What role does Cyrus play in fulfilling God's plan according to Isaiah 44:28? Scripture Focus “who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd, he will fulfill all that I desire,’ saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid.’ ” (Isaiah 44:28) Why Isaiah 44:28 Matters • Written about 150 years before Cyrus was born, this prophecy names him directly. • It demonstrates God’s sovereign foreknowledge and His commitment to restore His people after exile. • Cyrus is called “My shepherd,” an intimate term God usually reserves for leaders like David (Psalm 78:70-71). The Specific Tasks God Assigns to Cyrus 1. Rebuild Jerusalem – “saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt’” – Fulfilled when Cyrus issued his decree in 538 BC allowing the exiles to return (Ezra 1:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). 2. Lay the Temple’s Foundations – “and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid.’” – The first group of returnees, under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, began rebuilding the altar and foundation in Cyrus’s first year (Ezra 3:1-10). Titles That Reveal His Role • “My shepherd” – He will guide God’s people back home and provide for them. • “Anointed” (Isaiah 45:1) – A royal commission; though a Gentile king, he is set apart to perform a sacred task. How Cyrus Fulfills God’s Plan • Ends Babylonian domination (Isaiah 45:2-3; Daniel 5:30-31). • Issues a decree that literally restores Judah (Ezra 1:1-4). • Supplies resources: silver, gold, livestock, and the temple vessels (Ezra 1:4-11). • Demonstrates that the Lord “stirs up the spirit” of rulers to accomplish His purposes (2 Chronicles 36:22). Echoes of a Greater Redeemer • As Cyrus releases captives, he foreshadows the Messiah who proclaims “freedom for the captives” (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). • His title “shepherd” anticipates the True Shepherd who gathers God’s flock permanently (John 10:11-16). Takeaway for Today • God’s Word is precise; He names Cyrus long before history unfolds. • He controls kings and kingdoms to keep His covenant promises. • Just as He used Cyrus, He still directs world events to advance redemption and keep every promise He has spoken. |
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