Cyrus: God's Anointed?

Here is a short essay I've written for my Hebrew Bible class. I had originally decided to write on Isaiah 53, but during one of our classes, I brought up the fact that Cyrus, King of Persia, freed the Jews from Babylonian bondage, in part, to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 44 and 45) which names Cyrus by name. My amazing Professor, whom I respect, wasn't convinced since the modern belief is that chapters 40-66 of Isaiah were written after King Cyrus, therefore not written by Isaiah. I decided I wanted to look further into this question and was amazed at my findings. This essay is a concise result of those findings. The word limit was 1300, (around 4 pages), so I couldn't say everything I wanted, but it was a decent start.

I hope you enjoy it!

In Isaiah 44:28 - 45:1, a very specific prophecy was made about Cyrus, King of Persia. In these verses, he was named twice as anointed of God, destined to deliver Israel from captivity, and reserved to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.

I will argue that aside from literally fulfilling this prophecy, by freeing the Jews from Babylonian bondage, Cyrus was used as a type and shadow of a far greater deliverance… the deliverance of all humankind from the bondage of sin by a coming Messiah. I will argue that Cyrus himself was a messiah, and like Christ, he fulfilled the words of Isaiah. I will present this study to you using a typological method from the perspective of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

The reader should be aware that most LDS scholars hold the belief that the entire Book of Isaiah was authored by Isaiah himself. The reason this belief is held, is because the Book of Mormon, a canonical record in the LDS faith tradition, quotes from parts of second Isaiah and attributes those writings to that prophet. More importantly, though, is that the original record from which the Book of Mormon quoted Isaiah dates back to 600 B.C.E., over 100 years after Isaiah and approximately 60 years before Cyrus delivered Israel. This is unusual, since the mainstream belief is that second and third Isaiah (chapters 40-66) were written some 200 or more years after the first 39 chapters, and therefore not written by Isaiah. The reaction of most scholars to a book of the Bible containing a specific prediction, is to call it an afterthought rather than a genuine prophecy.

Surely, it was written long after the fact, by someone who wanted the world to believe it was an authentic Isaianic prophecy. The modern claim is that Isaiah could not have foreseen such a specific event, nor could he have foretold the very name of the person who would fulfill the prophecy. In other words, Isaiah could not have been an authentic prophet. Obviously, the arguments both for and against this perspective cannot be sufficiently addressed in this paper. I will proceed with the assumption that chapters 40-66 were authored by Isaiah.

The first verse of chapter 45 reads in part, “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus”. The fact that Cyrus was called the Lord’s “anointed” has bothered many Bible scholars. In fact, Cyrus is the only Gentile king who as been called God’s “anointed”. The word “anointed” here in the Hebrew text is מָשִׁיחַ (māšîaḥ), which is where we get the English ‘messiah’. The Septuagint translates it as Χριστός (khristós), which is where we get the English ‘Christ’. So was Cyrus the Lord’s Messiah? Was he His Christ? Given the theologically sacred nature of these titles, you can see why Isaiah’s word choice might be troubling to some. At the expense of sounding irreverent, I submit that Cyrus was indeed, in the literal senses of these words, a messiah, or rather, a type of Christ.

A type is a prophetic symbol, usually representing Jesus, and can be found throughout the Hebrew Bible. When I call Cyrus a type, I do not mean to say that he was like Jesus in every respect. He was merely a simplified and almost tangible representation of a far greater deliverer. I also find it curious that if these verses were not written by Isaiah, but by persons who witnessed Israel’s deliverance by the hand of Cyrus, why would they have chosen a word like ‘anointed’ (מָשִׁיחַ)? They witnessed for themselves that he wasn’t the Messiah, and there is no evidence to support the idea that one of the Lord’s prophets literally anointed Cyrus in a position of political power as Samuel did Saul and David. Isaiah’s prophetic word choice was to use Cyrus as a messianic symbol, thus pointing his audience toward the coming of the great Messiah.

Although this word study is helpful in looking at this passage in a new light, there is still more typology to mention. Cyrus was the King of Persia. He held a great deal of power and because of this, he was the only person capable of delivering Israel from Babylonian bondage at that time. Christ was called the King of Israel and the King of the Jews. His kingdom and power was not an earthly one, but a divine one. His divine sonship made him the only one capable of redeeming humankind from the bondage of sin. Not only did both fulfill their divine callings, but if they hadn’t, no one else could have.

