Reading for June 23rd

Read Isaiah 44.21-28. Jerusalem will be rebuilt, the restored city will be inhabited once againand a new Temple will be constructed (vv. 26-28). The designation of the persian ruler Cyrus as God's shepherd (v. 28) and anointed" (45.1) includes a title used of Israelite kings (for "shepherd" as a title of kings and rulers, see jer 23.1-5; Ezek 34.1-24). Even a foreign and pagan ruler who attained world power did so as the agent of the God of Israel who directed the course of history. Jews living outside the land used this langauge to show due recognition to the rulers of nations among whom they lived. Such an understanding did not, however, entirely rule out a special role for the surviving dynasty of David (see 55.3-5). Comments or Questions..