The Lord of Spirits The Other Messiah in the Bible
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Oct 14, 2025 Dive into the fascinating history of Cyrus the Great, the Persian ruler who some argue might be a biblical messiah. Explore his dramatic rise and conquest of Babylon, and the noteworthy Cyrus Cylinder. Discover how his governance contrasted with other empires through religious tolerance and effective administration. The hosts delve into Zoroastrianism's origins and practices, debating Cyrus's relationship to the faith. Finally, ponder the intriguing prophecies in Isaiah that name Cyrus as anointed, highlighting deeper spiritual lessons from history.
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Persia Built A Different Kind Of Empire
- The Achaemenid Persian Empire under Cyrus created an administrative, commercial state with extensive infrastructure across three continents.
- This bureaucratic model and tolerance made the empire unusually stable and cosmopolitan for its time.
Herodotus' Legendary Origin Of Cyrus
- Herodotus tells a colorful birth-and-childhood legend for Cyrus involving dreams, shepherds, and a revenge-feast episode with Harpagus.
- The hosts treat it as an embellished folk origin that explains political betrayal more than literal history.
Cyrus Cylinder Portrays Him As Liberator
- The Cyrus Cylinder records Cyrus' peaceful entry into Babylon and frames him as a restorer welcomed by Marduk and the populace.
- The hosts use it as documentary evidence that Babylonian elites preferred Cyrus over Nabonidus.
