Conclusion of A TOLERANT MONARCH

For the Jews in Babylon, Cyrus' victory meant the arrival of the long-awaited release from captivity and the end of the 70-year desolation of their homeland.  How thrilled they must have been when Cyrus issued a proclamation authorizing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple! Cyrus also restored to them the precious temple utensils that Nebuchadnezzar had carried off to Babylon, gave royal permission for importing timber from Lebanon, and authorized funds from the king's house to cover construction expenses. -Ezra 1:1-11; 6:3-5.   

Cyrus generally followed a humane and tolerant policy in dealing with the people he conquered.  One reason for this behavior could have been his religion.  Likely, Cyrus adhered to the teachings of the Persian prophet Zoroaster and worshiped Ahura Mazda-a god thought to be the creator of all that is good.  In his book The Zorastrian Tradition, Farhang Mehr writes: Zoraster presented God as moral perfection. He told people  that Ahura Mazda  is not revengeful but just and, therefore, should not be feared but loved."  Belief in a god that was moral and just may have affected Cyrus' ethics and encouraged magnanimity and fairness. 

The king, however, was less tolerant of the climate in Babylon.  The torrid summers there were more than he wanted to bear. So while Babylon remained a loyal city of the empire, as well as a religious and cultural  center, it seldom served as more than his winter capital. In fact, following the conquest of Babylon, Cyrus soon returned to his summer capital, Ecbatana, situated were more to his liking.  Cyrus also built and elegant palace in his earlier capital, Pasargadae (near Persepo0lis), 400 miles southeast of Ecbatana.  The residence there served as a retreat for him.  

Cyrus thus left his mark as a brave conqueror and a tolerant  monarch.   His 30-year rule ended with his death in 530 B.C.E. While he was on a military campaign.  His son Cambyses II succeeded to the Persian throne.

Next time:  A YOUNG CONQUERS THE WORLD

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999