Why Jehovah Will Favor Cyrus

After stating who will conquer Babylon and how this will be done, Jehovah goes on to explain one reason why Cyrus  will be given the victory.  Jehovah, prophetically speaking to Cyrus, says that it is "in order that you may know that I am Jehovah, the One calling you by your name, the God of Israel."  (Isaiah 45:3b) It is fitting that the ruler of the fourth world power of Bible history recognizes that his greatest victory comes as a result of the support of one who is greater than he is-Jehovah the Universal Sovereign.  Cyrus should acknowledge that the one who calls, or commissions him, is Jehovah, the God of Israel.  The Bible record shows that Cyrus did indeed acknowledge that his great victory came from Jehovah. -Ezra 1:2, 3.

Jehovah explains the second reason why he brings Cyrus to conquer Babylon: "For the sake of my servant Jacob and of Israel my chosen one, I even proceeded to call you by your name; I proceeded to give you a name of honor, although you did not know me."  (Isaiah 45:4) Cyrus' victory over Babylon is earth-shattering. It marks the fall of one world power and the ascent of another, and it leaves its mark on history for generations to come.  Yet, those events would likely  be astounded to know that  it all happens for the sake of a few thousand "insignificant" exiles in Babylon-the Jews, descendants of Jacob.  In Jehovah's eyes, however, these survivors of the ancient nation of Israel are far from insignificant.  They are his "servant."  of all the nations of the earth, they are his "chosen one." Even though Cyrus previously did not know Jehovah, he is used by Jehovah as His anointed one to overthrow the city that refused to give up its captives. It is not God's purpose that his chosen people languish forever on foreign soil. 

There is a third, even more important reason why Jehovah uses Cyrus to overthrow Babylon.  Jehovah says: "I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.  With the exception of me there is no God. I shall closely gird you, although you  have not known me, in order that people may know from the rising of the sun and from its setting that there is none besides me. I am Jehovah, and there is no one else."  (Isaiah 45:5, 6) Yes, the fall of Babylon World Power is a demonstration of Jehovah's Godship, proof to everyone that he alone is worth of worship (and honor, and not imperfect, sinful humans)  Because God's people are released, individuals from many nations-from east to west-will come to acknowledge that Jehovah is the only true God. -Malachi 1:11.

Remember that this prophecy of Isaiah was recorded some 200 years before the event.  Upon hearing it some may have wondered, 'Does Jehovah truly have  the power to fulfill it?' As history testifies, the answer is yes.  Jehovah explains why it is reasonable to believe that he can accomplish what he says:  "Forming light and creating darkness, making peace and creating calamity, I, Jehovah, am doing all these things."  (Jehovah 45:7)  Everything in creation-from light to darkness-and everything in history-from peace to calamity-is subject to Jehovah's control.  Just as he creates the light of day and the darkness of night, so he will make peace for Israel and calamity for Babylon.  Jehovah has the power to create the universe, and he also has the power to fulfill his prophecies. That is reassuring to Christians today, who closely study his prophetic word.

Fittingly, Jehovah uses events that regularly occur in creation to illustrate things that await the captive Jews: "O you heavens, cause a dripping from above; and let the cloudy skies themselves trickle with righteousness.  Let the earth open up, and let it be fruitful with salvation, and let it cause righteousness  itself to spring up at the same time.  I, myself, Jehovah, have created it." (Isaiah 45:8)  Just as the literal heavens cause  life-giving rain to fall, Jehovah will cause righteous influences to shower from the figurative heavens upon his people. And just as the literal earth opens to produce bountiful harvests, Jehovah will call on the figurative earth to produce events  in harmony with his righteous purpose-especially salvation for his captive people in Babylon.  In 1919, Jehovah caused 'heaven' and  "earth" to produce events in a similar way in order to liberate his people. Seeing such things causes Christians today to rejoice. Why? Because those events strengthen  their faith as they look forward to the time when the figurative heavens, God's Kingdom, will bring blessings to a righteous earth.  At that time the righteousness and salvation coming forth from the figurative heavens and earth will be on a far grander scale than when ancient Babylon  was overthrown.  What a glorious final fulfillment of Isaiah's words that will be! -2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1. 

Next time: Blessings From Recognizing Jehovah's Sovereignty

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