Isaiah 45:13
“I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says Yahweh of Armies.”
What does Isaiah 45:13 mean?
God is speaking here about raising up a leader (historically understood as Cyrus, the Persian king) to accomplish His purposes. Even though this person might not know or worship God, the Lord will guide his actions and make his plans succeed because God has chosen him for this work. The promise includes rebuilding Jerusalem and freeing the Jewish people from exile, not because they've earned it or paid for it, but simply because God has decided to restore them. It's a reminder that God works through history and through all kinds of people to bring about His purposes, and that His restoration comes as an act of grace rather than something we could ever deserve or purchase.