….Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. Isaiah 46:11
This verse declares prophet Isaiah’s very specific prophecy given to the Judean exiles living in Babylon reminding them that God is already at work in sending them the help. Isaiah speaks of God summoning a bird of prey from the East in the first part of the verse. From the East is referring to none other than Cyrus and Persians. The commentators described this bird as Shahbaz meaning the Royal Bird which was described to be the guiding force behind the Persian empire and the bird’s eyes saw all that happened within the empire and protected the people and the king.
According to Isaiah, God was summoning the Shahbaz to come and fly to Babylon and send his people who are in exile back home. Isaiah makes it very clear that God is using a foreign king to fulfill His word and purpose. This verse declares the authority and power of God’s words. God’s words are the expression of His authority. As soon as He speaks His words, the things have already been accomplished. This cannot be attained by any creation. We have seen God’s authority from the Bible. God can use anyone by His authority to provide protection and favor to His children. What a great God we serve!