Prophecies That Have Come True

Earlier we referred to the legend about Croesus' being misled by the oracle of Delphi, which resulted in his defeat by the king of Persia.  The Bible, on the other hand, contains a remarkable prophecy involving the king of Persia that was fulfilled in minute detail. 

About 200 years in advance -long before the king was born-the Hebrew prophet Isaiah mentioned Cyrus by name and described how he would conquer the mighty city of Babylon.

Isaiah 44:24, 27, 28: "This is what Isaiah says, . . . 'the One saying to the deep waters, "Be evaporated, and I will dry up all your rivers"; the One saying of Cyrus, "He is my shepherd, and he will completely carry out all my will"; the One saying of Jerusalem, "She will be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Your foundation will be laid."'"

According to Greek historian Herodotus, the army of Cyrus diverted the waters of the Euphrates River, which flowed through the city of Babylon. Cyrus' strategy enabled his troops to enter the city along the riverbed.  After taking the city, Cyrus freed the Jews who had been captive in Babylon and allowed them to return and rebuild Jerusalem, which had been destroyed 70 years earlier.

Next time: Conclusion of Prophecies That Have Come True

From the jw.org publications