Isaiah 44:28

Cyrus

Cf. 1 Kings 13:2 where Josiah was mentioned by name three hundred years before his birth.

Isaiah 45:1-4

anointed

The only instance where the word is applied to a Gentile. Nebuchadnezzar is called the "servant" of Jehovah Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6; 43:10 This, with the designation "My shepherd" Isaiah 44:28 also a Messianic title, marks Cyrus as that startling exception, a Gentile type of Christ. The points are:

• (1) both are irresistible conquerors of Israel's enemies. Isaiah 45:1; Revelation 19:19-21
• (2) both are restorers of the holy city Isaiah 44:28; Zechariah 14:1-11
• (3) through both is the name of the one true God glorified Isaiah 45:6; 1 Corinthians 15:28.