Josephus, a Jewish historian, quoted an edict from Cyrus which says that YHWH appointed him to be king of the earth, and that “indeed he foretold my name by the prophets, and that I should build him a house at Jerusalem…” Josephus claims that after reading the prophecies of Isaiah, Cyrus admired the power of the Israelite God, and had an earnest desire to fulfill what was written. Similarly, on one occasion, Christ went to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. The book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah) was given to him, and he read these words, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me… to let the oppressed go free”. (Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61:1) Jesus, claiming to be this anointed one, said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled”. (Luke 4:21) This is significant in a number of ways. First, the word ‘anointed’ here comes from the same word found in Isaiah 45:1, as explained above. Second, as mentioned in Isaiah 44:28, Christ, like Cyrus, was also to free the oppressed. Third, both Cyrus and Christ read the words of Isaiah and used them to announce and justify their ministries. Each had a desire to not only fulfill the words of Isaiah but, more importantly, also the will of God.

The parallels here are stark. If Cyrus wasn’t a type of Christ, the coincidences are quite remarkable, to say the least. Most readers will have read this paper with an opinion already formed, whether that opinion is about the validity of the LDS faith and their canon, the unity of the Book of Isaiah, or the idea that Cyrus was a type of Christ. In any case it is difficult to persuade someone of something they are already convinced about. But I don’t believe that is always the point of scholarship, at least not for me. I believe the goal is to present someone with a new context and perspective to approach the text. It is a privilege to hear one another’s readings and to see what is guiding them. I believe what I have presented here should be of interest to critics in many different fields.

Identity in Isaiah 40

This was a short assignment we were given in my Hebrew Bible class. We were asked to some exegesis (which is a fancy, scholarly term for "interpretation") on Isaiah 40 with the method or lens of 'Identity'. Here's what I came up with:

Asking me to do exegesis on Isaiah is much like asking my 3 year old son to solve a complex calculus problem. Nevertheless, I will do my best to show how Isaiah uses stunning imagery to shape the identity of humankind, specifically in verses 12-31 of chapter 40.

Isaiah starts by setting forth the identity of Jehovah, illustrating his power and greatness (vv 1-11). He illuminates that, as creator, Jehovah's experience with his creations is supremely intimate. Jehovah knows the precise measurements of the heavens, waters, dust, hills, and mountains. He is the one who cupped the waters in his palms and measured the heavens with the span of his hands. He is the one who measured and weighed the dust and hills and mountains (verse 12). Because Jehovah’s power and omnipotence are “everlasting,” no one counsels him and no one instructs or teaches him (verses 13-14; see also verse 28). He is never weary (verse 29)! For me I don’t know if there are any verses in all of scripture that can portray preeminence and power with such splendid imagery quite like these verses, especially verse 12.

Isaiah then sets forth the identity of humankind. The nations are as insignificant as “a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance” (verse 15). “All nations before him are counted as... less than nothing” (verse 17).

By contrasting the almighty attributes of Jehovah with the insignificant identity of humankind, Isaiah is able to make man’s nothingness even more evident and show Jehovah’s supreme power as everlasting and eternal.

What is so significant in these verses to me is not merely the idea that God is great and man is nothing, but that Jehovah is so great that mankind, through Him, can overcome their nothingness. In one breath he says that all nations are “less than nothing”, and in another, he invites man to “lift up [their] eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things”. (verses 17, 26) To those who “wait upon” him he will “renew their strength” (verse 31). “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (verse 29).

What I see here is an inspired Prophet, who uses these identities, not to discourage mankind, but to humble mankind. None is like God! Therefore why would man worship anything other than God, even a likeness of him? The rich man melts a graven image and spreads it over with gold, while the poor man prepares a graven image out of wood. (verses 19-20) But as the great Jehovah asks, is it these graven images that created all things and “[stretched] out the heavens as a curtain”? (verse 22) “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal?” (verse 25). In other words, these idols are not who created all things, and therefore no item, artifact, instrument or tool can be fashioned to replace he who did create all things. So he then gives that great invitation mentioned above, “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things” (verse 26 italics added).

Because man’s identity is indeed nothingness, there is only one way for him to overcome that dilemma and that is to submit to Jehovah and the power he has to save. Isaiah ends chapter 40 elegantly: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (verse 31).

