Isaiah 45:1–7

Cyrus, the Lord’s Chosen One

1 This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one,

whose right hand he will empower.

Before him, mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear.

Their fortress gates will be opened,

never to shut again.

2 This is what the Lord says:

“I will go before you, Cyrus,

and level the mountains.*

I will smash down gates of bronze

and cut through bars of iron.

3 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—

secret riches.

I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

4 “And why have I called you for this work?

Why did I call you by name when you did not know me?

It is for the sake of Jacob my servant,

Israel my chosen one.

5 I am the Lord;

there is no other God.

I have equipped you for battle,

though you don’t even know me,

6 so all the world from east to west

will know there is no other God.

I am the Lord, and there is no other.

7 I create the light and make the darkness.

I send good times and bad times.

I, the Lord, am the one who does these things.