@article{ART003219316},
author={Choi Chol gyu},
title={A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder},
journal={Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies},
issn={1229-0521},
year={2025},
volume={31},
number={2},
pages={256-278}
TY - JOUR
AU - Choi Chol gyu
TI - A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder
JO - Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 31
IS - 2
PB - Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
SP - 256
EP - 278
SN - 1229-0521
AB - This paper demonstrates significant similarities between the so-called Cyrus Cylinder, discovered in 1879, and Deutero-Isaiah, particularly chapters 40 to 55 of the Book of Isaiah. Although numerous scholars have noted the parallels between the two texts, their similarity has frequently been dismissed on the grounds of the Assyrian origins of both documents, the suggestion that the author of Deutero-Isaiah incorporated pro-Persian propaganda, or the theological discrepancies between the two. It compares the Akkadian expressions found in the Cyrus Cylinder with the Hebrew text of the Deutero-Isaiah, and explores the relationship between the two documents through the theology of Deutero-Isaiah. The two texts share several key themes, including the selection of Cyrus, his royal victory, the conquest of Babylon, and the return of the exiles, as well as a number of smaller elements. In addition to the previously noted similarities in expression, this study refutes the claim of pro-Persian propaganda by highlighting the shared deities, Bel and Nebo, between the two texts. These parallels are particularly evident in Isaiah 41:2–4, 25; 43:5–7, 22–24; 44:28–45:4; 46:1; and 48:14–15. Building on these parallels, this study challenges previous claims and seeks to understand the incorporation of the Cyrus Cylinder into Deutero-Isaiah from the perspective of monotheism. Both documents are theological in nature. While the Cyrus Cylinder attributes Cyrus’s authority to the will of supreme deity Marduk, but the author of Deutero-Isaiah reinterprets this theological framework within a Yahwistic monotheism, asserting that the gods of the nations are mere idols and that YHWH alone is the one true God.
KW - Cyrus Cyliner;Deutero-Isaiah;Marduk;Bel;Nabu;Nebo;Akitu Festival;Monotheism
DO -
UR -
ER -
Choi Chol gyu. (2025). A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(2), 256-278.
Choi Chol gyu. 2025, "A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder", Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, vol.31, no.2 pp.256-278.
Choi Chol gyu "A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31.2 pp.256-278 (2025) : 256.
Choi Chol gyu. A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder. 2025; 31(2), 256-278.
Choi Chol gyu. "A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.2 (2025) : 256-278.
Choi Chol gyu. A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(2), 256-278.
Choi Chol gyu. A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies. 2025; 31(2) 256-278.
Choi Chol gyu. A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder. 2025; 31(2), 256-278.
Choi Chol gyu. "A Study on the Similarities between Deutero-Isaiah and the Cyrus Cylinder" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.2 (2025) : 256-278.
