Isaiah 44:28, commentary and pictures

The declaration was made more than a hundred years before Cyrus the Great was born, calling him by name and outlining his work beforehand. He is called God's shepherd, appointed as God's agent to carry out God's purpose and pleasure. His appointed work was to declare that Jerusalem should be built and that the foundation of the temple should be laid, thus building God's city and setting God's captive people free without price or reward. His conquest of Babylon is linked with the release and restoration of the exiles, showing that God directs the affairs of nations to fulfill His word and deliver His people.

Daniel knew this prophecy of restoration by the decree of Cyrus together with Jeremiah's prophecy of the seventy-year captivity, and his faith in them led him to plead with God for his people. When seventy years from Nebuchadnezzar's first carrying of Hebrews to Babylon were completed in the year Cyrus succeeded Darius the Mede, the time came to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. God then moved upon Cyrus to discern the prophecies concerning himself, to grant the Jewish people liberty to go up to Jerusalem, and to furnish the necessary facilities for rebuilding with silver, gold, goods, beasts, freewill offerings, and restoration of the vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar. The rebuilding work began under Cyrus and was carried on by his successor, though it was hindered and for a time ceased. This fulfillment proves that the Lord has resources and that His hand is on the machinery.

The verse belongs to the chapters in Isaiah that reveal God's purpose for His people and show what God has done and will do, given as promises and covenant encouragement deserving prayerful study. The passage directs God's people to seek wisdom from God rather than from finite human beings and wisdom. These promises encourage people to follow on to know the Lord and to trust what He will do. They call His people to respond with greater missionary work.