KINGS, PRINCES AND JESTERS

ISA 45 

1 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed,

whose right hand I have grasped

to subdue nations before him,

to disarm kings,

to open the doors before him,

so that the gates will not be shut:

2 “I will go before you

and level the mountains;a

I will break down the gates of bronze

and cut through the bars of iron.

3 I will give you the treasures of darkness

and the riches hidden in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the LORD,

the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

4 For the sake of Jacob My servant

and Israel My chosen one,

I call you by name;

I have given you a title of honor,

though you have not known Me.

5 I am the LORD, and there is no other;

there is no God but Me.

I will equip you for battle,

though you have not known Me,

6 so that all may know,

from where the sun rises to where it sets,

that there is none but Me;

I am the LORD, and there is no other.

7 I form the light and create the darkness;

I bring prosperity and create calamity.

I, the LORD, do all these things.