WHAT IS THE EDICT OF CYRUS?
Xenophon, an ancient Greek historian, described the character of Cyrus the Great as the ideal Ruler and the best form of Government ever in the history. Why did he say so? Because of the ‘Edict of Cyrus’. What is Edict of Cyrus?
Background
Cyrus was preceded as king by his father Cambyses I, and built his empire as one great country by conquering the Median, then the Lydian and eventually the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
After that, In 538 AD, miraculous event has occurred to the Israelites who have been captured in Babylon, which is called “Edict of Cyrus”
Its details are as follows;
2 Chronicles 36:22-23
22 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: 23 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”
Cyrus made a decree giving the Jewish exiles so that they would be able to return to their home country to build Jerusalem temple. Then, Why did Cyrus proclaim the decree of this liberation?
THE EDICT OF CYRUS IS THE PROPHECY REGARDING LIBERATION OF THE ISRAELITES.
Cyrus the Great set the Israelites free from captivity in Babylon by edict of Cyrus and Helped them to rebuild their temple by allowing building expenses to be paid from the royal treasury such as silver and gold.
What was the reason he issued an edict of this restoration of the Israelites and helped them wholeheartedly? What moved his heart?
Isaiah 45:1-3
“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: 2 I will go before you and will level the mountains. I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 3 I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Cyrus, who subdue Babylon, was astonished by finding this book (Isaiah) while He were strolling through royal palace of Babylon. In the book of Isaiah which was written one hundred seventy years before the born of Cyrus, it prophesied that He will set Israel free. Even before his birth, his name and the things that he would do in the future were recorded in the Bible. How amazed Cyrus was when he read all there things! He considered himself to be the one who conquered Babylon with his own strength and capability. However after looking at the prophecies of the Bible, he realized that God had enabled him to win a victory, not by his own power. This was the reason which moved his heart.
THE FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHECY.
Cyrus truly owe God after He realizes this prophecy.
He comes to understand His entrusted mission is to rebuild Jerusalem Temple by setting the Israelites free.
Ezra 1:1-5
1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: 2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. …
He also ordered the people to provide them with silver and gold and with valuable gift to be able to build the Temple of God. In addition, He brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Load which had been taken away by Babylon. Eventually, the Israelite returned to Jerusalem safely and begun to rebuild temple of God.
THE PROPHECY OF GOD WILL SURELY BE FULFILLED WITHOUT ANY FAIL.
Via the edict of Cyrus we have studied so far, We truly came to realize it is God who is taking lead the history of the world. Then, all through this past history written in the Bible, what should we learn?
Everything written in the past was written to teach us (Rom 15:4)
This history written in the Bible also has something valuable lesson we can learn from.
The prophecy has been fulfilled by physical king Cyrus firstly in the old testament, but this is to be fulfilled completely by second coming Christ in the new testament.
Revelation 17:5
5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.
Revelation 18:2-4
2 With a mighty voice he shouted:“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal. 3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.” Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
The Bible teaches us that God’s people is being captivated by spiritual Babylon.
Just as King Cyrus set Israel free from captivity in Babylon by edict of Cyrus, so prophetic Cyrus is to release God’s people from the captivity in Spiritual Babylon by New Covenant.
We truly hope you study more deeply this prophecy so you will recognize 2nd coming Christ who has come.
Cathy
The prophetic Cyrus saves the God’s people and leads the kingdom of heaven.
Clementine
All the prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled in reference to the historical records. This articles helps me to understand the prophecy about King Cyrus and the Second Coming Christ more clearly and deeply. Thanks a lot.
sarang
The prophecies in the Bible was achieved. We have to recognize our savior only through the Bible. It is recorded our savior that there are God the Father and God the Mother.
Rin
The prophecies of the Bible are so amazing. Because it is fulfilled by God’s plans like the prophecies of the King Cyrus.
noeleden
God’s prophecy clear and exact so we can’t deny the prophecy and need to study it.
Mingchi
Whenever I read the Bible, I feel that God’s prophecies have fulfilled, even today when we are living. That’s awesome!
Dennis
The edict of King Cyrus which is written in the Bible is not just a history but the prophecy of spiritual Israelite. It is very important to find who the spiritual King Cyrus is.
Julia
I know Cyrus the great. It’s amazing that he was already prophesied in the bible before his birth.
