The Aramaic word Kôwresh, represented by H3567, refers to Cyrus, the Persian king. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. This name is significant as it identifies the specific foreign ruler whose actions were instrumental in the restoration of the house of God in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile.
In the biblical narrative, H3567 is central to the rebuilding of the temple. In his first year as king, Cyrus made a decree to build the house of God in Jerusalem Ezra 5:13. This decree was specific, laying out the dimensions of the new structure and commanding that its foundations be strongly laid Ezra 6:3. Furthermore, Cyrus initiated the return of the sacred vessels of gold and silver that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple, delivering them to a governor named Sheshbazzar to be brought back to Jerusalem Ezra 5:14. The prophet Daniel is also noted to have prospered during the reign of Cyrus the Persian Daniel 6:28.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the role of Cyrus:
- H1124 bᵉnâʼ (to build): This word is essential to the purpose of Cyrus's decree, which was to build the house of God Ezra 5:13. The work of building prospered because of his command Ezra 6:14.
- H2942 ṭᵉʻêm (decree): The authority of Cyrus is expressed through the decree he made concerning the house of God at Jerusalem Ezra 6:3. The validity of this royal decree was later sought through a search of the king's treasure house Ezra 5:17.
- H4430 melek (king): Cyrus is consistently identified by his royal title, "Cyrus the king" Ezra 6:3, establishing the authority behind his commands. He is named alongside Darius and Artaxerxes as a king of Persia whose commandment enabled the temple to be finished Ezra 6:14.
The significance of H3567 is demonstrated in several key ways:
- Royal Authority for Divine Purpose: The commandment of Cyrus a Persian king H4430, is presented alongside the commandment of the God of Israel, showing a foreign ruler used to accomplish God's will for His people Ezra 6:14.
- Restoration of Worship: His decree was not only to build H1124 the house of God but also specified it as the place H870 where sacrifices were to be offered Ezra 6:3. He also returned the vessels H3984 of the temple that Nebuchadnezzar H5020 had taken Ezra 5:14.
- A Fulcrum of History: The reign of Cyrus marks a pivotal era of restoration. It was during his reign, and that of Darius, that Daniel H1841 prospered H6744 Daniel 6:28, and the elders of the Jews prospered in their building efforts through the work of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah Ezra 6:14.
In summary, Kôwresh H3567 is more than just the name of a historical monarch. In Scripture, Cyrus is the agent of God's restorative purpose for Israel after the exile. His royal decree H2942 to rebuild the temple and return its treasures demonstrates the sovereign power of God working through worldly authorities to fulfill His plans for His people.
TRV