### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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