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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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