### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kôwresh**, represented by `{{H3566}}`, identifies **Cyrus**, the Persian king. It appears **15 times** across **13 unique verses**, highlighting his significant role in Israel's history. As a foreign ruler, his actions are consistently presented as being directed by the LORD to fulfill divine purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3566}}` is central to the story of Israel's restoration. In the first year of his reign, the LORD `{{H3068}}` stirred up `{{H5782}}` the spirit `{{H7307}}` of **Cyrus** to fulfill the prophecy given by Jeremiah `{{H3414}}` ([[Ezra 1:1]], [[2 Chronicles 36:22]]). He is described prophetically as the LORD's "shepherd" `{{H7462}}` who will perform all His pleasure `{{H2656}}` [[Isaiah 44:28]] and as "his anointed" `{{H4899}}` whose right hand `{{H3225}}` God holds to subdue `{{H7286}}` nations `{{H1471}}` [[Isaiah 45:1]]. His primary task was to issue a proclamation and a command `{{H6680}}` to build `{{H1129}}` a house `{{H1004}}` for God in Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` ([[Ezra 1:2]], [[Ezra 4:3]]). He also returned the sacred vessels `{{H3627}}` that Nebuchadnezzar `{{H5019}}` had taken from the temple [[Ezra 1:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key words provide context for the role of **Kôwresh**:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is almost always attached to **Cyrus**, identifying him as the **king** of Persia and underscoring his royal authority to issue decrees ([[Ezra 1:1]], [[Daniel 10:1]]).
* `{{H6539}}` **Pâraç** (Persia): This specifies the origin and domain of **Cyrus**, the king of **Persia**, an Eastern country whose power was used to facilitate God's plan for Israel ([[Ezra 1:2]], [[Ezra 3:7]]).
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This verb is central to the mission of **Cyrus**. God charged `{{H6485}}` him to **build** a house `{{H1004}}` in Jerusalem, a command that initiated the return from exile and the reconstruction of the temple ([[Isaiah 44:28]], [[Ezra 1:2]]).
* `{{H5782}}` **ʻûwr** (to stir up): This word describes the divine motivation behind the king's actions. The LORD **stirred up** the spirit of **Cyrus**, showing that his proclamation was not his own initiative but a direct result of God's intervention ([[Ezra 1:1]], [[2 Chronicles 36:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3566}}` is significant, demonstrating God's power over history and nations.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The actions of **Kôwresh** are the direct fulfillment of the LORD's word `{{H1697}}` spoken by the mouth `{{H6310}}` of Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`, proving God's faithfulness to His promises [[Ezra 1:1]].
* **Sovereignty Over Gentile Rulers:** God calls **Kôwresh**, a non-Israelite king, "my shepherd" `{{H7462}}` and "his anointed" `{{H4899}}`. This shows that the LORD's authority extends over all kingdoms `{{H4467}}` of the earth `{{H776}}` and that He can use any ruler to accomplish His will ([[Isaiah 44:28]], [[Isaiah 45:1]]).
* **Agent of Restoration:** **Cyrus** is the chosen instrument for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. He is charged `{{H6485}}` to build `{{H1129}}` God's house `{{H1004}}` and is responsible for returning the temple vessels `{{H3627}}` ([[Ezra 1:2]], [[Ezra 1:7]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3566}}` **Kôwresh** is far more than a historical name. In scripture, Cyrus of Persia is a pivotal figure who serves as a clear example of God's sovereignty. Though a foreign king `{{H4428}}`, he is divinely appointed and stirred up `{{H5782}}` to fulfill prophecy, release God's people `{{H5971}}`, and begin the work of rebuilding the temple `{{H1964}}` in Jerusalem `{{H3389}}`. His story illustrates that the LORD `{{H3068}}` directs the course of nations to accomplish His ultimate purpose.
TRV