Isaiah 44:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."'"

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 44:28 is a profound prophetic declaration showcasing God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous control over human history. It uniquely names Cyrus, a pagan Persian king, over a century before his birth, identifying him as God's chosen "shepherd" to accomplish a specific divine purpose: the decree for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the laying of the temple's foundation. This verse powerfully underscores God's foreknowledge and His ability to orchestrate the actions of even ungodly rulers to fulfill His covenant promises to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of their future return and restoration. Chapters 40-48 emphasize God's incomparable power, His unique role as the only true God, and His ability to declare the future. Specifically, Isaiah 44:24-28 forms a powerful declaration of Yahweh as the sole Creator and Redeemer, contrasting Him with the impotence of idols. Verse 28 serves as the climactic statement of God's redemptive plan, immediately following a declaration of His power to frustrate the omens of liars and make diviners mad, while confirming the word of His servants. It sets the stage for the specific calling of Cyrus in Isaiah 45, where God further elaborates on His purpose for this foreign king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered in the 8th century BC, long before the Babylonian Empire rose to prominence and exiled the people of Judah in the 6th century BC. At the time of this prophecy, the kingdom of Judah was still intact, though facing threats from Assyria. The Babylonian captivity, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the temple's desolation were still future events. The naming of Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, is extraordinary because he would not conquer Babylon until 539 BC, over 150 years after Isaiah's ministry. Cyrus's policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples was revolutionary for its time, contrasting sharply with the Assyrian and Babylonian practices of forced resettlement. This specific, detailed foretelling of a future pagan king and his precise actions highlights the supernatural origin of Isaiah's message.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 44:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores God's **absolute sovereignty** over all nations and rulers, demonstrating that He raises up and brings down kings according to His divine will, even using pagan leaders as His instruments (as seen in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod") regarding Assyria). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God's unique foreknowledge**, proving His deity by His ability to declare the end from the beginning, unlike the impotent idols (a theme prevalent throughout [Isaiah 40-48](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - God's Uniqueness and Comfort for Israel")). Thirdly, the verse is a pivotal expression of God's **promise of restoration** for His exiled people and their land. Despite the impending judgment and desolation, God assures them of a future return and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its sacred temple, a promise that would provide immense hope during the seventy years of captivity (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Captivity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cyrus (Hebrew, _Kôwresh'_):** H3566. From the Persians; Koresh (or Cyrus), the Persian king. This is a proper noun, directly identifying the specific individual God would use. The fact that his name is given over a century before his birth is a powerful testament to God's unparalleled foreknowledge and control over history.
* **shepherd (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** H7462. A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend). While often used for God Himself (e.g., [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")) or for righteous Israelite leaders, its application to Cyrus signifies his role as God's appointed agent to gather and lead His people (the exiled Israelites) back to their land, performing a specific, divinely ordained task of leadership and care for God's "flock."
* **pleasure (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** H2656. From חָפֵץ; pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind). This term emphasizes that Cyrus's actions, though seemingly his own political decisions, were ultimately aligned with and executed God's sovereign will, His deepest desire and purpose for His people. It highlights the divine orchestration behind human events.
* **built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** H1129. A primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. This word, along with "laid" (H3245, _yâçad'_ - to found), underscores the concrete, physical restoration promised. It is not merely a spiritual rebuilding but a literal reconstruction of the desolate city and its central place of worship, the temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd":** This clause reveals God's direct, personal designation of Cyrus. By calling a pagan king "my shepherd," God asserts His ownership and authority over Cyrus, indicating that Cyrus, though unaware, would act as God's instrument. The term "shepherd" implies leadership, guidance, and care, signifying Cyrus's role in leading the Jewish exiles back to their land.
* **"and shall perform all my pleasure":** This phrase emphasizes the divine orchestration behind Cyrus's actions. His decree to allow the Jews to return and rebuild was not merely a political maneuver but the direct fulfillment of God's sovereign will and purpose. God's "pleasure" refers to His desired outcome, His plan for the restoration of His people and their worship.
* **"even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built":** This is a direct prophetic command and promise concerning the physical restoration of the city. Jerusalem, which would be devastated by the Babylonians, is assured of its future reconstruction. This promise offered immense hope to a people facing or enduring exile and desolation.
* **"and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid":** This final clause specifies the rebuilding of the temple, the spiritual heart of Israel. The laying of the foundation signifies the commencement of the rebuilding process, which was crucial for the restoration of proper worship and the covenant relationship between God and His people. This detail further highlights the precision of God's prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 44:28 employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Prophecy**, specifically **Predictive Prophecy**, which is demonstrated by the explicit naming of Cyrus over a century before his birth and the detailed description of his future actions concerning Jerusalem and the temple. This serves as irrefutable evidence of God's omniscience and His unique ability to declare the future, distinguishing Him from false gods. The use of **Metaphor** is evident in God's designation of Cyrus as "my shepherd." While Cyrus was a political ruler, the "shepherd" metaphor imbues his role with divine purpose and care, implying that he would guide and gather God's scattered flock (Israel) back to their land. Furthermore, the verse uses **Personification** by depicting God "saying" to Jerusalem and the temple, as if they are sentient beings capable of receiving commands. This rhetorical flourish emphasizes the directness and certainty of God's decree for their restoration. Finally, there is a clear **Parallelism** in the promises for Jerusalem and the temple ("Thou shalt be built" and "Thy foundation shall be laid"), reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the promised restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 44:28 is a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His meticulous control over human history and His ability to use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. It underscores that God is not limited by human will or political power, but rather orchestrates events to fulfill His covenant promises. This verse provides immense comfort, assuring God's people that His plans for their restoration and blessing will inevitably come to pass, regardless of present circumstances or the might of empires. It highlights God's faithfulness to His word and His unwavering commitment to His people, even when they are in exile and seemingly abandoned.

