3 The expression this one from the east refers to the Persian conqueror Cyrus, as later texts indicate (see 44:28–45:6; 46:11; 48:14–16).
4 The interrogative particle is understood by ellipsis.
5 Heb “[in] righteousness called him to his foot.”
6 Heb “he [the Lord] places before him [Cyrus] nations.”
7 The verb יַרְדְּ (yardé) is an otherwise unattested Hiphil form from רָדָה (radah, “rule”). But the Hiphil makes no sense with “kings” as object; one must understand an ellipsis and supply “him” (Cyrus) as the object. The Qumran scroll 1QIsaa has יוֹרִד (yorid), which appears to be a Hiphil form from יָרַד (yarad, “go down”). Others suggest reading יָרֹד (yarod), a Qal form from רָדַד (radad, “beat down”).
8 The point is that they are powerless before Cyrus’ military power and scatter before him.

In other versions

Who stirred up one from the east

whom victory meets at every step?

He gives up nations before him,

so that he tramples kings underfoot;

he makes them like dust with his sword,

like driven stubble with his bow.

“Who has stirred up one from the east,

calling him in righteousness to his service?

He hands nations over to him

and subdues kings before him.

He turns them to dust with his sword,

to windblown chaff with his bow.

Who has stirred up someone from the east?

In righteousness he calls him to serve.

The Lord hands nations over to him,

and he subdues kings.

He makes them like dust with his sword,

like wind-driven stubble with his bow.

“Who has stirred up this king from the east,

rightly calling him to God’s service?

Who gives this man victory over many nations

and permits him to trample their kings underfoot?

With his sword, he reduces armies to dust.

With his bow, he scatters them like chaff before the wind.

Who has roused salvation from the east,

summoned him to his foot,

gives nations in his presence,

and subjugates kings?

He makes them like the dust with his sword,

like scattered stubble with his bow.

Who raised up the righteous man from the east,

Called him to his foot,

Gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings?

He gave them as the dust to his sword,

And as driven stubble to his bow.

Public Domain