Old Testament
Isaiah 44:28
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I say of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and he will carry out everything I desire.' He will say of Jerusalem, 'She will be rebuilt,' and of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid again.'"
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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.
What Isaiah 44:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God speaks about Cyrus, a Persian king, whom He designates as His shepherd. This metaphor indicates that Cyrus will guide and lead the people of Israel according to God's will. God declares that Cyrus will fulfill His plans, specifically mentioning the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. This prophecy highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes. The mention of rebuilding signifies hope for the Israelites, who were in exile at the time. It reassures them that their homeland and sacred places will be restored, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises. The verse illustrates how God orchestrates history and uses individuals to fulfill His divine plans, showing that He is in control of all events, even those involving nations and leaders outside of Israel.
How to apply Isaiah 44:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when they involve unexpected leaders or circumstances. It reminds us that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, and we should remain hopeful for restoration in our own lives and communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 44:28 mean?
Isaiah 44:28 speaks about Cyrus, a Persian king, whom God calls His shepherd. This indicates that Cyrus will lead the Israelites and fulfill God's plans, including the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.
What is the significance of Cyrus in Isaiah 44:28?
Cyrus is significant in Isaiah 44:28 because God designates him as a leader who will carry out His will. This shows that God can use foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes, highlighting His sovereignty over all nations.
What does the phrase 'He is my shepherd' mean in Isaiah 44:28?
The phrase 'He is my shepherd' in Isaiah 44:28 means that God appoints Cyrus to guide and lead the people of Israel according to His plans. It symbolizes leadership and care in fulfilling God's intentions.
How does Isaiah 44:28 relate to hope for the Israelites?
Isaiah 44:28 relates to hope for the Israelites by assuring them that their homeland and sacred places will be restored. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, even through unexpected means.
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