Isaiah 44:28–45:4

²⁸I say of Cyrus, ⁿ ‘He is my shepherd

and will do all that I want him to do.

He will say to Jerusalem, “You will be built again!”

He will tell the Temple, “Your foundations will be rebuilt.” ’ ”

God Chooses Cyrus to Free Israel

45This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his appointed king:

“I hold your right hand

and will help you defeat nations

and take away other kings’ power.

I will open doors for you

so city gates will not stop you.

²I will go before you

and make the mountains flat.

I will break down the bronze gates of the cities

and cut through their iron bars.

³I will give you the wealth that is stored away

and the hidden riches

so you will know I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

⁴I do these things for my servants, the people of Jacob,

and for my chosen people, the Israelites.

Cyrus, I call you by name,

and I give you a title of honor even though you don’t know me.