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.
I have chosen him to do what is right, and I will guide everything he does: he will rebuild my city, and he will set my people free without asking for payment or reward, says the LORD of Heaven's armies.
God is promising that He has chosen a leader who will rebuild Jerusalem and free His people without expecting any payment in return.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Isaiah prophesied during the time when the Jewish people were exiled in Babylon, foretelling God's plan to use a foreign ruler to restore His people. This verse specifically refers to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, whom God raised up to conquer Babylon, free the captives, and enable the rebuilding of Jerusalem without demanding any payment or reward. It demonstrates God's sovereign control over nations and His faithfulness to His promises, even through unlikely instruments like a pagan leader.
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