Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"For Jacob My servant's sake"
Text: Isaiah 45:4
INTRODUCING HIMSELF TO CYRUS
The LORD “introduced” Himself to King Cyrus. This was a prophetic word concerning what God would do through the Medo-Persian king in the future.
“For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect,
I have even called you by your name;
I have named you, though you have not known Me.
I am the LORD, and there is no other;
There is no God besides Me.
I will gird you, though you have not known Me.”
Isaiah 45:4-5
1. Did Cyrus know God?
a) The simple answer is “No!”
b) Cyrus was a Persian who grew up in idolatry.
c) Nevertheless, he would learn about God:
i) That He is the LORD.
ii) That He alone is the true God.
iii) That there is no one else who may correctly be called “God”.
2. Did God know Cyrus?
a) Yes!
b) It was God who named him.
c) It was God who called him.
3. God’s Covenant with Israel.
a) God gave to Abraham a covenant.
b) This covenant was ratified with Isaac and Jacob/ Israel.
4. God’s Regard for Israel.
a) Israel was God’s servant.
b) God regarded him as “Elect”.
5. Cyrus and Israel.
a) God will cause Cyrus to show kindness to Israel.
b) Cyrus will allow Israel to return to their homeland.
c) The king will be concerned for the welfare of Israel.