Expert: Eric Christy - 9/8/2009

Question
The Bible mentions both the Assyrian and the Persians. Why does it seem to claim God used both empires to deal with the Hebrew people, and why does the Bible seem to condemn the Assyrians but praise the Persians, especially their great King Cyrus?

Answer
Hello Chris,

God used other nations to punish His people when they needed punishing. This is a common theme throughout the old testament. The reason God was angry with the Assyrians is because when they punished Israel for her sins, they over did it, they over-punished. That, and they were haughty and they mocked the Jews. The Persians seemed to be more moderate, and too King Cyrus was a good King and treated the Jews fairly. He was even prophesied to come in the book of Isaiah. This is a remarkable prophecy.

Eric