Odd to have Miley Cyrus thoughts as I began to post. At first thought—an instant prayer- it seems it is tied to a theme of a wrecking ball. Yet, as I have learned today, the Persian King Cyrus had a history of building up, too.

Did King Cyrus of Persia really decree the rebuilding of God’s house in Jerusalem? Yes, yes, he did. More importantly, God used a non-believer to accomplish His goals.

The Bible records it in 2 Chronicles 36 and Ezra 1 — but what evidence do we have outside of Scripture?

The Cyrus Cylinder (539–530 BC) was discovered in Babylon in 1879. This artifact is now in the British Museum. It is a clay cylinder inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform, commissioned by Cyrus after his conquest of Babylon. It describes how Cyrus restored temples and returned displaced peoples to their homelands with their gods and religious items.

One example, “I returned to [these] sacred cities… the sanctuaries of which had been in ruins for a long time, the images which used to live therein, and I established for them permanent sanctuaries.”

While it doesn’t name Jerusalem, it perfectly matches what Ezra records — the Jews were one of many groups restored.

I love how archeology supports the Bible, hundreds and thousands of years later. I love how God used a Persian King to fulfill His purposes.

In addition to physical artifacts, there are the writings of Jewish historian Josephus that Cyrus read Isaiah’s prophecy about himself (Isaiah 44–45) and was inspired to fulfill it, issuing the decree for the Temple.

Persian history shows Cyrus was unique among conquerors: instead of suppressing religions, he restored them. Ezra’s account fits right in with what we know of his empire.

So while archaeology hasn’t yet given us a tablet that says, “Cyrus told the Jews to rebuild in Jerusalem,” all the evidence points to it:

His general decree (Cyrus Cylinder) The biblical record (Ezra & Chronicles) And later Jewish history (Josephus)

Together they confirm the faithfulness of God’s Word. The prophecy of Jeremiah was fulfilled, Daniel’s prayer was answered, and God used a Persian king to bring His people home.

Thank you, Lord, for all you teach me.