Cyrus the Great - Persia (jul 1, 559 BC – dec 11, 530 BC)

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Scripture indicates clearly in Isaiah 44/28 - 45/13 that Cyrus was raised especially as a "shepherd" of Yahweh to 'perform my pleasure'. Yahweh's pleasure was to allow the 'building of (Jerusalem) and to let go my captives' 45/13.
Interesting to note they are described as 'God's captives'. Yahweh was preserving his nation as well as teaching them a lesson in obedience and humility.
Wikipedia - "Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, was the monarch under whom the Babylonian captivity ended. In the first year of his reign he was prompted by God to decree that the Temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt and that such Jews as cared to might return to their land for this purpose. Moreover, he showed his interest in the project by sending back with them the sacred vessels which had been taken from the First Temple and a considerable sum of money with which to buy building materials."

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