Old Testament
Isaiah 45:13
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I have raised Cyrus up for a righteous purpose, and I will clear every path before him. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free — and not because anyone paid him or bribed him," says the LORD of hosts.
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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.
What Isaiah 45:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that He has chosen Cyrus, a Persian king, for a specific purpose. God will guide Cyrus in his actions, ensuring that he successfully rebuilds Jerusalem and frees the Jewish exiles who had been taken captive. This act of liberation and restoration is not motivated by any payment or bribe; it is a divine plan. God emphasizes His sovereignty in using Cyrus, a foreign ruler, to fulfill His promises to His people. This shows that God can work through anyone, regardless of their background, to accomplish His will. The mention of righteousness indicates that Cyrus's actions will align with God's moral standards, highlighting the importance of divine purpose in leadership and governance.
How to apply Isaiah 45:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to use anyone for His purposes, even those we might not expect. It reminds us that true leadership is guided by righteousness and that God can bring about freedom and restoration in our lives, often in surprising ways.
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 45:13 mean?
Isaiah 45:13 means that God has chosen Cyrus, a Persian king, to fulfill His purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem and freeing the Jewish exiles. It emphasizes that Cyrus's actions are guided by God and are not motivated by any bribes or payments.
What is the significance of Cyrus in Isaiah 45:13?
Cyrus is significant in Isaiah 45:13 because he represents a foreign ruler whom God uses to accomplish His plans for Israel. This shows God's sovereignty and ability to work through anyone, regardless of their background.
What does 'righteous purpose' refer to in Isaiah 45:13?
'Righteous purpose' in Isaiah 45:13 refers to God's divine plan to restore His people and their city. It indicates that Cyrus's actions will align with God's moral standards and intentions.
How does Isaiah 45:13 relate to freedom from captivity?
Isaiah 45:13 relates to freedom from captivity by stating that Cyrus will set the Jewish exiles free. This act symbolizes God's commitment to liberate His people and restore them to their homeland.
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