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.