Isaiah 44:28 meaning

In the context of Israel's impending captivity, the prophecy emphasizes God's sovereignty and the restoration of His people. The LORD declares the surprising role of Cyrus, a Persian king, in facilitating the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem. This prophetic declaration serves to reassure the exiled community that their deliverance was not only foreseeable but was orchestrated by God Himself, a theme repeated throughout the prophetic writings. The reference to Cyrus as "My shepherd" signifies that he will lead God’s people back to their homeland and help rebuild Jerusalem—a role traditionally reserved for Israel's own leaders.