This verse, Isaiah 44:28, is a powerful prophecy about King Cyrus of Persia, who would be instrumental in the restoration of the Jewish people after their Babylonian exile. Let's break down its meaning:
"Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd…’": This highlights that God has chosen Cyrus for a specific purpose. The term "shepherd" in the Bible often refers to a leader appointed by God to care for and guide His people. In this context, it signifies that Cyrus will act as an instrument of God's will, even though Cyrus himself may not worship the God of Israel.
"...and shall perform all my pleasure,’": This emphasizes that Cyrus's actions will align with God's plans and fulfill His divine purpose. God is declaring that Cyrus will be used to bring about His desired outcome.
"...even saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built;’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’": This is the core of the prophecy. It foretells that Cyrus will decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the Jewish temple. This is a significant promise of restoration for the Jewish people, who were in exile and their city and temple had been destroyed.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's Sovereignty: God is in control of history and can use even foreign rulers (like Cyrus) to accomplish His purposes.
Prophecy Fulfilled: This prophecy was remarkable because it named Cyrus by name over 100 years before he was born. This makes this passage one of the most important passages to demonstrate the predictive prophecy in the Old Testament.
Restoration and Hope: It offers a message of hope and restoration for the exiled Jewish people, promising the rebuilding of their city and temple.
Divine Plan: It reveals that God had a specific plan for the Jewish people, even during their exile, and that He would use Cyrus as a key figure in its fulfillment.
This verse is important because it demonstrates God's power to foresee and orchestrate events, even using unlikely figures to achieve His goals. It also underscores the promise of restoration and hope for the Jewish people after a period of great suffering and displacement.
This verse, Isaiah 44:28, is a powerful prophecy about King Cyrus of Persia, who would be instrumental in the restoration of the Jewish people after their Babylonian exile. Let's break down its meaning:
"Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd…’": This highlights that God has chosen Cyrus for a specific purpose. The term "shepherd" in the Bible often refers to a leader appointed by God to care for and guide His people. In this context, it signifies that Cyrus will act as an instrument of God's will, even though Cyrus himself may not worship the God of Israel.
"...and shall perform all my pleasure,’": This emphasizes that Cyrus's actions will align with God's plans and fulfill His divine purpose. God is declaring that Cyrus will be used to bring about His desired outcome.
"...even saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built;’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’": This is the core of the prophecy. It foretells that Cyrus will decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the Jewish temple. This is a significant promise of restoration for the Jewish people, who were in exile and their city and temple had been destroyed.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's Sovereignty: God is in control of history and can use even foreign rulers (like Cyrus) to accomplish His purposes.
Prophecy Fulfilled: This prophecy was remarkable because it named Cyrus by name over 100 years before he was born. This makes this passage one of the most important passages to demonstrate the predictive prophecy in the Old Testament.
Restoration and Hope: It offers a message of hope and restoration for the exiled Jewish people, promising the rebuilding of their city and temple.
Divine Plan: It reveals that God had a specific plan for the Jewish people, even during their exile, and that He would use Cyrus as a key figure in its fulfillment.
This verse is important because it demonstrates God's power to foresee and orchestrate events, even using unlikely figures to achieve His goals. It also underscores the promise of restoration and hope for the Jewish people after a period of great suffering and displacement.