Explain the significance, to Old Testament study, of the Cyrus Cylinder

The Cyrus cylinder a 9-inch-long clay cylinder, Discovered at Babylon which records the city's conquest by Persia's King Cyrus. Cyrus took the city by surprise, without a battle. Cyrus also describes his new religious policy of toleration, which allowed captive Jews to return home (Ezra 1:1-3). The Cyrus Cylinder is of significance to the study of the Old Testament as it supports the bible in describing how King Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonians and …

…good tool to widen the information obtained on the actions and proceedings of King Cyrus. It also helps in understanding the context in more depth which makes it significant to the study of the Old Testament. Although it is helpful it must only be used as a secondary source for the development of knowledge and understanding of the word of God. It is therefore significant but not vital to the study of the Old Testament.