Cyrus Donald Trump – What exactly did Cyrus do for the Israel did he use Violence to aChieve This ?

The figure of Cyrus the Great has become a central pillar in modern American political theology.¹ To understand why some evangelical leaders view Donald Trump as a “modern-day Cyrus,” we must first look at the historical and biblical figure who inspired this comparison.

Cyrus the Great: History vs. Scripture

In history, Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great) was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.² He is unique in the Bible because he is the only non-Jew to be called “Anointed” (Hebrew: Mashiach or Messiah).³

• What he did for Israel: In 539 BC, Cyrus conquered Babylon, where the Jewish people had been held in exile for 70 years.⁴ He issued the Edict of Cyrus, which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and even provided funds from the royal treasury to rebuild their Temple.⁵

   

• Did he use violence? Yes. While the famous Cyrus Cylinder (a clay record of his conquest) depicts him entering Babylon “without a battle” (due to the city’s surrender), Cyrus was a military conqueror. He built the largest empire the world had ever seen through significant warfare, subduing the Medes, Lydians, and Babylonians.⁶ However, he was famous for religious tolerance, allowing conquered peoples to keep their customs rather than enslaving or deporting them.⁷

   

Comparing Cyrus and Trump

The “Cyrus Narrative” was popularized in 2016 by Lance Wallnau and has since become a dominant framework for many evangelicals.⁸ The comparison is built on several key points:

1. The “Flawed Vessel” Argument: Just as Cyrus was a “pagan” king who did not follow the God of Israel but was used by God anyway, supporters argue that Trump’s personal life or “secular” past is irrelevant because God has “anointed” him for a specific task.

2. Support for Israel: Cyrus facilitated the return to Jerusalem; supporters see Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the Abraham Accords as a modern fulfillment of this role.⁹

    

3. A “Wrecking Ball”: Advocates like Andrew Wommack describe Trump as a “wrecking ball” sent to destroy “demonic” systems (like secularism or the “Deep State”) to protect the Church.

The Preachers: A House Divided

The “Trump-Cyrus” theology has created a sharp divide among American religious leaders. Below are ten prominent voices on each side of this debate.

Top 10 Who Support the Cyrus/Anointed Narrative

These leaders generally believe Trump is divinely appointed or “anointed” by God for this moment in history.¹⁰

1. Lance Wallnau – The primary voice who first popularized the Trump-Cyrus prophecy.¹¹

    

2. Paula White – Trump’s long-time spiritual advisor and prosperity gospel preacher.¹²

    

3. Franklin Graham – Head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; frequent defender of Trump’s divine role.¹³

    

4. Robert Jeffress – Pastor of First Baptist Dallas; one of Trump’s most loyal “court evangelicals.”¹⁴

    

5. Andrew Wommack – Founder of Truth & Liberty Coalition; has suggested a civil war would be worth it to “save” America.¹⁵

    

6. Hank Kunneman – A prominent “prophetic” voice who claims God told him Trump is still the rightful leader.¹⁶

    

7. Guillermo Maldonado – Founder of King Jesus International Ministry; has explicitly called Trump a “Cyrus.”

8. Jim Bakker – Former PTL leader; uses his show to promote Trump as God’s chosen protector.¹⁷

    

9. Ché Ahn – Leader in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR); promotes the Seven Mountain Mandate.¹⁸

    

10. Mike Evans – Founder of the Friends of Zion Museum; frequently compares Trump to Cyrus regarding Israel.¹⁹

     

Top 10 Who Oppose or Criticize the Narrative

These leaders argue that this theology is a form of “political idolatry” or a distortion of the Gospel.

1. Russell Moore – Former SBC leader and Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today; a vocal critic of Christian Nationalism.²⁰

    

2. Beth Moore – Popular author and speaker who left the SBC over the “Trumpian” shift in the church.

3. David French – Christian writer and lawyer; argues that the Cyrus narrative ignores the ethical requirements of leadership.

4. Max Lucado – Best-selling author and pastor; has publicly criticized Trump’s character as contrary to the “decency” of faith.²¹

    

5. Michael Horton – Theologian and host of White Horse Inn; warns that “Cyrus theology” replaces Christ with political power.

6. John Fea – Historian and author of Believe Me; argues that evangelicals are trading their witness for political influence.²²

    

7. Gregory Boyd – Author of The Myth of a Christian Nation; believes the church should never seek “dominion” via the state.

8. Mark Galli – Former editor of Christianity Today who famously called for Trump’s removal from office.

9. Peter Wehner – Conservative writer and Christian thinker; describes the movement as “nihilistic” and “tribal.”²³

    

10. Ben Witherington III – Renowned New Testament scholar; argues that the “Cyrus” comparison is a biblical category error.

The Danger of “Jihad” Rhetoric

The shift from “praying for leaders” to suggesting that a civil war is a “benefit” marks a radical departure from traditional Christian ethics. When leaders like Wommack frame political opponents as “demonic” or “unworthy to be in America,” they move away from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” ($Matthew 5:44$).

Critics warn that this “Christian Jihad” replaces the Great Commission (spreading the Gospel) with a Political Crusade (seizing territory), potentially leading to the very violence you are concerned about.

Inside the religious MAGA sect that believes Trump was anointed by God

This video provides an in-depth look at the specific groups and leaders who believe Donald Trump’s presidency is a divine appointment, exploring the real-world impact of this “anointed” theology.