Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.
Who brought up this righteous man from the east, called him to serve, and gave him victory over nations? Who made him ruler over kings? God made his enemies scatter like dust before his sword and like windblown straw before his bow.
God is asking who raised up a righteous leader from the east and gave him overwhelming victory over many nations and kings.
📚 Historical Context
This verse likely refers to Cyrus the Great of Persia, who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish exiles to return home around 539 BC. Isaiah prophesied about this 'righteous man from the east' before Cyrus was even born, showing God's sovereignty over world events. The Persians came from the east relative to Israel, and Cyrus was seen as God's instrument to deliver His people.
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