2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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CYRUS THE NEW EASTERN SUPERPOWER FORETOLD
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
Isaiah 44:26-28; 45:1-4
Psalm 22:7-12
"He trusted on the LORD…"
CYRUS THE NEW EASTERN SUPERPOWER FORETOLD
One of the arguments the prophet presented against dumb idols and false prophets was their inability to foretell future events (Isa 42:8-9; 44:6-8). But God confirms the words of His prophets and fulfils the predictions of His messengers. A specific instance of God’s foreknowledge is Isaiah’s prophecy of Cyrus, founder of the Persian Empire that overthrew Babylon. He called Cyrus "my shepherd," who would govern His subjects, especially the Jews. Cyrus will "perform all my pleasure" (Isa 44:28) in decreeing the rebuilding of the Temple and Jerusalem. He was to be helped by the One who made Israel to go through the Red Sea on dry ground, and divided the River Jordan.
Cyrus, a heathen king is called "anointed" (Isa 45:1), because he was appointed by God. In Daniel’s words, "… the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will..." (Dan 4:17).
How did Cyrus capture Babylon that was such a mighty city and redoubtable fortress? According to Herodotus, Babylon’s walls rose 300 feet. On the top of the walls was a military highway that provided speedy movement for soldiers and chariots. As hinted in Isaiah 44:27, Cyrus had the waters of the Euphrates diverted so that its riverbed became dry ground for his soldiers to smuggle into the city. The two-leaved gates that forbade entry above the water-line were then opened from inside to receive the invading hordes. The gates of brass and bars of iron that guarded the national treasuries were the next to be broken. "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places…" (Isa 45:3). A specimen of these treasures was the sacred vessels of the Jews used by Belshazzar for the feast on the night of Babylon’s destruction (Dan 5). Why did God raise up Cyrus? To carry out His salvation plan of the Jews, exiled for seventy years in Babylon. Does God use any modern-day Cyrus to side with Israel in these last days?
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 21:1.)
PRAYER: I praise Thee, Lord, for Thy deliverance in due time.
Posted in Adult RPG
Isaiah 44:26-28; 45:1-4
Psalm 22:7-12
"He trusted on the LORD…"
CYRUS THE NEW EASTERN SUPERPOWER FORETOLD
One of the arguments the prophet presented against dumb idols and false prophets was their inability to foretell future events (Isa 42:8-9; 44:6-8). But God confirms the words of His prophets and fulfils the predictions of His messengers. A specific instance of God’s foreknowledge is Isaiah’s prophecy of Cyrus, founder of the Persian Empire that overthrew Babylon. He called Cyrus "my shepherd," who would govern His subjects, especially the Jews. Cyrus will "perform all my pleasure" (Isa 44:28) in decreeing the rebuilding of the Temple and Jerusalem. He was to be helped by the One who made Israel to go through the Red Sea on dry ground, and divided the River Jordan.
Cyrus, a heathen king is called "anointed" (Isa 45:1), because he was appointed by God. In Daniel’s words, "… the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will..." (Dan 4:17).
How did Cyrus capture Babylon that was such a mighty city and redoubtable fortress? According to Herodotus, Babylon’s walls rose 300 feet. On the top of the walls was a military highway that provided speedy movement for soldiers and chariots. As hinted in Isaiah 44:27, Cyrus had the waters of the Euphrates diverted so that its riverbed became dry ground for his soldiers to smuggle into the city. The two-leaved gates that forbade entry above the water-line were then opened from inside to receive the invading hordes. The gates of brass and bars of iron that guarded the national treasuries were the next to be broken. "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places…" (Isa 45:3). A specimen of these treasures was the sacred vessels of the Jews used by Belshazzar for the feast on the night of Babylon’s destruction (Dan 5). Why did God raise up Cyrus? To carry out His salvation plan of the Jews, exiled for seventy years in Babylon. Does God use any modern-day Cyrus to side with Israel in these last days?
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 21:1.)
PRAYER: I praise Thee, Lord, for Thy deliverance in due time.
Posted in Adult RPG