Isaiah 44:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
רֹעִ֔י
He is my shepherd
H7462
רֹעִ֔י
He is my shepherd
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
3 of 11
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֶפְצִ֖י
all my pleasure
H2656
חֶפְצִ֖י
all my pleasure
Strong's:
H2656
Word #:
5 of 11
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
יַשְׁלִ֑ם
and shall perform
H7999
יַשְׁלִ֑ם
and shall perform
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
6 of 11
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
לִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
to Jerusalem
H3389
לִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
to Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
8 of 11
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
תִּבָּנֶ֔ה
Thou shalt be built
H1129
תִּבָּנֶ֔ה
Thou shalt be built
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
9 of 11
to build (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 45:1Thus 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;Isaiah 45:13I 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 10:1In 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.Isaiah 46:11Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.Isaiah 63:11Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?Isaiah 45:3And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
Historical Context
Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC and issued a decree allowing Jewish return and temple rebuilding (Ezra 1:1-4). Isaiah's naming of Cyrus before his birth remains one of the most remarkable specific prophecies in Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of a pagan king as His 'shepherd' expand your understanding of His sovereignty?
- What does this prophecy, given 150 years in advance, teach about God's knowledge of the future?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter climaxes with the astonishing prophecy: 'That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure.' A Persian pagan king is called God's shepherd! God declares Cyrus will say to Jerusalem 'Thou shalt be built' and to the temple 'Thy foundation shall be laid.' This specific prediction, 150 years before Cyrus's birth, demonstrates divine foreknowledge.