Cyrus - Prophesied Servant

Today's reading is from Isaiah 45, 46, 47, 48

Isaiah prophesied in the late 8th century B.C. (740 - 680). His prophecies covered the destruction of Israel's ten northern tribes as they were taken into captivity by the Assyrians. The Assyrians continued to dominate that area of the world throughout the 7th century.

SO, when Isaiah prophesied there was nothing but Assyria that could be seen as THE world power. Interestingly, Isaiah jumps over the Assyrians and sees the Babylonians as the ones who would destroy Judah (which happened in a period of time from 605 - 586 B.C., and the subsequent deliverance by the Persians under Cyrus in 536 B.C.

Now, I realize not everyone is a history buff, but the significance of the prophesies can't be ignored. Here is Isaiah, God's prophet, sometime in the late 8th, or early 7th century, prophesying the coming of a ruler who would deliver Judah from captivity - to send them back to the land and rebuild Jerusalem - when the country that was going to capture them wasn't even a world power, and there deliverance from that world power wasn't even known.

Prophecy isn't always this future specific; but in this case, it sure is a marvelous testimony to God's purposes being fulfilled - ultimately - no matter who the people.

As you read this passage, realize that all of this isn't to "wow" us with - look what God can do - but rather to cause us to have faith, even in the darkest of times.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad