[VISUAL BIBLE STUDY 66] The foreign king whom the Old Testament called the Messiah 

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Persia, having overthrown the Neo-Babylonian Empire and even conquered Egypt, formed the largest empire in the world. In its true sense, it was the first great empire in human history. King Cyrus, unlike the Assyrians or Babylonians, liberated all the colonial peoples and granted them religious freedom. Although this was a means to efficiently maintain the vast empire, it was an exceptionally bold and tolerant policy in light of contemporary ideas and customs. Seeing Cyrus's policy, the Jews believed that God's word was fulfilled through him and did not hesitate to call him the Messiah. However, despite this decree of liberation, many did not return to their homeland of Jerusalem for various reasons, and the courageous few had to adapt anew to their barren homeland. Nevertheless, conflicts of interest arose with local inhabitants like the Samaritans, and with no progress on the temple construction, 18 years passed as everyone struggled to survive. During this time, signs of division appeared in the Persian Empire, and encouraged by the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, Zerubbabel, the last descendant of David and governor of Judah, was able to restart the temple construction. Four years after resuming construction, the long-dreamed-of Second Temple was built.