Definition: That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 44:28. It's a really beautiful and comforting message about God’s relationship with his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says God is going to take care of Jerusalem – and all of us – perfectly. Let’s unpack the parts: “That saith of Cyrus…” - This refers to King Cyrus of ancient Babylon. He was a powerful ruler who lived long ago and is often seen as a symbol of divine leadership. “[He is] my shepherd…” – This means God is going to guide and protect us, just like a shepherd guides his sheep. “and shall perform all my pleasure:” - This is the key part! It’s saying that God will actively work for our good and happiness. He'll make things happen for us. “even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” – This is where it gets really significant. “Thou shalt be built” : This means we’re going to be built into God's plan – strengthened and perfected through his guidance. “and to the temple, thy foundation shall be laid” : This speaks of Jerusalem (the city of David), which was a central place for worship and a symbol of God’s presence. It means that God is establishing or creating a foundation for our lives and faith – making us secure and ready for what's to come. So, putting it all together: God promises to be our shepherd, protecting and nurturing us. And He specifically says that He will actively work to make things better for Jerusalem (and for us) – to build us up and establish a solid foundation for our lives. What does this verse mean for us today? It’s a reminder of God's love and care for his people. It suggests that we don’t have to worry about being lost or struggling. God is committed to guiding and supporting us, and He’s working to help us grow in faith and purpose. In short, it's a promise of protection, guidance, and building – all from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Talk about the historical context of the verse? Share some other verses that relate to this idea of God’s care for his people?