Why does God call Cyrus by name despite him not knowing God? Setting the Scene The southern kingdom of Judah will soon tumble into Babylonian exile. Yet, 150 years before Cyrus is even born, Isaiah writes: “ ‘For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen, I call you by name; I bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not know Me.’ ” (Isaiah 45:4) Why single out a future, pagan Persian king? Scripture itself supplies clear, literal answers. Reasons God Names Cyrus • To keep covenant promises to Israel – God swore never to abandon the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 17:7). – He foretold Judah’s return after exile (Jeremiah 29:10). Cyrus would issue the decree that made that homecoming possible (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). • To display unrivaled sovereignty over rulers – “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1) – Isaiah 45:1 pictures the LORD grasping Cyrus’s right hand—an image of absolute control. • To authenticate prophecy and Scripture – Naming Cyrus 150 years in advance leaves no naturalistic explanation. It validates the literal accuracy of Isaiah and demonstrates that “I am the LORD, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:5-6). • To humble the nations – God used Pharaoh to publicize His power (Romans 9:17); He uses Cyrus the same way. When Persia’s tablets record, “I am Cyrus, king of the world,” Scripture counters: “I, the LORD, summon you by name” (Isaiah 45:4). • To bless Israel, bless Cyrus, and bless the world – Cyrus receives “a title of honor” (Isaiah 45:4); God opens bronze doors before him (Isaiah 45:2). – Through Cyrus’s decree, the temple is rebuilt, preserving the lineage and worship from which Messiah comes (Ezra 6:14-15; Galatians 4:4). Key Takeaways for Today • God keeps His word in precise detail—down to personal names and political events. • Unbelievers may think they steer history, yet the Lord channels every decision toward His redemptive plan. • When Scripture records prophecy, it is not poetic guesswork; it is literal truth we can stake our lives on. Linked Passages to Explore • Isaiah 44:28—first mention of Cyrus by name • Isaiah 41:2-4—“Who has stirred up one from the east?” • Daniel 2:21—“He removes kings and establishes them” • Ezra 1:1-4 & 6:3—Cyrus’s decree in action |
    |