1. ‘This is what the Lord says to his anointed,to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold ofto subdue nations before himand to strip kings of their armour,to open doors before himso that gates will not be shut:
2. I will go before youand will level the mountains;I will break down gates of bronzeand cut through bars of iron.
3. I will give you hidden treasures,riches stored in secret places,so that you may know that I am the Lord,the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
4. For the sake of Jacob my servant,of Israel my chosen,I summon you by nameand bestow on you a title of honour,though you do not acknowledge me.
5. I am the Lord, and there is no other;apart from me there is no God.I will strengthen you,though you have not acknowledged me,