Persian Empire's King Cyrus: An Analysis

Much of human history has been defined by formidable empires and their cycles of triumphant victory and devastating ruin. These empires are characterized by an unequal distribution of power in which one individual or small group rules over a significantly larger population that has typically come under their control involuntarily. Historical documents written during imperial rule are fascinating because they present varying and often conflicting perspectives that prompt contemporary readers to reflect upon the motives of ancient authors. This can be seen in Isaiah 45 of the Hebrew Bible, which describes Yahweh’s role in aiding the Persian Empire’s King Cyrus. This deliberate attribution of Persian victory to the Israelite God can be understood as a theological response to the Israelite’s concerns at that tumultuous time; the text’s monotheistic focus on Yahweh’s omnipotence shows that, although the Israelites are under Persian rule, they must stay faithful to their god.
Isaiah 45 clearly portrays Cyrus’ successes as the work of Yahweh. It opens by calling Cyrus the Lord’s “anointed” (Oxford Bible 1028). This messianic designation, also given to the likes of King David, immediately emphasizes that Cyrus has …show more content…
The portrayal of Yahweh using Cyrus and the Persian Empire to aid the Israelites is a powerful message of hope to a disheartened people. It takes the recent good fortune of the Israelites and dedicates it to Yahweh, confirming that he is still watching over them. However, the text also contains reprimands and warnings to those Israelites who are not fully devoted to their god and may be straying towards foreign powers. Either way, the author’s meaning is clear; while it appears that the Persian Empire rules over the people of Israel, the truth is that Yahweh is singularly determining his people’s fate, and the Israelites would be wise to stay loyal to him