Sometime around 700 BC, God inspired the prophet Isaiah to write a prophecy concerning His anointed, His messiah. This person would act for God upon earth, conquering kingdoms, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, and shepherding His people. God would go before him, even holding his hand, granting him fame, riches, and power as only God can. Through Isaiah, God prophesies His anointed to be Cyrus, King of Persia, a pagan king of bloody conquests and cut-throat politics, yet chosen by God to fulfill His will. The term "His anointed" in this context, derived from the Hebrew word mashiah, meaning anointed or anointed one, reveals a broader application than commonly assumed. In the Old Testament, mashiah and its verb form mashah describe kings, priests, and prophets set apart for God's service through a ritual anointing with oil. At its core, mashiah indicates a person God authorizes and sets apart for His service, with the type of service varying across roles. One key aspect of these roles is deliverance, a theme that unfolds throughout God's revelation. Isaiah's prophecy about Cyrus is fulfilled to the letter. God would dry up rivers for Cyrus to subdue nations, and the gates of Babylon were opened before him during a festival, allowing his troops to take control unnoticed. The inhabitants of Babylon bowed to Cyrus and kissed his feet, jubilant at his kingship. As was his policy, Cyrus allowed vassal states to retain their cultural and religious identities, advanced funds for the repair of public buildings, particularly temples, and reversed forced relocations, permitting conquered peoples to return to their homelands. His decree in 538 BC returned the Jews to Judea, authorized the rebuilding of the Temple, and restored the Temple articles taken by Nebuchadnezzar, fulfilling Isaiah's words that Cyrus, not for price nor reward, would rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple and allow the exiles to return to their land.