THE ROLE OF CYRUS THE GREAT IN ISRAEL'S
DEVELOPING UNDERSTANDING OF GOD
A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE COURSE OTSB661, ISAIAH
LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2013
I. Abstract 3
II. Introduction 3
III. Oracle Concerning Cyrus 4
IV. The Role of Cyrus in Isaiah 4
V. Who Was Cyrus the Great? 5
VI. Cyrus' Relationship with Israel 6
VII. The Conditions in Israel 7
VIII. The Guiding Mindset of Isaiah 8
IX. The Monotheistic Beliefs of the Jewish Nation 10
X. The Reasons God Favors Cyrus 11
XI. Conclusion 13
XII. Bibliography 15
God's divine revelation is seen here through the life and times of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia. The pivotal role of Cyrus in Isaiah illustrates how the actions of Cyrus correlated with Israel's developing understanding of their relationship to God.
Isaiah viewed Cyrus, both a military and political victor, as the Lord's instrument in the release and return of captive Israel to Jerusalem and Judah. Here God is seen as the Lord guiding the political actions of the day.
Isaiah, the prophet of the exile, saw God as the Lord of history guiding the actions of the day. In addition, Isaiah viewed Cyrus the king of Persia, both military and political leader and victor, as the Lord's instrument in the returning of captive Israel to Jerusalem and Judah. Accordingly, this essay will argue the pivotal role of Isaiah, and demonstrating how his actions indeed correlate with Israel's developing understanding of their relationship to God.
The relevant material to be addressed regarding Cyrus' role in Israel's relationship to God is plentiful. They include the historical setting for Cyrus' role within Isaiah, God's participation in the events, Israel's reaction to the...