116 Cyrus Cylinder

Museum Description: The Cyrus Cylinder

Room: 52/Case: 4/Number: ME 1880.0617.1941

Scripture: Isaiah 44:28

This is one of the four most important cuneiform tablets for Bible students, all four of which are in The British Museum.  They tell the story of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, and their return 70 years later.  This is the fourth, the Cyrus Cylinder.  Not only did Jehovah prophesy that Babylon would fall, but he also named the one who would do it - Cyrus.  The Cyrus Cylinder confirms this took place.  What is more, it also confirms that Cyrus would let captives return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, just as the Israelites did.  This detail in the Bible seemed almost unbelievable, that a conquering king would treat his captives so kindly, so it is remarkable to have secular confirmation.  The Cyrus Cylinder has been called the first bill of human rights.  A copy is in the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.  It also appears on Iranian coins and stamps.