13. With my own hand I laid the foundations of the earth. With my right hand I spread out the heavens. When I send for them, they come and stand ready to obey me.
14. "People of Israel, come together and listen to me. What other god has said ahead of time that certain things would happen? I have chosen Cyrus. He will carry out my plans against Babylon. He will use his powerful arm against the Babylonians.
15. I myself have spoken. I have chosen him to carry out my purpose. I will bring him to Babylon. He will succeed in what I tell him to do.
16. "Come close and listen to me. "From the first time I said Cyrus was coming, I did not do it in secret. When he comes, I will be there." The Lord and King has filled me with his Spirit. People of Israel, he has sent me to you.
17. The Lord is the Holy One of Israel. He sets his people free. He says to them, "I am the Lord your God. I teach you what is best for you. I direct you in the way you should go.