This prophesy about Cyrus the future King of Persia, is amazing as it was made a century before Cyrus was born. This knowledge of the future is one of the things that separates the true God from idols (v11).

Cyrus, a pagan king, would be God’s chosen instrument in rescuing His people after their time of exile (v1-4). This shows the great power of God over everything and he would act through Cyrus for His own glory (v5-6).

This chapter promises wonderful future blessing from the Lord (v8), despite the sinfulness of his people. This reminds us of the heart of the Lord who delights to bless and forgive. We need to mourn the sin and rebellion in our hearts that resists this God of grace and mercy.

We’re like the clay who complains to its maker (v9) or the child who complains to their parents (v10). We need to acknowledge God’s right to do with us what He pleases and to use whatever means that please Him.

The final glorious section (v14-25) speaks of how the Lord is without an equal and how that He alone is the Saviour. The call goes out to all the earth to turn and find salvation in the true God alone (v22).

In a society of so many religions we need to be constantly reminded that there is only one God and only one way of salvation through His Son.