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Notable Sources
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God's Chosen Leader Cyrus
TANAKH
Cyrus, despite not knowing God, was divinely chosen and empowered to fulfill God's purposes for the sake of Israel. The Book of Isaiah, a prophetic text from the period of the First Temple, contains God's message to Cyrus, emphasizing divine support and guidance in his conquests.
Cyrus and the Rebuilding of the Temple
TANAKH
King Cyrus of Persia was divinely inspired to issue a proclamation to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. The book of Ezra recounts the challenges and triumphs of the Jewish return to Israel and the rebuilding of the Second Temple after the Babylonian exile.
Daniel's Influence on King Cyrus
COMMENTARY
Daniel's influence on King Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to The land of Israel and rebuild the Beit HaMikdash is a powerful example of Jewish advocacy in exile. Rabbi Chaim Jachter's modern commentary on the Book of Daniel explores this historical moment and its parallels to modern events.
One Man, Three Names
COMMENTARY
Rashi identifies Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes as the same individual, a unique perspective supported by numerical equivalence and Talmudic sources. Rashi, the renowned medieval French rabbi, offers historical and linguistic insights in his commentary on Ezra 4:7:1.
The Third Great Journey
COMMENTARY
The return from Babylonian exile, permitted by Cyrus of Persia, marks the third great journey in Jewish history. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the significance of three pivotal journeys in Jewish history, culminating in the return to the land of Israel.
The Inconsistency of Cyrus
MIDRASH
Cyrus initially supported the Jewish people but later retracted his decrees, highlighting the inconsistency of his actions. Kohelet Rabbah, a midrashic commentary on Ecclesiastes, reflects on the actions of historical figures like Cyrus, emphasizing themes of wisdom and folly.
Cyrus, 1899. New York Public Library. CCO 1.0 Dedication
Cyrus, 1899. New York Public Library. CCO 1.0 Dedication
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