Within the book of Isaiah there are three main geopolitical events which take place; as these events occur Isaiah plays a role in these eighth century conflicts as his message from God advises the people in power. These messages had a different meaning to the people around him than it does to the audience who reads the book of Isaiah today. The Syro-Ephraimite War, The Threatened Conquest of Egypt and Ethiopia (714 BCE),and Sennacherib's Siege (701 BCE) all add historical context to the message Isaiah delivers. As powers, such as Assyria, Babylon, and Persia through Cyrus’ leadership, rise and fall God communicates with the At the time of the Syro-Ephraimite War (735-732 BCE) Assyria was the dominant world power, to prevent attack Syria and
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Throughout this period God uses Isaiah to speak of Cyrus as God’s chosen agent who will rebuild the city of Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). Although Cyrus himself did not know God, God chose to use to Persian King to defeat Babylon (Isaiah 45:4). Accounts of Cyrus’ rise can be found in the Cyrus Cylinder with the decree of Cyrus here Nabonidus, the Babylonian king failed to protect and provide for the people of Babylon. In the account found on the cylinder Nabonidus improperly worshipped Marduk and failed to sacrifice at appropriate times, when the people cried out to Marduk he became angry and searched for a better ruler. His search led him to Cyrus, Marduk was pleased with Cyrus as leader and offered Babylon to Cyrus (Matthews & Benjamin, 208). Cyrus was confident that Marduk was with him and has selected him to be ruler of Persia, in reality God was with Cyrus. As God speaks to Isaiah to deliver a message to the people He gradually introduces “someone from the north, from the rising of the sun he was summoned by name” (Isaiah 41:25), “the righteous man from the east” (Isaiah 41:2). As God continues to talk about this ruler whose assault will be swift (Isaiah 41:2-3), He mentions him by name as “Cyrus, he is my shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). Shepherd typically refers to king in prophecy, God continues to give Cyrus more responsibility, as He would give to a
Throughout this period God uses Isaiah to speak of Cyrus as God’s chosen agent who will rebuild the city of Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). Although Cyrus himself did not know God, God chose to use to Persian King to defeat Babylon (Isaiah 45:4). Accounts of Cyrus’ rise can be found in the Cyrus Cylinder with the decree of Cyrus here Nabonidus, the Babylonian king failed to protect and provide for the people of Babylon. In the account found on the cylinder Nabonidus improperly worshipped Marduk and failed to sacrifice at appropriate times, when the people cried out to Marduk he became angry and searched for a better ruler. His search led him to Cyrus, Marduk was pleased with Cyrus as leader and offered Babylon to Cyrus (Matthews & Benjamin, 208). Cyrus was confident that Marduk was with him and has selected him to be ruler of Persia, in reality God was with Cyrus. As God speaks to Isaiah to deliver a message to the people He gradually introduces “someone from the north, from the rising of the sun he was summoned by name” (Isaiah 41:25), “the righteous man from the east” (Isaiah 41:2). As God continues to talk about this ruler whose assault will be swift (Isaiah 41:2-3), He mentions him by name as “Cyrus, he is my shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). Shepherd typically refers to king in prophecy, God continues to give Cyrus more responsibility, as He would give to a