“Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid.”’”
Isaiah 44:28
The striking eight-meter-tall, monumental tomb of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, sits in an otherwise uninspiring plain in southwest Iran. More than 150 years before Cyrus was born, God declared that Cyrus would be His chosen instrument to deliver His people. In Isaiah 44:28, God calls Cyrus “My shepherd” and proclaims that he would decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.
Cyrus’s decree allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4) and rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:1-12). This pagan king, whose heart and kingdom were under God’s sovereign control, fulfilled God’s purposes. Truly, God’s plans are unstoppable. He will use anyone He pleases to accomplish His will.
Cyrus’s reign is a testament to God’s sovereignty over all history, rulers, and nations. It encourages us to trust that God is working, even in circumstances that seem beyond our understanding. Take comfort in knowing that God is orchestrating His redemptive plan in ways we may not always see. Trust in His faithfulness to His promises and plan.
Cyrus’s decree allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4) and rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:1-12). This pagan king, whose heart and kingdom were under God’s sovereign control, fulfilled God’s purposes. Truly, God’s plans are unstoppable. He will use anyone He pleases to accomplish His will.
Cyrus’s reign is a testament to God’s sovereignty over all history, rulers, and nations. It encourages us to trust that God is working, even in circumstances that seem beyond our understanding. Take comfort in knowing that God is orchestrating His redemptive plan in ways we may not always see. Trust in His faithfulness to His promises and plan.
Scripture Focus
Isaiah 44:28-45:1
Insight
“Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;/ There is no shadow of turning with thee.” (Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 30-31
- Psalm 135
- Ephesians 1-2