1. The Lord has chosen Cyrus to be king!He has appointed him to conquer nations;he sends him to strip kings of their power;the Lord will open the gates of cities for him.To Cyrus the Lord says,
2. “I myself will prepare your way,levelling mountains and hills.I will break down bronze gatesand smash their iron bars.
3. I will give you treasures from dark, secret places;then you will know that I am the Lord,and that the God of Israel has called you by name.
4. I appoint you to help my servant Israel,the people that I have chosen.I have given you great honour,although you do not know me.
5. “I am the Lord; there is no other god.I will give you the strength you need,although you do not know me.
6. I do this so that everyonefrom one end of the world to the othermay know that I am the Lordand that there is no other god.
7. I create both light and darkness;I bring both blessing and disaster.I, the Lord, do all these things.
8. I will send victory from the sky like rain;the earth will open to receive itand will blossom with freedom and justice.I, the Lord, will make this happen.”