Isaiah 44:28 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God names Cyrus as His shepherd who will restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
The Context of Isaiah 44:28
God names Cyrus as the instrument of Israel's restoration, culminating the promises of redemption.
What Does Isaiah 44:28 Mean?
The naming of Cyrus, a historical Persian king, is stunning: God calls him 'my shepherd' and grants him the task of performing God's pleasure. This is not celebration of Cyrus's virtue but assertion of his role in God's redemptive plan. Cyrus becomes God's instrument for Israel's restoration.
'Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid' specifies the restoration: both the city and the temple will be reconstructed. The temple's foundation is particularly significant—it represents the restoration of Israel's covenant worship and relationship with God. This is the promise toward which the entire chapter moves.
Isaiah 44:28 in the Original Language
The Cyrus mentioned is the Persian king who, historically, issued the edict allowing Jews to return from Babylonian exile around 538 BCE and to rebuild the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 44:28
What does Isaiah 44:28 mean?
God names Cyrus as His shepherd who will restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
What is the context of Isaiah 44:28?
God names Cyrus as the instrument of Israel's restoration, culminating the promises of redemption.