Jesus in the Old Testament is a series of posts that will offer my readers a chance to consider pictures or shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament. As mentioned in the introduction to this series, some may be obvious, some may be not so obvious, and some may simply be a facet of the Lord those reading may not have considered previously.

I hope as we venture through this series, we will see the Lord in many wonderful pictures throughout the Old Testament.

Back in post 6 of this series, (Jesus in the Old Testament – Cyrus – 06) I suggested that Cyrus was a type of Christ in that he was undefeatable. In our lesson this morning, I would like to suggest that Cyrus is a type of Christ in that he subdued nations.

Some may consider this a duplication of typology, but I beg to differ. To be undefeated speaks of battle, of war, of victory over an enemy.

To subdue nations is much more than simply finding victory on the battlefield. There have been many a war in which the victorious army could not contain or govern the vanquished nation.

In our passage this morning, we find that to subdue may be translated as “conquer,” “defeat,” or “overthrow” The term has the meaning of “to beat down”. Cyrus was given the authority to defeat the nation militarily (to be undefeated) and also to control a population. He was able to subdue the people, even as he won his victories over the armies of the people.

I do not know of how he performed this act of dominance over all the nations he defeated, but with regards to the Jewish people, he subdued the Jewish nation (what was left of it) by acting out the command of God for his people. He freed them, and provided protection, and gave direction to reconstruct the city and the temple.

Cyrus’ method of subduing, or as our verse teaches, of “beating down” a people was certainly not the common method of controlling a defeated population. To beat down a people

Cyrus is known as a progressive leader, providing freedom to people groups that was unheard of prior to his arrival in history. There have been archeological findings that indicate he forwarded the rights of individuals, of providing the first declaration of human rights, giving religious tolerance and humane governance. He truly was one who subdued in a manner unheard of previously.

And yet, Cyrus’ profound and progressive manner in dealing with people groups to establish a kingdom, and to maintain his position of leader over them is only a dim comparison to the Christ.

He is the One who subdues His people by dying to give us life, providing the freedom of choice to be His people. He “beat us down” with a relentless love, a continual beckoning to peace, and the drawing of our mind and heart to the truth.

Cyrus was a man who lived a different style of leadership. His subduing was unlike any before him. Jesus also exhibited a different style of leadership, unlike any religious leader that may appear to be in competition for the attention of lost souls. His leadership has been demonstrated in the resurrection, providing to any who seek the truth ample evidence of His Lordship.

As we follow Him, we find that His leadership over His people is primarily that of grace, of a merciful King who desires the benefit of His subjects, and in doing so, shows His glory and greatness!

He has subdued nations, is subduing nations and will subdue nations! He is the only True King!

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