Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar, and Impact on Jesus' Coming

2 Chronicles 36:22, 23

22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.

The narratives of Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar both demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His use of powerful rulers to achieve His divine purposes, though they differ significantly in the nature of their decrees and their personal acknowledgments of God.

Parallels Between Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar 🤝

Both kings, though pagan rulers, were instrumental in God's plan and issued decrees that deeply impacted His people:

• Divine Revelation: Both Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus were recipients of divine revelation.

• Nebuchadnezzar received a dream of a great image, which Daniel interpreted, revealing the succession of world empires and God's ultimate kingdom. This dream was given by God to humble the king and demonstrate His rule over the kingdom of men Daniel 2:28, 31-45.DAR 85.2+2. God also showed Nebuchadnezzar that he had no authority in matters of religion or conscience.ARSH April 5, 1898, page 218.11+2.

• Cyrus was explicitly named by the prophet Isaiah over a hundred years before his birth, with a foretelling of his work to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple Isaiah 44:28+1. Ezra 1:2LUJ 181.5.

• Acknowledgment of God: Both kings, at different points, acknowledged the God of heaven.

• Nebuchadnezzar, after Daniel interpreted his dream, fell down and worshipped Daniel, recognizing Daniel's God as "a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets" Daniel 2:46-47.SL 36.2. He later issued a decree publishing God's glory to the world after his humiliation Daniel 4:1.GCDB February 23, 1899, page 67.12+1.

• Cyrus, in his decree to rebuild the temple, stated, "The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem" Ezra 1:2.LUJ 181.5.

• Impact on God's People: Both kings' actions directly affected the Jewish people.

• Nebuchadnezzar was used by God to punish Judah for their iniquity, leading to the seventy-year captivity Jeremiah 25:11-12. He besieged Jerusalem, destroying the city and temple, and carried the people into Babylon 2 Kings 25:8-10+1.ETI Obadiah, Book of.3+1.

• Cyrus, on the other hand, was stirred by God to end the seventy-year captivity and allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple 2 Chronicles 36:22+1.LUJ 168.3+1.

• Promotion of Daniel: Daniel served prominently in both their courts.

• Nebuchadnezzar recognized Daniel's wisdom and elevated him to a high position, making him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief of the governors over all the wise men Daniel 2:48.PK 499.1+1.

• Daniel continued to serve under the Medo-Persian rule, specifically during the reign of Darius the Median and Cyrus Daniel 5:30-31+1.PTUK May 9, 1895, page 293.8.

Differences Between Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar ↔️

Despite the parallels, their stories also highlight significant differences:

• Nature of Decrees:

• Nebuchadnezzar's famous decree related to a religious compulsion, forcing all people to worship the golden image he set up Daniel 3:1-6.SL 36.2+3. God explicitly taught him that rulers have no power in matters of religion or conscience, and that such laws are null and void.ARSH April 5, 1898, page 218.11+3.

• Cyrus's decree, in contrast, was one of religious freedom and restoration, permitting the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their temple Ezra 1:2-3. Ezra 5:13-14LUJ 181.5.

• Personal Humiliation vs. Divine Commission:

• Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment of God came primarily through personal humiliation and chastisement, particularly his period of madness, which God allowed to teach him that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men Daniel 4:28-33.DAR 85.2+4.

• Cyrus's actions appear to stem from a direct divine inspiration or commission, as prophesied, rather than a period of personal abasement Ezra 1:1.ARSH September 18, 1856, page 156.2.

• Religious Posture:

• While Nebuchadnezzar at times acknowledged God, he also demonstrated a fluctuating commitment, returning to idol worship and pride after periods of humility. This was evident in his construction of the golden image after Daniel's interpretation of his dream.SL 36.2+1.

• Cyrus, guided by prophecy, facilitated the restoration of Jehovah's worship in Jerusalem by returning the sacred vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken Ezra 1:7.GEP 56.2+1.

Significance of Cyrus's Decree 📜

The decree of Cyrus 2 Chronicles 36:22, 23+1 is profoundly significant:

• End of Captivity: It marked the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the seventy-year Babylonian captivity Jeremiah 25:11-12.LUJ 168.3+1.

• Restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple: It was the crucial first step in the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the house of God. Ezra 6:3LUJ 181.5+1. While this initial decree primarily focused on the temple, it opened the way for further restoration efforts Ezra 5:1.CRBJ 30.2+1.

• God's Control Over Nations: It powerfully demonstrated God's control over world leaders and empires, using them to accomplish His will concerning His people and prophecies.HST November 13, 1844, page 111.1.

Impact on the First Coming of Jesus Centuries Later 💫

Cyrus's decree had a direct impact on the first coming of Jesus:

• Messianic Prophecy: The decree was a vital link in the chain of prophetic events leading to the Messiah. Daniel's prophecy of the seventy weeks, which predicted the coming of the Messiah, began with "the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" Daniel 9:24-27.GC88 323.2+1. The various decrees from Persian kings, including Cyrus, Darius Hystaspes, and Artaxerxes, incrementally contributed to this restoration.RH December 26, 1907, par. 15+2.

• Preservation of Jewish Identity and Lineage: By allowing the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple, the decree ensured the continuation of the Jewish nation, its religious practices, and the Davidic lineage, all of which were essential for the birth of the Messiah. The temple was the place where worship was re-established, and the Messianic promises were preserved within the Jewish community Ezra 3:1-7.

• Geographical and Social Context: The decree enabled the re-establishment of Jewish life in Judea, creating the necessary geographical and social context for the fulfillment of prophecies surrounding Jesus' birth and ministry, such as His birth in Bethlehem Micah 5:2+9.

• Chronological Framework: The historical accuracy and fulfillment of prophecies related to these empires and decrees provide a robust chronological framework, affirming the certainty of God's prophetic word and setting the stage for future events, including the precise timing of Jesus' appearance (Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 7:0-28).EVRR272+40.