointed Instrument of God
Cyrus the Great in the context of biblical history and theology. His unique role as both a Messiah-like figure and a savior within the Jewish tradition offers valuable insights into the broader themes of God’s work through history
Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is a towering figure in both ancient history and biblical tradition. His reign marked a significant turning point not only in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East but also in the spiritual history of the Jewish people. This article explores Cyrus’s role as described in the Bible, particularly in the book of Isaiah, and examines how he fits into the broader themes of Messiah and Savior that we have been discussing.
1. Historical Background
Who Was Cyrus the Great?
Cyrus II, commonly known as Cyrus the Great, was born around 600 BC and reigned from 559 BC until his death in 530 BC. He established the Persian Empire, which became the largest empire the world had seen up to that time, stretching from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west.
Conquests and Expansion
- Rise to Power: Cyrus began his rise by overthrowing the Median Empire, his overlords, around 550 BC. He then went on to conquer the Lydian Empire in 547 BC and the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC. His military campaigns were marked by strategic brilliance and a relatively humane approach to governance, which earned him a reputation as a just ruler.
- Administration: Unlike many conquerors of his time, Cyrus respected the customs and religions of the lands he conquered. He is perhaps best known for his policy of repatriation, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
2. Cyrus in the Bible
The Anointed One
Cyrus’s most significant appearance in the Bible is in the book of Isaiah, where he is referred to as God’s “anointed” (Messiah), a title usually reserved for Israelite kings and priests. This designation is remarkable because it is the only time in the Hebrew Bible that a non-Israelite is given this title.
2.1. Isaiah’s Prophecy
- Isaiah 44:28 – 45:1: The prophet Isaiah speaks of Cyrus as God’s chosen instrument, who will fulfill God’s purposes by allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. In Isaiah 45:1, God says, “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.”
- God’s Instrument: The language used in Isaiah portrays Cyrus as a divine instrument, chosen to accomplish God’s will. Despite being a pagan king, Cyrus is depicted as fulfilling a crucial role in the unfolding of God’s plan for His people.
2.2. The Decree of Cyrus
- Ezra 1:1-4: The book of Ezra opens with the proclamation of Cyrus, in which he decrees that the Jews may return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This decree not only allowed the exiles to return but also provided them with resources to rebuild their sacred site.
- A New Exodus: Cyrus’s decree is often seen as a new Exodus, echoing the original liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. Just as Moses led the people out of slavery, Cyrus facilitates their return from exile, underscoring his role as a savior-like figure in Jewish history.
3. Theological Implications
Cyrus as a Type of Messiah
The use of the term “Messiah” for Cyrus in Isaiah has profound theological implications. It challenges the conventional boundaries of who can be considered God’s anointed and expands the understanding of how God works through history.
3.1. A Pagan Messiah?
- God’s Sovereignty: By calling Cyrus His “anointed,” God demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations and rulers. It shows that God can use anyone, even a foreign king, to fulfill His purposes. This broadens the scope of messianic expectation beyond the boundaries of Israel.
- A Foreshadowing: In a way, Cyrus’s role as a deliverer foreshadows the broader messianic expectation that would later be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as Cyrus liberated the Jews physically, the Messiah would ultimately liberate humanity spiritually.
3.2. Salvation and Redemption
- Physical and Spiritual Salvation: Cyrus’s actions brought about a physical salvation for the Jewish people, allowing them to return to their homeland. This act of deliverance is seen as a precursor to the spiritual salvation that the Messiah would bring. While Cyrus saved the Jews from exile, the Messiah would save humanity from sin.
- God’s Universal Plan: The inclusion of Cyrus in the biblical narrative highlights the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan. It suggests that God’s plan for salvation is not limited to one nation but extends to all people and all nations.
4. Cyrus in Jewish and Christian Tradition
Cyrus’s legacy as a liberator and a divinely appointed ruler has left a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian thought.
4.1. Jewish Tradition
- A Hero of the Faith: In Jewish tradition, Cyrus is often remembered as a hero who played a crucial role in the survival and restoration of the Jewish people. His decree is celebrated as a pivotal moment in Jewish history.
- The Temple’s Rebuilder: Cyrus’s role in allowing the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem is particularly significant, as the Temple was the center of Jewish religious life. This act of restoration made Cyrus a revered figure in Jewish memory.
4.2. Christian Interpretation
- Typology: In Christian theology, Cyrus is often seen as a type of Christ. Just as Cyrus was anointed to bring physical deliverance to the Jews, Christ is the ultimate anointed one who brings spiritual deliverance to all people.
- God’s Providential Plan: The story of Cyrus is used to illustrate how God’s providence works through history, often in unexpected ways. Cyrus’s role in biblical history is seen as part of the divine plan that culminates in the coming of Christ, the Messiah.
5. Conclusion: Cyrus as a Bridge Between Roles of Messiah and Savior
Cyrus the Great stands as a unique figure in biblical history, bridging the roles of Messiah and Savior in ways that challenge and expand traditional understandings of these terms. As a pagan king who was nonetheless chosen and anointed by God to fulfill a specific purpose, Cyrus exemplifies the idea that God’s plans are not confined to human expectations or limitations.
His role in facilitating the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple is seen as both a literal and symbolic act of salvation. In doing so, Cyrus prefigures the ultimate role of the Messiah, who would bring about not just physical deliverance, but spiritual redemption for all humanity.
Cyrus’s story invites us to see the broader scope of God’s work in history, recognizing that salvation can come through unexpected means and that God’s anointed can be found in surprising places. In the convergence of the roles of Messiah and Savior, Cyrus the Great stands as a pivotal figure, illustrating the depth and breadth of God’s redemptive plan for the world.
