Isaiah 45:1-13

1Thus says Adonai to His anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him, to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him so that gates may not be shut.

2I will go before you and make crooked places straight. I will shatter bronze doors and cut through iron bars.

3I will give you treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, so you may know that I am Adonai, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.

4For the sake of Jacob My servant, and Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by name, I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.

5I am Adonai—there is no other. Besides Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known Me,

6so they may know, from the rising to the setting of the sun, that there is no one besides Me. I am Adonai—there is no other.

7I form light and create darkness. I make shalom and create calamity. I, Adonai, do all these things.

8“Rain down, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds pour down justice. Let the earth open up, let salvation sprout, and righteousness spring up with it. I, Adonai, have created it.”

9Oy , to one who quarrels with his Maker, like a pot among the pots of the earth! Shall the clay say to the potter, “What have you made?” Or does your work say, “It has no handles”?

10Oy , to him who says to his father, “What have you begotten?” Or to a woman, “What have you born?”

11Thus says Adonai, the Holy One of Israel and its Maker, “Ask Me about the things to come upon My children. Then you will commit to Me the work of My hands.

12I made the earth and created man on it. My hands stretched out the heavens and I commanded all their host.

13“I stirred Cyrus up in righteousness and I will level all his roads. He will build My city and set My exiles free, with no price or bribe,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot.