Cyrus
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Isa 44:28 and elsewhere) - conqueror of the Medes, Lydians, and Babylonians, founder of the Medo-Persian monarchy, and liberator of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. He was first called Agradar, while Cyrus became his royal title when he rose to public prominence. Scripture first names him in Isaiah's prophecy about a century and a half before his birth: the LORD 'saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid' (Isa 44:28).
Before Judah became a Persian province and before the two tribes were carried to Babylon, Isaiah named Cyrus as their future deliverer (Isa 41:2, 6; 44:28; 45:1), a chosen instrument in God's hand for Babylon's overthrow.