A Deliverer Called Forth

Through Isaiah, Jehovah foretells a conqueror who will save God's people from Babylon and bring judgment upon their enemies.  Jehovah asks:  "Who has roused up someone from the sunrise?  Who proceeded in righteousness to call him to His feet, to give before him the nations, and to make him go subduing even kings?  Who kept giving them like dust to his sword, so that they have been driven about like mere stubble with his bow?  Who kept pursing them, kept peacefully passing along on his feet over the path by which  he did not proceed to come? Who has been active and has done this, calling out the generations from the start?  I, Jehovah, the First One; and with the last ones I am the same." -Isaiah 41:2-4.

Who is the one to be roused from the sunrise, from eastern parts?  The countries of Medo-Persia and Elam are located east of Babylon.  From there marches Cyrus the Persian, along with his mighty armies.  (Isaiah 41:25; 44:28; 45:1-4, 13; 46:11)  Though Cyrus is not a worshiper of Jehovah,  he acts in harmony with the will of Jehovah, the righteous God.  Cyrus subdues kings, and these are scattered like the dust before him.  In pursuit of conquest, he passes "peacefully," or safely, over paths not customarily traveled, overcoming all obstacles.  By the year 539 B.C.E.,  Cyrus reaches the mighty city of Babylon and overthrows  it. As a result, God's people are released so that  they might return to Jerusalem to reestablish pure worship . -Ezra 1:1-7.

Thus, through Isaiah, Jehovah foretells the rise of Cyrus long before that king  is born.  Only the true God can accurately prophesy such a thing.  Jehovah has no equal  among the false gods of the nations (that includes now) With good reason, Jehovah: "To no one else shall I give  my own glory."  Only Jehovah can rightfully say: "I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God.  -Isaiah 42:8; 44:6, 7.

Next time: Frightened Peoples Trust in Idols

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001