Biblical Proper Names: Biographies

A Dictionary of World History A Dictionary of the Bible Further reading

Cyrus II (the Great)

A Dictionary of World History | 2000 | Copyright

Cyrus II (the Great) (died 530 BC) King of Persia (539–530 BC), who founded the ACHAEMENID Persian empire when he overthrew Astyages, King of Media, and took possession of his capital Ecbatana in c.500. In 546 he defeated CROESUS to take control of Asia Minor and Nabonidus (the last of the Chaldean kings) to add Babylonia, Assyria, Syria, and Palestine to his domains. His policies towards his subjects were tolerant: the Medians had access to important administrative posts and the Jews were freed from their Babylonian EXILE and allowed to start rebuilding the Temple (their main religious centre) at Jerusalem. He was probably killed in battle and was buried at Pasargadae, where his tomb can still be seen.

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Cyrus II

A Dictionary of the Bible | 1997 | | Copyright

Cyrus II Ruler of Babylonia, 550–529 BCE, and mentioned by the Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon, and in the OT books of Daniel, Ezra, 1 and 2 Chron., and the second part of Isaiah. Cyrus' policy was to forestall rebellions among his subject peoples by lenient treatment. In accordance with this, he permitted Jews to return (Isa. 45: 1, 13) from exile and authorized the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1: 1–2). He is even called ‘the anointed one’ (= ‘Messiah’) in Isa. 45: 1.

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W. R. F. BROWNING. "Cyrus II." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

W. R. F. BROWNING. "Cyrus II." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-CyrusII.html

W. R. F. BROWNING. "Cyrus II." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-CyrusII.html

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