John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 44:28

"That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." — Isaiah 44:28 (ASV)

Saying to Cyrus. This is a remarkable passage, in which we can not only see the wonderful providence of God, but which also contains a striking proof of the truth and certainty of the prophecies. Here “Cyrus” was named long before he was born; for between the death of Manasseh, by whom Isaiah was slain, and the birth of “Cyrus,” more than a century intervened. Besides, even if he had been born, who would have surmised that he would come from the most distant mountains of Persia to Babylon? These things should therefore be carefully observed, for they clearly show that Isaiah did not speak by a human spirit. No one would ever have thought that there would be a person named “Cyrus,” who would hasten from the most distant and uncivilized countries to deliver the people of God.

As for the objection made by unbelievers, that these things might have been forged by the Jews after they were fulfilled, it is so foolish and absurd that there is no need to refute it. The Jews studied these prophecies while they were held in captivity, so that they might cherish in their hearts the hope of deliverance; they would have been entirely discouraged if the Lord had not comforted them with such promises. These records, therefore, supported the hearts of believers in hope and confidence. I have no doubt that Cyrus, when he learned that God had appointed him to be the leader and shepherd for bringing back Israel, was astonished at these promises, and that they induced him to cherish kind feelings toward the people and supply them with food and everything necessary for their journey. Thus the Lord points out the person by whose hand he has determined to bring back his people, so that they would not look around on all sides in perplexity.

Even by saying to Jerusalem. This is the conclusion by which the former statements are confirmed, so that they may rest assured that “Jerusalem” will infallibly be built, and may learn from it how dear and precious they are to God when they see the monarchy of all the East transferred to the Persians.

At the same time, he points out the purpose for which Jerusalem was to be rebuilt: namely, that the pure worship of God might be restored. He does not promise this restoration so that men may seek their own ease or the conveniences of life, but so that the Lord’s people may purely and sincerely call upon him without any disturbance.

This should be carefully observed, for there are many who value their own convenience and external comforts more highly than the honor and worship of God. Hence Haggai also complained bitterly that all were eager to build their own houses, but almost all gave themselves no concern about the Temple (Haggai 1:4). But it was the Lord’s will that men should care most about his house, and that is the meaning of what the Prophet says—

And to the temple, Thou shalt be founded. But in the present day, he does not in this way recommend to us a temple of wood or stone, but living temples of God, which we are; for the Lord has chosen his habitation in us (2 Corinthians 6:16). Such, therefore, are the temples that must be diligently built by the doctrine of the word, so that we may lead a holy and righteous life and render to God the worship that is due to him. For this is the reason the Lord wishes for there to be a Church in the world: so that the remembrance of his name may not perish.

CHAPTER 45.