This was a prophecy fullfilled 200 years after it was given when King Cyrus of Persia made a decree that the Jews could return to their own land and rebuild their city and temple. 2Cor.36:22,23..5 things Cyrus was to do for Jehovah! Be a Shepherd of Gods people. Perform Gods good pleasure in liberating the Jews. Decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Decree the rebuilding of the temple of God in Jerusalem. Subdue nations.Cyrus was named by God 150 years before he was born!...Genaveve
Genaveve is right. But there again it was about Jehovah's name being declared to all.saying: 5 I am Jehovah, and there is no one else. With the exception of me there is no God. I shall closely gird you, although you have not known me, 6 in order that people may know from the rising of the sun and from its setting that there is none besides me. I am Jehovah, and there is no one else. I hope this helps your question....ambliny
There is precedent for the divine anointing of a non-Israelite king. Although the living God normally employed Israelites for such purposes, he is sovereign and may use whom he will. In God's purpose Cyrus functions for Israel, he comes into the good of some of God's promises to that people. He would enjoy great triumphs over his enemies and would find their fortified cities no obstacle to his advance. The reference to great "riches" could refer to the treasures of Lydia--the riches of whose ruler, Croesus, were proverbial--or to those of Babylon; Cyrus overcame both.
The prophet declares that Cyrus would call on the Lord's name and that God's support of Cyrus has as its purpose that he might know that Israel's God is the Lord. The God of creation and the God of redemption are one.
We cannot accuse God of using inappropriate means to achieve his ends. Isaiah was particularly gifted in portraying sin as ridiculous and illogical, as he does here with the illustrations of the discarded scraps of pottery and the lump of clay in the hands of the potter.
The coming of Cyrus, though still future, is as certain as the existence of God's created universe. Not only is Jerusalem to be rebuilt, but its people will be freed from their exile.
