Topical Encyclopedia
Astyages, known in historical records as the last king of the Median Empire, is a figure of interest in biblical and ancient Near Eastern studies. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, his reign and actions have significant implications for understanding the historical context of the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the rise of the Persian Empire and the subsequent events that affected the Jewish people.
Historical BackgroundAstyages was the son of Cyaxares and reigned as the king of Media from approximately 585 to 550 BC. His rule marked the end of the Median Empire, as he was overthrown by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. This transition of power is crucial for biblical history, as it set the stage for the Persian influence over the region, including the eventual decree by Cyrus that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (
Ezra 1:1-4).
Astyages and the Biblical NarrativeWhile Astyages himself is not mentioned in the Bible, his overthrow by Cyrus is indirectly referenced in the prophetic literature. The prophet Isaiah speaks of Cyrus as the Lord's anointed, chosen to subdue nations and to facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles (
Isaiah 45:1-4). This prophecy highlights the divine orchestration behind the political shifts of the time, with Astyages' defeat being a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God's plan for His people.
Cultural and Political ContextAstyages' reign is characterized by the Median Empire's dominance over the region, which included parts of modern-day Iran and beyond. The Medes, along with the Babylonians, played a significant role in the downfall of the Assyrian Empire, which had previously been a major power in the ancient Near East. This geopolitical landscape is essential for understanding the dynamics between the various empires mentioned in the Bible, such as Assyria, Babylon, and Persia.
The fall of Astyages and the rise of Cyrus also illustrate the shifting power dynamics that allowed for the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. The Medes and Persians are often mentioned together in the Bible, particularly in the book of Daniel, where the "law of the Medes and Persians" is noted for its unchangeable nature (
Daniel 6:8). This reflects the dual nature of the empire that emerged after Astyages' defeat.
Legacy and SignificanceAstyages' legacy is primarily seen through the lens of his defeat and the subsequent rise of Cyrus the Great. This transition is a testament to the sovereignty of God over the nations, as depicted in the biblical narrative. The events surrounding Astyages' reign and downfall are a reminder of the intricate interplay between divine providence and human history, as God uses the rulers and empires of the world to accomplish His purposes.
In summary, while Astyages himself does not appear in the biblical text, his historical role as the last king of the Median Empire is a crucial element in the broader narrative of God's plan for His people, as it paved the way for the Persian Empire's influence and the eventual restoration of the Jewish exiles to their homeland.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ASTYAGESas-ti'-a-jes (Astuages; or Astyigas (in Ktesias)), or Istuvigu, son of Cyaxares.
I, king of the Medes 585-550 B.C., and predecessor of Cyrus (Bel and the Dragon verse 1): His wife was the daughter of Alyattes, king of Lydia. The daughter of Astyages (Mandane) married a Persian, Cambyses, and a son was born to them who later became Cyrus the Great. Astyages had given orders to expose the babe; but Harpagus, on whom the task had been imposed, gave the child to a herdsman, with instructions to kill him. When the boy, who had been brought up as his own by the herdsman, arrived at the age of twelve, Astyages discovered that he was the son of Mandane. The king in wrath then had the son of Harpagus killed and served to his father as food. The latter concealed his feelings of hatred and resentment, and bided his time; and when the young Cyrus had grown to manhood, he stirred up the grandson in insurrection against Astyages, who was defeated and taken prisoner (Herodotus i.127-30). When Astyages marched against the Persians, the Medes, under the command of Harpagus, deserted their king, and sided with the disappointed Persians; and Cyrus was crowned king. This account of Herodotus is confirmed by the Annalistic Tablet of Cyrus (RP, series ii, 159). The dethroned monarch was treated with kindness by his conqueror. According to Ktesias, a home was provided for him by Cyrus in Hyrcania.
Astyages was the last of the kings of the Manda (Media). An exceedingly shrewd man, Deioces by name, had founded the kingdom 150 years before (699-646). Phraortes was the second in line (646-624), and Cyaxares the third (624-584).
J. E. Harry
Library
Accession of Cyrus to the Throne.
... BC560 Change in the character of Cyrus."His ambition."Capriciousness of
Astyages."Cyrus makes great progress in mental and personal accomplishments...
Chronology.
... The principal chronological points, concerning which difficulties have been felt,
arise: (A) in vv.1, 2, concerningAstyages, Cyrus, and Daniel; (B) in v.22...
The Birth of Cyrus.
... The three Asiatic empires."Marriage of Cambyses."Story of Mandane."Dream of
Astyages."Astyages' second dream."Its interpretation."Birth of Cyrus...
The visit to Media.
...Astyages sends for Cyrus."Cyrus goes to Media."Cyrus's reception."His
astonishment."Sympathy with childhood."Pleasures of old age."Character of...
The Conquest of Lydia.
... Cyrus, Cyrus would himself cross the Halys and attack him; and, thirdly, he felt
under some obligation to consider himself the ally ofAstyages, and thus bound...
The Death of Cyrus.
... His wife is said to have been a daughter ofAstyages, and that he married her soon
after his conquest of the kingdom of Media, in order to reconcile the...
A Sermon on the Parable of a King that Married his Son, Made by...
... The story is this: There was a king namedAstyages, which had heard by a prophecy,
that one Cyrus should have the rule and dominion over his realm after his...
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... us back to 709-708, if we admit, as he does, that the year of the proclamation by
Cyrus as King of Persia (559-558) was that in whichAstyages was overthrown...
Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... information.Astyages is the old shah of the Median Empire, then at the
height of its seeming might and splendour and effeminacy....
The Servant of the Lord.
... information.Astyages is the old shah of the Median Empire, then at the
height of its seeming might and splendour and effeminacy....
Thesaurus
Astyages...ASTYAGES.
... The daughter of
Astyages (Mandane) married a Persian, Cambyses,
and a son was born to them who later became Cyrus the Great.
...Medes (15 Occurrences)
... was succeeded by Phraortes (Fravartish) his son, Phraortes by his son Kyaxares;
and the latter in turn left his kingdom to his sonAstyages whose daughter...
Cyrus (20 Occurrences)
... In that which he quotes (i.107), it is said that Mandane was the daughter of the
Median kingAstyages, who, in consequence of a dream which he had had...
Asunder (37 Occurrences)
Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences)
... His mother is not known by name. The classical historians mention two wives: Amytis,
the daughter ofAstyages, and Nitocris, the mother of Nabunaid....
Darius (26 Occurrences)
... 26). This king was probably the "Astyages" of the Greek historians. Nothing
can, however, be with certainty affirmed regarding him....
Media (14 Occurrences)
... It rose with Cyaxares, its first king, and it passed away with him; for during the
reign of his son and successorAstyages, the Persians waged war against the...
Astute (2 Occurrences)
Ahasbai (1 Occurrence)
... accept the identification of Gubaru with Darius the Mede, then the latter may well
have been another of his sons, at first a sub-king toAstyages the Scythian...
Persians (6 Occurrences)
... Herodotus i.102). Cyrus himself headed his countrymen's revolt againstAstyages,
who advanced to attack Pasargadae (549 BC). His army...
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