How Heavenly Father Feels

Elder Boyd K. Packer in General Conference said: "I have studied much in the scriptures and have taught from them. I have read much from what the prophets and apostles have spoken. They have had a profound influence upon me as a man and as a father. But most of what I know about how our Father in Heaven really feels about us, His children, I have learned from the way I feel about my wife and my children and their children. This I have learned at home. I have learned it from my parents and from my wife's parents, from my beloved wife and from my children, and can therefore testify of a loving Heavenly Father and of a redeeming Lord." (General Conference Oct. 1998)

I can't think of a more profound way of putting it! Think about who is saying this? There aren't many men living who have studied more in the scriptures or taught more from them. He rubs shoulders with the most elect men on earth every day of his life. He leads a most remarkable life! Yet, one of the most profound truths Christ's gospel has to offer, namely the immensity of our Father in Heaven's love for us, his children, cannot be taught from the scriptures or by the prophets as profoundly as it is taught from our own homes.

Is this not what it's all about anyway? Are our families not our most precious possessions? Is not this life of loving, learning, hurting, weeping, embracing, and overcoming, alongside our families, nothing more than a magnificent dress-rehearsal preparing us for the big stage? Are we not learning to become as God is and to love as God does?

What a wonderful plan of true happiness we have laid before us by an all-loving, ever-loving Father in Heaven!

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

Recently we had a Ward Conference. It was difficult, as it always is, to get a lot out of the meetings... thanks to our wonderful yet extremely active children. There were two things that were mentioned, though, that caught my attention. I'd like to mention one of them now.

On my mission I fell in love with the Hymn, Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy. (Hymns 335) It's a men's choir song and I loved singing it in parts with some of the other Elders. I remember singing it with three other Elders (Hansen, Shiffler, Reneer) at a zone conference once and I was deeply touched by the spirit. Besides loving the tune and feeling the Spirit on that particular occasion, I can't say my connection with the song had anything to do with the words. I honestly didn't understand their full significance or meaning. Admittedly, they almost seemed a little silly. Nevertheless, I continued to love the song. In fact, years after my mission, I remember singing it with my good friend for his scouts at a camp out devotional.

At this ward conference a member of our Stake Presidency went over the words with us. Here they are:

Brightly beams our Father's mercy from his lighthouse evermore, but to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore. Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled; loud the angry billows roar. Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights along the shore. Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; some poor sailor, tempest tossed, trying now to make the harbor, in the darkness may be lost. Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

We talked about God the Father and Jesus Christ as the great lighthouse. President Monson has said this:

"Look for the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. It calls: This way to safety. This way to home. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing."

Though our Father and Eldest Brother's light and mercy brightly beam from their lighthouse for all to see, it is to us they give the keeping, or responsibility, of the lower lights along the shore. It is these lower lights that can guide some poor fainting, struggling seaman safely to shore.

I looked up the origin of this song. Here's what I found:

This song was written by Philip Bliss. He was a well known Christian songwriter in the 1860's and 70's. He wrote this song as he was traveling with Pastor Dwight L. Moody. Pastor Moody preached a sermon one day and told a story about Cleveland harbor. (I personally didn't realize Cleveland sat on the shore of Lake Erie until I started researching this story.) A portion of Pastor Moody's sermon goes as follows:

"On a dark, stormy night, when the waves rolled like the mountains and not a star was to be seen, a boat was rocking and plunging near the Cleveland harbor. The harbor pilot came aboard the ship to guide it into port." (Just an aside: a harbor pilot is a local, experienced mariner who boards ships to guide them safely through dangerous or congested waters.)

"'Are you sure this is Cleveland?' asked the captain, seeing only one light from the lighthouse.

'Quite sure, sir,' replied the pilot.

'Where are the lower lights?'

'They've gone out, sir.'

'Can you make the harbor?'

'We must, or we will perish, sir.'

"And with a strong hand and a brave heart, the old pilot took control of the wheel of the ship. But alas, in the darkness he missed the channel and, with a crash upon the rocks, the boat was shivered and many a life lost in a watery grave."

Pastor Moody then said: "Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse. Let us keep the lower lights burning."

That evening, Philip bliss wrote the words to the song he entitled, "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning."

For me, this story illustrated a beautiful and significant meaning to the words of this song. It makes me think of those who have been 'lower lights' in my life; those who have guided me safely to shore. I can think of a handful right now. Then I can't help but wonder if I too am being a wise steward over the responsibility given me to 'send a gleam across the wave?' Doctrine and Covenants 103:9-10 comes to mind where it says: "They were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men;" (italics added) and also these words: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light." (Luke 11:33 See also Matt. 5:15, Mark 4:21, and 3 Ne. 12:15)

This tells me that not only do I need to be a better example to my children, family, friends, etc... but I need to be a better missionary by living and sharing the gospel, and also by serving in the temple; performing, vicariously, for others the saving ordinances which they cannot perform for themselves.

