God Calls Cyrus
(2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4)
1This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed,whose right hand I have graspedto subdue nations before him,to disarm kings,to open the doors before him,so that the gates will not be shut:2“I will go before youand level the mountains;†I will break down the gates of bronzeand cut through the bars of iron.3I will give you the treasures of darknessand the riches hidden in secret places,so that you may know that I am the LORD,the God of Israel, who calls you by name.
I call you by name: Cyrus did not...
I call you by name: Cyrus did not know the Lord, but the Lord knew him. Isaiah predicted the rescuer Cyrus by name 150 years in advance. This prophecy would prove to the exiles that the Lord is indeed God and that he knows the future.
pot... its maker... baby... its father: It is...
pot . . . its maker . . . baby . . . its father: It is ridiculous for a creature to question the wisdom of its creator.
The Lord confronts those who question his right...
The Lord confronts those who question his right to use a pagan king to achieve his purposes. He, the Creator, is free and sovereign in his activities. He promised to bring his people back to their land, and he would use anyone he chose to accomplish that purpose.
14This is what the LORD says:
“The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush,†along with the Sabeans, men of stature,will come over to youand will be yours;they will trudge behind you;they will come over in chains and bow down to you.They will confess to you:‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other;there is no other God.’”15Truly You are a God who hides Himself,O God of Israel, the Savior.16They will all be put to shame and humiliated;the makers of idols will depart together in disgrace.17But Israel will be saved by the LORDwith an everlasting salvation;you will not be put to shame or humiliated,to ages everlasting.