* [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Rebuilding")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 44:28 offers profound encouragement and a powerful perspective for believers navigating a complex world. It reminds us that God's sovereign hand is always at work, even in the most unexpected places and through the most unlikely individuals. When we observe political leaders or global events that seem contrary to God's will, this verse calls us to remember that God can use anyone, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to accomplish His ultimate purposes. It fosters a deep trust in God's overarching plan, providing hope amidst chaos and despair. Just as God promised to rebuild a desolate Jerusalem, He is the God who can bring restoration and renewal to our broken lives, communities, and even nations. Our task is to remain faithful, pray for those in authority (as [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for Rulers") encourages), and trust that God's "pleasure" will ultimately be performed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 44:28 challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty in the political landscape of today?**
* **In what areas of my life or in the world around me do I need to trust God to "rebuild" or "lay foundations" where there is currently desolation or brokenness?**
* **What does it mean for me to live with the confidence that God's "pleasure" will ultimately be performed, even when circumstances seem to contradict it?**

### FAQ
**Who was Cyrus, and why is he significant in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: Cyrus (also known as Cyrus the Great) was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539 BC. He is significant in biblical prophecy because Isaiah, writing over a century before Cyrus's birth, explicitly named him and foretold his specific role in allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. This unparalleled predictive prophecy, fulfilled precisely as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Rebuilding"), serves as a powerful testament to God's unique foreknowledge and His control over human history.

**Why does God call a pagan king like Cyrus "my shepherd"?**

Answer: The term "shepherd" (Hebrew: *râʻâh*) typically denotes leadership, care, and guidance, often used for God Himself or for righteous leaders of Israel. Applying it to Cyrus, a gentile king, signifies that he was God's chosen instrument, uniquely appointed for a specific, divinely ordained task. He was not a spiritual shepherd of Israel in the covenant sense, but rather a political "shepherd" who would gather God's scattered flock (the Jewish exiles) and lead them back to their land to fulfill God's redemptive purposes, specifically the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. This highlights God's ability to use anyone, regardless of their faith or background, to accomplish His sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Cyrus served as God's instrument to physically rebuild Jerusalem and its temple, his role foreshadows the ultimate and perfect "Shepherd" and "Builder" whom God would send: Jesus Christ. Just as Cyrus was God's appointed agent to gather His scattered people and restore their worship, Jesus is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who gathers the lost sheep of Israel and indeed, all who believe, into His fold. He is the one who performs all of God's ultimate pleasure, not merely in a political sense, but in the spiritual and eternal redemption of humanity. Jesus declared, "[I will build my church](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church"), and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," signifying a spiritual rebuilding far greater than any physical structure. He is the true Temple, the place where God dwells among His people ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")), and through His sacrifice, He laid the foundation for a new covenant and a spiritual house built of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, Cyrus's divinely orchestrated mission points forward to Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's pleasure by establishing His eternal kingdom and building His church, the true spiritual Jerusalem.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.