The Bible In A Year 
I Chronicles through Nehemiah – week 3 of 5
November 26-December 1, 2018
Readings for the Week
Theme of the week: This week we will read of the Israelites going into exile, part of Isaiah pertaining to this experience, and the beginning of the return from exile.
- Monday 2 Chronicles chapters 32 & 33, Psalms 32 & 41
- Tuesday2 Chronicles chapters 34, 35 & 36
- Wednesday Isaiah chapters 56, 57, 58 & 59
- Thursday Isaiah chapters 60, 61, 62, 63 & 64
- Friday Isaiah chapters 65 & 66
- Saturday Ezra chapters 1, 2 & 3, Psalm 65
The Bible In A Year
I Chronicles through Nehemiah – week 3 of 5
A Framework for Understanding
Cyrus the Great
The decline of the Babylonia Empire was matched by the rise of the Persian Empire, led by Cyrus II. The year in which Cyrus was born cannot be accurately determined, but would be near the time when the Babylonians were conquering Jerusalem. In 559 BCE Cyrus II became king of Anshan, cousin nation to Persia, both of which had the Medes as overlords. Persuaded to lead a revolt, in 552 the forces under Cyrus engaged the Median army. The Median empire was toppled in 546. At that time Cyrus took the name King of Persia (rather than King of Media, though his kingdom now encompassed the entire Median empire).
For the next several years the troops of Cyrus, led by various skilled generals, continued with the expansion of the Persian Empire. In 539BCE Cyrus turned his attentions toward Babylon. By the end of October of that year he had conquered the capitol, made treaties with the Babylonia generals, captured the King Neabonidus, and declared himself “king of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the four quarters of the world.”
Under Cyrus’ reign the average person enjoyed a measure of respect not previously common in governments. Cyrus’ policies on human rights and religious tolerance were a radical shift, and continue to influence the world today. Thomas Jefferson was deeply impressed by the policies of Cyrus. The discovery of “The Cyrus Cylinder” in 1839 gives strong support that the legacy of his policies is grounded in fact . He is still today a national hero to the people of Persia (Iran).
In 536 Cyrus declared that all those taken into exile by Babylon could return home. Many of the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem and began to rebuild the temple there. To them, Cyrus was a messiah, a king annointed by God. He is the only non-Jewish king ever given this title.