Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

That saith {H559} of Cyrus {H3566}, He is my shepherd {H7462}, and shall perform {H7999} all my pleasure {H2656}: even saying {H559} to Jerusalem {H3389}, Thou shalt be built {H1129}; and to the temple {H1964}, Thy foundation shall be laid {H3245}.

I say of Koresh, 'He is my shepherd, he will do everything I want. He will say of Yerushalayim, "You will be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Your foundation will be laid."'"

who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”

That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Commentary on Isaiah 44:28 (KJV)

Isaiah 44:28 is a remarkable prophetic declaration, showcasing God's unparalleled foreknowledge and control over human history. This verse specifically names Cyrus, a pagan king, over a century before his birth, identifying him as God's chosen instrument to fulfill His divine purpose: the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple.

Historical and Cultural Context

This prophecy was delivered by the prophet Isaiah around the 8th century BC, long before the Babylonian Empire rose to prominence and exiled the people of Judah. At the time of this prophecy, the Babylonian captivity was still in the distant future. Yet, God, through Isaiah, speaks of King Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, who would conquer Babylon in 539 BC. Cyrus's historical decree, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple, is well-documented (see Ezra 1:1-4). This specific naming of a future non-Israelite king, along with his precise mission, underscores the supernatural origin of Isaiah's prophecy and God's meticulous plan for His people after the Babylonian captivity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: The verse is a powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers, whether they acknowledge Him or not. He raises up and brings down kings, using even pagan leaders as His "shepherd" to accomplish His divine will. This theme reassures believers that God is always in control, even amidst political turmoil or seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  • Cyrus as God's "Shepherd": The term "shepherd" (Hebrew: ro'i) is significant. In biblical contexts, it typically refers to God Himself (e.g., Psalm 23:1) or to righteous leaders of Israel (e.g., King David). Applying it to Cyrus, a gentile king, emphasizes that he was uniquely appointed by God for a specific task: to gather God's scattered flock (Israel) and lead them back to their land. He was not a spiritual shepherd, but an instrument performing God's "pleasure" or purpose.
  • Promise of Restoration: The core message for Jerusalem and the temple is one of restoration and rebuilding. "Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." This promise offered immense hope to the Jewish exiles, assuring them that despite their current desolation, God had not forgotten His covenant and would bring about their return and the renewal of their worship center.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "shepherd" used here, ro'i, is a strong term denoting leadership, care, and guidance. Its application to Cyrus highlights his unique role as God's chosen agent, performing the specific task of leading the people back to rebuild. The phrase "perform all my pleasure" emphasizes that Cyrus's actions, though seemingly his own political decisions, were ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine plan.

Practical Application

Isaiah 44:28 offers profound encouragement and insight for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Unseen Hand: Even when circumstances seem chaotic or leaders appear ungodly, this verse reminds us that God is sovereignly working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. He can use anyone, anywhere, to bring about His will.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: Just as God promised restoration to a desolate Jerusalem, He offers hope in situations of despair or perceived brokenness. He is the God who rebuilds and restores.
  • Divine Orchestration: It encourages us to look beyond immediate events and recognize God's long-term plan. He knows the end from the beginning and meticulously orchestrates history to fulfill His promises.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:22

    ¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

  • Ezra 1:3

    Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 45:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

  • Ezra 6:3

    In the first year of Cyrus the king [the same] Cyrus the king made a decree [concerning] the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

  • Ezra 6:18

    And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which [is] at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

  • Isaiah 45:13

    I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Daniel 10:1

    ¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

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