2 This is what the lord says:“I will go before you, Cyrus,and level the mountains.I will smash down gates of bronzeand cut through bars of iron.
3 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches.I will do this so you may know that I am the lord,the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.
4 “And why have I called you for this work?Why did I call you by name when you did not know me?It is for the sake of Jacob my servant,Israel my chosen one.
5 I am the lord;there is no other God.I have equipped you for battle,though you don’t even know me,
6 so all the world from east to westwill know there is no other God.I am the lord, and there is no other.
7 I create the light and make the darkness.I send good times and bad times.I, the lord, am the one who does these things.
8 “Open up, O heavens,and pour out your righteousness.Let the earth open wideso salvation and righteousness can sprout up together.I, the lord, created them.