[45:1] The Lord has chosen Cyrus to be king. He has appointed him to conquer nations; he sends him to strip kings of their power; the Lord will open the gates of cities for him. To Cyrus the Lord says,
[45:2] “I myself will prepare your way, leveling mountains and hills. I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars.
[45:3] I will give you treasures from dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the Lord and that the God of Israel has called you by name.
[45:4] I appoint you to help my servant Israel, the people that I have chosen. I have given you great honor, although you do not know me.
[45:5] “I am the Lord; there is no other god. I will give you the strength you need, although you do not know me.
[45:6] I do this so that everyone from one end of the world to the other may know that I am the Lord and that there is no other god.
[45:7] I create both light and darkness; I bring both blessing and disaster. I, the Lord, do all these things.
[45:8] I will send victory from the sky like rain; the earth will open to receive it and will blossom with freedom and justice. I, the Lord, will make this happen.”