Cyrus the Great

“When Cyrus set his sights on Babylon it was already the most venerable of Middle Eastern cities​—perhaps of all cities in the world,” states the book Ancient World Leaders—​Cyrus the Great. Babylon sat on the Euphrates River, which also filled moats surrounding the city’s massive walls​—a combination of defenses that made the city seem impregnable.

Upstream from Babylon, Cyrus’ men diverted the Euphrates, causing the water level in the city to fall. The soldiers then waded into the river to the city gates, which had been left open, and took Babylon with little resistance. According to Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon, the Babylonians felt so secure behind their city’s defenses that on the night of the attack, many were feasting, including the king! (See the box “The Handwriting Is on the Wall.”) Moreover, Cyrus’ conquest fulfilled some amazing Bible prophecies.

The prophecies of Isaiah are especially noteworthy because they were recorded about 200 years in advance​—perhaps 150 years before Cyrus was even born! Consider the following:

• A man named Cyrus would conquer Babylon and free the Jews.​—Isaiah 44:28; 45:1.

• The Euphrates River would dry up, opening the way for Cyrus’ army.​—Isaiah 44:27.

• The city gates would be left open.​—Isaiah 45:1.

• Babylon’s military would ‘cease to fight.’​—Jeremiah 51:30; Isaiah 13:1, 7.

Earlier, in 607 B.C.E., Babylonian armies razed Jerusalem and led most of the survivors into exile. How long would the Jews be held? God said: “When seventy years have been fulfilled I shall call to account against the king of Babylon and against that nation . . . and I will make it desolate wastes to time indefinite.”​—Jeremiah 25:12.

As mentioned, Cyrus captured Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Soon thereafter, he released the Jews, who began to arrive in their homeland in 537 B.C.E.​—exactly 70 years after their deportation. (Ezra 1:1-4) As for Babylon, it eventually became “desolate wastes”​—again confirming the accuracy of Bible prophecy.

Consider this: The Bible foretold (1) the 70-year exile of the Jews, (2) Cyrus’ conquest of Babylon and key aspects of his strategy, and (3) the ultimate desolation of Babylon. Such advance knowledge could not come from mere men! A more reasonable conclusion is this: “Prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:21) Surely, the Bible merits our consideration.