Genealogy of Cyrus and Contemporaries of Haggai

Darius the Mede: He was the son of Ahasuerus and of the seed of the Medes Daniel 9:1SITI February 11, 1886, page 91.3. He took the kingdom of Babylon at the age of sixty-two after the fall of Belshazzar Daniel 5:31SITI February 11, 1886, page 91.3+1.

Cambyses: He was the king of Persia and the father of Cyrus the PersianDAR1909 56.3. He died in the same year as Darius the Mede, which was 536 B.C.DAR1909 56.3.

Cyrus the Persian: While Darius the Mede was his uncle, Cyrus was his contemporary in Persia and his eventual successor in BabylonDAR1909 56.3+1. Before becoming sole monarch, Cyrus was associated with his uncle for two years at BabylonASC 136.6.

In the conquest of Babylon, Cyrus acted as the leader of the forces, but the kingdom and rule were initially given to Darius the MedeCGRSL 35.1+1.

Darius reigned for two years before he died, at which point Cyrus succeeded to the kingdomSITI February 11, 1886, page 91.3+1.

This partnership was so close that the Bible notes Daniel prospered in both the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian Daniel 6:28KJV — Daniel 6:24.

The angel Gabriel stood by Darius the Mede in his first year to confirm and strengthen him Daniel 11:1SITI February 11, 1886, page 91.3+2.

Cyrus was named by the prophet Isaiah over a hundred years before his birth as the one who would build the Lord's city and let the captives go Isaiah 45:1-13CGRSL 35.1+1.

Through the influence of holy angels and the faithfulness of the prophet Daniel, these kings were led to acknowledge the living God and issue decrees for the restoration of Jerusalem Ezra 1:1-3SITI February 11, 1886, page 91.3+2.

Zechariah the Prophet: Zechariah was Haggai's contemporary and fellow prophet who began his ministry just two months after Haggai's last recorded messageCRBJ 28.1+1. Together, they exhorted and encouraged the people, helping them overcome lethargy and external opposition to finish the temple Ezra 6:14ETI Haggai.2.

Zerubbabel (the Governor): As the son of Shealtiel and the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel was the primary civil leader whom Haggai addressedCRBJ 28.1+1. He was specifically chosen by God and promised to be made like a "signet" for his faithfulness Haggai 2:23HDL 30.1.

Joshua (the High Priest): Joshua, the son of Josedech, served as the high priest during this periodGEP 67.7+1. He worked in close partnership with Zerubbabel to lead the remnant of the people in the work of the house of the Lord Haggai 1:12SITI April 9, 1902, page 3.9.

Darius the King (Darius Hystaspes): Haggai’s messages were delivered during the second year of the reign of Darius, specifically beginning in the sixth monthGEP 67.7+1. It was under this king that the royal records were searched, leading to the renewal of the decree to build the templeSDP 125.3+1.

Tatnai and Shethar-boznai: These were Persian officials—Tatnai being the governor of the province and Shethar-boznai his assistant—who questioned the authority of the Jews to build but ultimately acted fairly by writing to Darius for clarificationGEP 67.7+1.

The Samaritans: These local adversaries had successfully stopped the work for fifteen years through intrigue and false accusations but were present as contemporaries who continued to oppose the progress of the temple Ezra 4:1-5SDP 125.3+1.

Through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah, the elders of the Jews prospered and successfully finished the building according to the commandment of the God of IsraelRH January 16, 1908, par. 11+1.

The work, which had been suspended due to the people’s focus on their own "paneled houses," was resumed with vigor once the people took Haggai's messages to heart Haggai 1:4PK 573.3.

Haggai assured his contemporaries that the "Desire of all nations" would one day fill the house they were building with glory, a promise realized when Christ personally entered the second temple Haggai 2:7RH January 16, 1908, par. 11+1.