Introduction: What would it be like if, in the early 1900s, someone wrote about a man named Donald Trump becoming President of the United States in 125 years? You might say, “That would be impossible!” Right? But that is exactly what Isaiah the prophet wrote concerning a foreign king that God would raise up providentially for the purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem—both the temple and its walls—after its destruction.
Remember, Isaiah prophesied during the reign of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). These facts reveal that his ministry was recorded from 740–701 B.C. Guess what? That was approximately 150 years before the fulfillment of the prophesied King named Cyrus, who came to the throne! Amazing, isn’t it? Do you know of another document with such consistent pinpoint accuracy?
Therefore, we conclude that the prophet Isaiah died long before these events transpired. Look at the overwhelming evidence of these unparalleled prophecies. Bottom line: The BIBLE STANDS—so you can STAND on it!
1. Reliable Biblical Foreshadowing of the Rising of King Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28) – “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.”
Did you notice that Isaiah named the Persian King Cyrus, who would show favor to Israel and, more specifically, to Jerusalem? (Isaiah 45:1,13)
“Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him… I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Again, don’t miss the fact that this incredible prophecy was made long before he became king or was even in the picture.
2. The Divine Providential Purpose of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1) – “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”
Almighty God holds the king’s heart in His hand; as the rivers of water, He turns it in whatever direction He chooses. You see, it is all in His plan and purpose. More specifically, He is sovereign over His chosen people—the nation of Israel. Since we have this record of Him keeping His promises to the Jews, we can be assured with great confidence that Jesus Christ will keep His promises to His Church! He will return to receive His bride (John 14:1-3). Are you watching and waiting?
3. Archaeological Evidence of King Cyrus
Have you ever heard of the Cyrus Cylinder? Today, it can be found in the British Museum. Made of clay, this artifact was excavated in March 1879 but dates back to the sixth century B.C. during the time of King Cyrus’ reign. Though small (8×4 inches), it contains writing concerning the reign of King Cyrus, providing overwhelming evidence and reliability of the Scriptures.
4. Historical Affirmation by Josephus
Finally, as an interesting highlight, Josephus, the Jewish historian, stated that the Jews in Babylonian captivity showed the Persian King Cyrus the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures, which contained his name and described his role in the biblical plan of God. The historian says that it was this circumstance that motivated the ruler “to fulfill what was written” (Antiquities of the Jews 11.1.2), leading him to issue his proclamation permitting Israel’s return to her homeland.
Earlier, in Isaiah 41:25, the prophet spoke of the coming of “one… from the rising of the sun.” Even though he did not call him by name, the reference is clearly to Cyrus, who would bring good tidings regarding God’s plan for Jerusalem. The Lord’s mission for King Cyrus would be fulfilled as history [His story] records.
Conclusion: Prophetic accuracy is another confirmation that the Bible is a supernatural book, all pointing to a supernatural God. Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:6-9, etc.), and others affirmed that He was God. His power over demons, death, and disease demonstrated He was God.
There’s only one thing left to say: If you haven’t, put your trust and faith in His substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection. Through His redeeming blood, your sins can be forgiven. All of this means that since His Word has been fulfilled in the past, it guarantees that it will be fulfilled in the future. Jesus is coming again. Get ready.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
