The Image of Cyrus in Deutero-Isaiah

Abstract

The Book of Isaiah depicts Cyrus, much like in other biblical books, in a predominantly positive light, considering him a special foreign ruler in Hebrew scripture. The accounts of Cyrus might not have been originally composed by the contemporaneous author(s) but could have emerged from later writing and editing. The portrayal of Cyrus reflects the actual attitude of Israelite authors during the post-exilic period. While propagating monotheistic beliefs through this foreign king, the prophetic author attempted to link this image with significant figures in ancient Israel in an effort to reconcile conflicts between different traditions within the community.