Throughout history, God has raised up leaders to accomplish His will, whether to bring about judgment, restoration, or to turn hearts back to Him. One of the most striking examples in Scripture is King Cyrus of Persia. While Cyrus was a pagan king who did not know God personally, he was used mightily by God to fulfill His purposes. Today, many Christians see parallels between Cyrus and modern leaders like Donald J. Trump, believing that God is working through them to bring righteousness and integrity to our nation and world.
King Cyrus of Persia is mentioned prominently in the Bible, especially in Isaiah 45:1-7, where God calls him His "anointed" and declares that Cyrus will subdue nations, open doors, and set captives free. This prophecy, written over 150 years before Cyrus’s reign, was fulfilled when Cyrus conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4).
Despite not knowing God personally, Cyrus was chosen by God to carry out His divine plan. He provided resources, protection, and freedom to the Jewish people, showing that God can use anyone—regardless of their faith or background—to accomplish His purposes.
The story of King Cyrus reminds us that God is sovereign over all rulers and nations. As Proverbs 21:1 states, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” Even when leaders may seem unlikely or imperfect, God is able to use them for His glory and the good of His people.
Similarly, Romans 13:1 teaches us that “there is no authority except that which God has established.” This means that every leader is ultimately placed in power by God, whether to bring blessing, expose corruption, or prompt repentance.
Israel’s Role in God’s Plan: Just as King Cyrus was instrumental in the restoration of Israel, modern leaders often play a key role in supporting God’s chosen people. Genesis 12:1-3 reminds us of God’s covenant with Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Leaders who stand with Israel are aligning themselves with God’s eternal purposes.
A Global Impact: When God raises up leaders, it often has ripple effects on the entire world. Leaders like Cyrus restored worship in Jerusalem, while modern leaders can bring about justice, expose unrighteousness, and protect religious freedom. Proverbs 14:34 declares, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” When leaders prioritize biblical values, nations are blessed, and people are drawn to God’s truth.
For many, Donald J. Trump’s presidency has been seen as evidence of God’s hand working through an unlikely leader. Trump’s support for Israel, including the recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, mirrors Cyrus’s role in restoring the Jewish people to their homeland. His efforts to protect religious freedoms and combat corruption align with biblical principles of justice and integrity.
While Trump, like any leader, is not perfect, his leadership has prompted Christians to pray more earnestly for their nation, seek repentance, and trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as God used Cyrus to fulfill His plan for Israel and the world, we can trust that He is working today through leaders to accomplish His divine purposes.
The Bible assures us that God’s plans are always for His glory and our ultimate good. Daniel 2:20-21 reminds us, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.”
When we see leaders rising to power, even those we may not expect, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. As Habakkuk 1:5 declares, “Look at the nations and watch—be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”
How does the story of King Cyrus encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty over leaders and nations?
In what ways have you seen God working through current leaders to accomplish His purposes?
How can we as Christians respond to God’s work in leadership with prayer and humility?
Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God’s plan, even when it seems unexpected or unclear?
As we reflect on how God uses leaders to carry out His will, let us be encouraged to pray for our nation, support righteousness, and trust that His plans will always prevail. Let us hold fast to the truth that God is sovereign, and nothing is beyond His control.