I hope this song forever reminds you, as it does me, we truly can become saviors of men or as Obadiah put it, saviors on Mount Zion. (See Obad. 1:21; see also D&C 103:9-10)

Promptings

It has been so long since my last post. I feel so busy and over-occupied most days that I don't make time to write. It's vitally important for me to keep track of my learning experiences and I need to make it a priority. When I record my thoughts and insights consistently, the spirit whispers to me more often. When I slack off, I often fail to notice some of the most beautiful, yet simple, blessings of all. It's amazing what writing a few thoughts down will do!

So a few weeks ago I was leaving work late. It was a Friday and I was really excited to get home and hang out with my family. I love Fridays! As I was walking out the door, one of my co-workers asked me which way I was headed. I immediately knew what he was really asking. He wanted a ride home but didn't want to come out and say it. (Please note: this individual is a very nice guy. He and I get along just fine. I would simply say we just don't know each other well enough to be super close or connected.) Anyway, I told him which way I was going and he said "Ok. Nevermind." After further inquiry it turned out that he indeed did need a ride home. I wish I could say that I readily and willingly offered to take him home, but instead I told him that I lived in the opposite direction and wished him luck!

I walked out the door and almost immediately got a pit in my stomach! 

"What's this? All I want to do is get home to my family. What's more important anyway? Why am I being nudged? After all, if I took him home I would be losing important family time!" 

These thoughts kept me walking towards my truck feeling very justified and confident in my choice to move on. Then came another pit, an additional nudge! I was determined to get home and tried, in vain, to ignore the second prompting. 

As I approached my truck, the nudges had done their damage. Now all I had were racing thoughts about talks I'd heard and read about ignoring the promptings of the Spirit. So, in one last desperate attempt to push the promptings aside, I decided I would call Anna to get the official stamp of approval... hoping there was some kind of emergency that only I could remedy with my prompt and safe arrival home. As I spoke to Anna and explained the situation honestly, we both felt the spirit very strongly and I knew I needed to give him a ride home.

Well, the rest is history. I went back in, told him to grab his jacket and off we went. Unfortunately for the reader, this story probably seems all too ordinary and uninspiring. But the lesson I learned that day didn't come during the mostly quiet car ride with my co-worker, nor did it come while feeling the spirit on the phone with Anna. The real lesson came right after I dropped this man off. Tears came to my eyes as the spirit testified to me, right there in my truck, that I would be trusted to receive more promptings because I had listened, (eventually), to this seemingly unremarkable one. 

Friends

Today, I'm feeling especially grateful for friends. They come in so many forms: Spouses, children, moms, siblings, in-laws, mission comps, etc... I'm am so blessed to have so much support around me.

My wife is an amazing example to me. She teaches our children, fulfills her callings, supports my ambitions, finds time for dinners and lunches, and about two million other things. On top of that, she makes me laugh and will even indulge me by actually laughing at me once in awhile.

I have the greatest kids in the world. Lincoln has become my greatest little friend. What would I do without his smile and antics? He reminds me that life is simpler and happier than I make it out to be. He appreciates the kid in me and loves me unconditionally.

Shiloh can melt my heart faster than anyone I know. Although she constantly requires attention, it makes it all worth it when she smiles or giggles at me. I'm telling you, when she gives me one of those huge, chubby grins, I'm done!!! Her personality is so cute.

I could mention my brothers and sister, my mom, my in-laws, old friends, new friends, etc... Each one plays an important role in my life and some add a depth and richness that without them would otherwise feel void and empty.

Thanks to all of you who invest so much time and love and add so much richness to our lives. I know the relationships we form in the 'here and now' last so much longer and reach so much farther beyond the margins and time contraints of this life. I am truly grateful for that knowledge.

Better Man

I love General Conference. It always seems to come just when I need it. I admit, it can be hard to do 10 hours of church meetings in a matter of two days, but it's some of the best time I ever spend. 

I've been thinking a lot about some of the things that were said. I already have a few favorite talks, but there is one thing that has kept coming back to my mind more than anything else. It was a simple but genuine prayer given at the opening of the General Priesthood session. The man offering the invocation, with all the tenderness and sincerity of his heart prayed, "Father, we want to be better men," he continued, "Help us to help the women in our lives feel a greater sense of self-worth..."

Those deep yet unembellished words caused me to engage in some serious self-reflection. Am I really trying to be a better man? Do I live as a Priesthood holder should? Do I cultivate an environment of self-worth for those around me, especially for my wife, daughter, and the other special women in my life?

I am grateful for inspired words and the influence of the spirit of truth which is the spirit of change.