Isaiah 44:28

“That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.”

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Verse: “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” (Isaiah 44:28, KJV)

Historical Context:The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah during the 8th century BC. At this time, Israel and Judah were facing political instability and the looming threat of invasion from the Assyrian Empire. The prophecy in Isaiah 44:28 specifically mentions Cyrus, who was a Persian king. It is important to note that this prophecy was given about 150 years before Cyrus was born.

Cyrus the Great:Cyrus II, also known as Cyrus the Great, ruled the Persian Empire from 559 to 530 BC. He is notable for his military conquests and his policy of allowing captured peoples to return to their homelands. This included the Jewish exiles in Babylon, who were given permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.

The Sovereignty of God:Isaiah 44:28 reveals the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to use even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes. Despite Cyrus not being a follower of Yahweh, God calls him “my shepherd” and declares that Cyrus will perform all His pleasure. This demonstrates that God has the power to use and direct world leaders to fulfill His plans, even when they may not be aware of it.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:This verse also highlights the prophetic nature of the book of Isaiah. Centuries before Cyrus was born, Isaiah prophesied that he would be instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. This remarkable prophecy came to pass when Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild their city and temple (Ezra 1:1-4).

Restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple:The prophecy in Isaiah 44:28 assures the people of Jerusalem that the city will be rebuilt and the temple’s foundation will be laid. This message would have been a great source of hope and encouragement for the Jewish exiles who were longing to return to their homeland and restore their religious center.

Spiritual Application:This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It shows that God is not limited by human circumstances or political situations. He can work through unlikely sources to bring about His plans. As believers, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and rely on His faithfulness, knowing that He is capable of fulfilling His promises in our lives.

• In conclusion:Isaiah 44:28 is a powerful verse that speaks of God’s sovereignty, His ability to use pagan kings for His purposes, and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It also serves as a reminder of the restoration and hope that God offers to His people.