Dougg, FYI:

Quote:
Isaiah 45:1
Thus says the L-RD to Cyrus His messiah



So per Isaiah, whom you usually consider a reliable source, Cyrus was a messiah.

As for your question:

Quote:
btw, was Cyrus - who Judaism claims is the anointed one in verse 9:25 - "annointed because G-d says he is "annointed", or because he underwent the special oil anointing cerimony?


Again, FYI, Cyrus WAS an anointed king. Just not a Jewish one. He succeeded his father, Cambyses the Elder as King of Anshan.

So, dear Dougg, he was anointed as king by his people. And G-d recognized him as an anointed king.