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Ann O'Maly

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Event Comments posted by Ann O'Maly

  1. As the book comments, this text was produced to legitimize Cyrus' right to conquer and rule Babylonia. 

    It's interesting how, because Nabonidus had disrespected Babylon's patron deity (Marduk) by elevating other gods instead and making other religious reforms, Cyrus is said to have been specially chosen and guided by Marduk to take Babylon and depose unfaithful Nabonidus.

    It's a familiar theme. Because Judean kings had dishonored and disobeyed YHWH, Nebuchadnezzar was divinely chosen to take Jerusalem and depose those unfaithful kings.

    Also compare:

    Cylinder

    "[Marduk] sought and looked through all the lands, searching for a righteous king whose hand he could grasp. ...

    "... And Marduk, the great lord, leader of his people, looked happily at the good deeds and steadfast mind of Cyrus and ordered him to march to his own city Babylon, set him on the road to Babylon, and went alongside him like a friend and companion. His teeming army, uncounted like water (flowing) in a river, marched with him fully armed. (Marduk) allowed him to enter Babylon without battle or fight, sparing his own city of Babylon from hardship, and delivered Nabonidus, who had not worshipped him, into his hands."

    Isaiah 44:28

    "The One saying of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, And he will completely carry out all my will’"

    Isaiah 45:1

    "This is what Jehovah says to his anointed one, to Cyrus, Whose right hand I have taken hold of To subdue nations before him, To disarm kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut"

    It's fascinating that both Marduk and YHWH claim Cyrus as their chosen agent against Babylon and its king.
     

    EDIT: I've just watched the TED video and MacGregor mentions the same thing (but he expresses it better). It was an enlightening watch. Thanks Librarian:)

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