Emphasis Preaching Journal
Our God reigns
Commentary
The Babylonian captivity provided the original context for this oracle. The people of God have been deported to a foreign land, their home and temple destroyed. They have lived for almost fifty years as little more than slaves. Most who remain were, in fact, born in slavery and have no memory of any other life. Now, Cyrus, king of Persia, is attacking the Babylonian empire. If he wins (as he does), the people may be free of Babylon's power. But will they be free? Will Persian dominance be any better? Could it be worse?