When you come in contact with the anointing of God, it not only affects your moment, it affects your tomorrow.— ~ Creflo A. Dollar
This prophecy refers to Cyrus, a Mede-Persian king who would conquer Babylon and liberate the Israelites from captivity. Remarkably, it was foretold nearly 500 years before its fulfillment. Though Cyrus was not an Israelite or a descendant of Abraham, God chose him as His instrument to restore the nation of Israel and reinstate the worship of Yahweh. This extraordinary calling parallels the mission of the Messiah, though Cyrus was a Gentile—just as many Christians today are not of Israelite descent.
The prophecy begins with God preparing Cyrus for his task: anointing him and holding his right hand.
God calls Cyrus “His Anointed.” In the Christian context, the concept of anointing can sometimes be overcomplicated. Here, it signifies that God chose, distinguished, and empowered Cyrus for a unique purpose. Many kings ruled before Cyrus, but only he was appointed to fulfill this task of restoration.
Are we anointed for what God has called us to do? Often, our minds associate anointing with a ceremonial act, such as the pouring of oil and a prophetic declaration. But what if we’ve never experienced that? Does it mean we’re not anointed? Not at all. Just as God told Jeremiah that he was chosen and ordained before his birth, we too have been chosen for specific purposes in our homes, workplaces, communities, and beyond.
However, it is critical to understand that our anointing aligns with what God has ordained for us. When we step into areas God has not called us to, we may face unnecessary struggles. We can only conquer where God has placed us.
God also says of Cyrus, “Whose right hand I have held.”
This signifies that Cyrus’ authority and power came directly from God. While Cyrus would execute his calling, the strength to succeed was not his own—it was God’s. In the same way, when we discover our purpose, we must guard against relying solely on our strategies or worldly formulas for success. The fulfillment of our calling is ultimately not by might or power, but by God’s Spirit.
The prophecy further states that Cyrus would subdue nations and loose the armor of kings. Yet, God Himself would open double doors that no one could shut. This balance between human responsibility and divine intervention is crucial. There are actions God expects us to take, but there are also tasks only He can accomplish. If we attempt to force doors open that God has not opened, we will struggle to keep them open.
The story of Joshua, Ai, and the Gibeonites serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of discerning God’s guidance. Even when we are called and anointed, we must rely on God for clarity and direction in every season. When we operate in alignment with His will, we can conquer as Cyrus did—fulfilling our purpose and advancing His kingdom.