Following key diplomatic successes and the return of hostages, Israelis honored US President Donald Trump with an extraordinary tribute: likening him to Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian ruler. Billboards across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv declared: “Cyrus the Great is alive!”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This comparison, though rooted in ancient history, has profound modern resonance for many Israelis and their allies.
The Ancient Precedent: Cyrus the Liberator
In 539 BC, Cyrus II of Persia, founder of the vast Achaemenid Empire, conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His actions profoundly shaped Jewish history:
- The Decree: Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish people, who had been exiled to Babylon after the destruction of the First Temple, to return to their homeland in Jerusalem.
- The Restoration: This momentous act paved the way for the Return to Zion and the rebuilding of the Second Temple.
- The Anointed One: Although not Jewish, Cyrus is celebrated as a liberator and restorer. In the Book of Isaiah, he is the only non-Jewish figure described by the prophet as God’s “anointed one” (messiah), seen as a divinely chosen instrument of liberation.
The Modern Analogy: Trump as the Contemporary Cyrus
Trump’s admirers draw a direct parallel between Cyrus‘s role in freeing the exiles from Babylon and the modern-day actions they credit to the US President.
| Historical Role of Cyrus (539 BC) | Modern Role of Trump (Per Supporters) |
| Ends Jewish Exile in Babylon. | Secured the release of hostages and helped bring an end to the war (Gaza ceasefire). |
| Restores the Temple and Jerusalem. | Reaffirmed Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s capital (2018), a move seen as crucial to the nation’s spiritual and physical security. |
| Pagan King Used by God. | A leader, despite being non-Jewish, who restores Israel’s fortunes through decisive action and diplomacy. |
| The New Babylon. | In this framing, the recent conflict zone of Gaza becomes the new Babylon, and Trump is the contemporary Cyrus. |
The Jerusalem Factor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cemented this parallel in 2018, explicitly linking Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to the historical decrees of other key figures:
“We remember the proclamation of the great king, Cyrus the Great, the Persian king 2,500 years ago… And we remember how a few weeks ago, President Donald J Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Mr President, this will be remembered by our people through the ages.“
A Belief in Divine Purpose
The analogy is particularly powerful among Evangelical Christians, who often view Trump as an “imperfect vessel” chosen by God to fulfill a divine purpose. They see him as divinely appointed to advance Israel’s destiny, just as the “pagan king Cyrus served God’s will.”
Critiques of the Comparison
Critics acknowledge the symbolic power but are quick to highlight the differences. They point out disparities in leadership style, moral character, and human rights records between the ancient, humane ruler and the modern president.
Would you like to explore the specific text of the original Edict of Cyrus as recorded in the Bible (the Books of Ezra and Chronicles)?
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