I didn’t know he is written there and there is another Babylon. The bible is interesting
bren
The more we know prophecies in the Bible, the more we can have firm faith.
canes
I thank to Christ Ahnsahnghong, who freed us from the captivity of spiritual Babylon through the truth of the new covenant.
nathan
All prophecies and truths in the Bible are amazing !
carey
The Bible testifies our savior through so many prophecies so we must recognize spiritual parents, God the Father and God the Mother.
Thanks to Elohim God.♥
szaz
Christ Ahnsahnghong is the Spiritual king Cyrus who set us free from slavery of sin and death. No doubt at all.
Nicky
How amazing the work of the redemption of God is! God has organized the history of the world to lead us to heaven. So, do not ignore the prophecy in the bible and take a look deeply. The prophetic Cyrus represents God.
margo
There were no kings who liberated their slaves not a man but people. It is unbelievable. But history. The bible is also unbelievable. But truth.
erica
The prophecy of the Bible is truly amazing.
All the past prophecies are 100% fulfilled, and I truly realized that God exists.
I also want to know about spiritual Cyrus.
Claudia
Through the grace of God, I truly believe that the prophcey of God will surely be fulfilled without any fail.
Rosy
I can feel God led the history of the world and assure that God truly exists.
Stella
Christ Ahnsahnghong already has come to free us from spiritual Babylon.
Through His teachings and love we opened our spiritual eyes and distinguished truth from falsehood.
Thanks to Christ Ahnsahnghong, who is the spiritual Cyrus.
carey
The more I read the Bible, the more perfect I can realize the prophecy. All prophecy in the Bible is just for us.
szaz
Almighty God controlled the world history in order to reveal the truth of salvation to us through the fulfillment of prophecy of the Bible. Thanks n glory to God Elohim
Vami
We must believe the Bible. God gives blessings promised in it to those who obey the words of Him written in it and punishes those who don’t follow the words written in it. Our lives change by the Bible.
Eden
The more I get to know about the prophecy of Cyrus, the more I’m moved by the amazing work of God and Their effort for our salvation.
Jane
It ia amazing!! What a power Cycus the great has. Even though he had power great, he didn’t disobey the words of God. How it could be possible. It is so interesting.
Nicky
I give eternal thanks to Christ Ahnsahnghong who has come to this earth as prophetic Cyrus to release God’s people from the captivity in Spiritual Babylon by New Covenant!
Schante
We all have to listen to what the Bible says! All things from the Bible is for our salvation. And, when we do so, we can receive Christ Ahnsahnghong as the Savior in this age!
Grace lee
That’s right! I agree with you.
Thanks to Elohim God who revealed us all prophercies of the Bible.
Christ Ahnsahnhong who fulfilled the prophercy of the King Cyrus is spiritual King Cyrus, savior in this age.
Joice
Wow ~ I am amazed at the accurate prophecy of the Bible.
Mel B
Christ Ahnsahnghong appeared according to the prophecy of the Bible reestablished the New Covenant so that those who keep it can be free from the slavery of death.
He is the spiritual King Cyrus who stands for the second coming Christ
Alponso
The reason we have to receive Christ Ahnsahnghong as the Savior? Above all, the Passover of the new covenant, the only way to eternal salvation, was restored even by Christ Ahnsahnghong!
Min
The prophecies in the Bible are clear. We must pay attention to words of Elohim God.
They have already come here to give salvation, that is the new covenant Passover.
Tayler
It’s interesting that there is spiritual babylon in Revelation. Babylon and Cyrus… Then who is spiritual Cyrus? Is he 2nd coming Jesus?
rob
Christ Ahnsahnghong is our savior who came to this earth as spiritual King Cyrus.
Remington
Christ Ahnsahnghong has come to release these sinners from the captivity in Spiritual Babylon as prophetic Cyrus and gave us the forgiveness of sin by New Covenant putting the glory of heaven behind.
Thanks you forever for His great sacrifice and eternal love for us!
Vivianne
It is so amazing how God leads the whole history of the world. Through the history and prophecy of Cyrus we can understand the existence of God, and the true savior of this age!
john
The Bible’s prophecies may seems nothing, but it means very significant.
Dina
The Israelite’s history has a prophetic meaning to let us know this age.
We need to find the reality of King Cyrus who will set us free from Spiritual Babylon.
sphe
The history of the earth is in the hands of God.
We know God’s plan already through the Bible and we will know it in the future.
God’s salvation to us is one of the prophecies.
So the foundation of our faith is to believe it
ikeee
The Bible is the only book about Christ and the Word of God.
It is a book to be obeyed and to be most trusted as a believer in God.
How can we doubt the Bible’s proof of Christ?