Cyrus Sets Them Free for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: The Return Home (Episode 01 of 10) | Scripture: Isaiah 44:28–45:1 | Ages 7+

Cyrus Sets Them Free is a Bible story from Isaiah 44:28–45:1 in the Old Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

What Is the Story of Cyrus Sets Them Free for Kids?

TITLE: Cyrus Sets Them Free SERIES: The Return Home — Episode 1 SCRIPTURE: Ezra 1 (Isaiah 44:28–45:1)

Hey — have you ever been away from home for so long that you almost forgot what it looked like? Maybe a long trip, summer camp, or staying at a relative's house way longer than planned?

Now imagine seventy YEARS away from home. Not seventy days. Seventy YEARS. That's how long My people were stuck in Babylon. A whole generation was born and grew old never having set foot in Jerusalem. They sang songs about a city most of them had never even seen. They wept by the rivers of Babylon and whispered, "Will we EVER go back?"

And the answer was yes — because I had a plan, and it involved somebody nobody expected.

This story comes from Isaiah 44:28–45:1 and is part of the Old Testament.

What Does the Story of Cyrus Sets Them Free Teach Children?

The story of Cyrus Sets Them Free teaches children important lessons about rebuilding, courage, God's faithfulness, prayer:

• This story teaches children about rebuilding in a way they can understand
• God's love and faithfulness are visible throughout this story
• Every Bible story connects to the bigger picture of God's plan for the world

Key Bible Verse

"I will go before you and make the rough places smooth." — Isaiah 45:2

A related freebie: our empty tomb coloring page, drawn as clean line art for crayons and markers.

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

Every Bible story is an opportunity to talk with your child about faith in a natural, low-pressure way. After watching, ask an open-ended question like 'What was your favorite part?' or 'What do you think God was trying to teach us?' These conversations do not need to be long or perfect. The goal is simply to make the Bible feel like a living, relevant part of your family's life, not something dusty on a shelf.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

How many years were the Jewish people in Babylon before they were allowed to go home?

70 years. The Jewish people were in Babylon for 70 years, just as God had promised through the prophet Jeremiah.

Who was the king that let the Jewish people return to Jerusalem?

Cyrus, king of Persia. Cyrus, king of Persia, issued the decree that allowed God's people to go home and rebuild the temple.

How many years BEFORE Cyrus was born did the prophet Isaiah write down his name?

150 years. Isaiah named Cyrus about 150 years before he was even born, showing that God knows the future completely.

About how many people made the journey back to Jerusalem?

50,000. Approximately 50,000 people packed up and traveled back to Jerusalem.

What did Cyrus tell the people surrounding the Jews to give them for the journey?

Silver, gold, and supplies. Cyrus decreed that people should load the Jews up with silver, gold, and supplies for rebuilding the temple.

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of Cyrus Sets Them Free?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like Cyrus in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the The Return Home Series

This story is episode 01 of 10 in the The Return Home series:

• Rebuilding the Temple for Kids
• Ezra Reads the Law for Kids
• Nehemiahs Prayer for Kids
• Rebuilding the Walls for Kids
• The Wall is Finished for Kids
• Esther Becomes Queen for Kids
• Hamans Evil Plot for Kids
• Esther Saves Her People for Kids
• Looking Forward for Kids

300+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 7+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Cyrus Sets Them Free about for kids?

Cyrus Sets Them Free is a story from Isaiah 44:28–45:1. TITLE: Cyrus Sets Them Free SERIES: The Return Home — Episode 1 SCRIPTURE: Ezra 1 (Isaiah 44:28–45:1)

What age is the story of Cyrus Sets Them Free appropriate for?

This retelling of Cyrus Sets Them Free is designed for children Ages 7+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is Cyrus Sets Them Free found in the Bible?

Cyrus Sets Them Free is found in Isaiah 44:28–45:1 in the Old Testament. It is part of the The Return Home series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of Cyrus Sets Them Free for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of Cyrus Sets Them Free designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use Cyrus Sets Them Free for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does Cyrus Sets Them Free teach kids?

The story of Cyrus Sets Them Free teaches children about rebuilding, courage, God's faithfulness, prayer. This story teaches children about rebuilding in a way they can understand.