The Lord Chooses The Persian King Cyrus to Release His People

Here begins the magnificent prophecy of Cyrus the Persian who will conquer Babylon and release the Jewish prisoners of war at Babylon. Cyrus is said to be the Lord's shepherd, who will lead His people who are now captive in the wilderness of Babylon and who will shepherd their return to their homeland. Cyrus conquered many other nations before fighting with Babylon. Euphrates River ran through the middle of Babylon and divided it into two parts. Cyrus decided that the river channels under the walls provided the only chance of gaining entry, but the volume of water and the strength of the current were too great. The forces of Cyrus diverted much of the river into an artificial marsh. When the water level had dropped sufficiently low, the Persian soldiers made their way in under the wall and captured the Babylonian capital.
The scene of the leaders inside the city was one of joyful indifference as they engaged in a drunken orgy. It was depicted by the prophet Daniel.