What is the meaning of Isaiah 44:28? Cyrus, My shepherd – God personally names Cyrus, a Persian king yet unborn to Isaiah’s day (cf. Isaiah 45:1). – By calling him “My shepherd,” the Lord assigns Cyrus a pastoral role over His people, guiding them back to the land. – The title is striking; shepherd language is usually reserved for Davidic rulers or the Lord Himself (Psalm 23:1; Ezekiel 34:23). Here it shows God’s sovereign right to raise up even a pagan ruler to care for Israel. – This literal naming centuries in advance demonstrates the Lord’s complete foreknowledge and authority over history (Isaiah 46:9-10). Will fulfill all that I desire – Cyrus will “fulfill all that I desire,” not merely some political objective but every aspect of God’s plan regarding Judah’s return (Jeremiah 29:10-14). – The decree Cyrus later issues—recorded in Ezra 1:1-4—precisely aligns with God’s purposes, proving that even kings’ hearts are directed by the Lord (Proverbs 21:1). – The text reassures exiled Israelites that their future does not hinge on their own power but on God’s sovereign will executed through chosen instruments. Jerusalem will be rebuilt – The promise targets the city’s restoration after Babylon’s destruction (2 Kings 25:9). – Isaiah announces this roughly 150 years before the event, confirming God’s word is certain (Isaiah 55:10-11). – Fulfillment begins under Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel (Ezra 2 - 6) and continues under Nehemiah, who rebuilds the walls (Nehemiah 2 - 6). – The verse reminds believers that God does not abandon His dwelling place with His people; He restores what sin and judgment have torn down. Let its foundation be laid – “The temple” refers to Solomon’s destroyed house (2 Chronicles 36:19). God vows not only a city but also renewed worship. – Ezra 3:8-13 records the laying of the second temple’s foundation “in the second year after they arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem,” exactly matching the prophecy. – Reestablishing the temple means the return of sacrifices, festivals, and teaching of the Law—signs of covenant fellowship (Haggai 1:8; Zechariah 8:3-9). – By highlighting the foundation, the Lord stresses starting afresh on solid ground; He alone sets both the literal and spiritual cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16). summary Isaiah 44:28 reveals God’s sovereign mastery over nations and history. Long before Babylon falls, the Lord names Cyrus and assigns him to shepherd His people, carry out every divine desire, rebuild Jerusalem, and relay the temple’s foundation. Each promise is literally fulfilled in the post-exilic era, confirming Scripture’s reliability and God’s faithfulness. The verse invites readers today to trust that the same Lord still directs rulers, restores what is broken, and accomplishes all He purposes for His people. |
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