25-28 He makes the magicians look ridiculous
    and turns fortunetellers into jokes.
He makes the experts look trivial
    and their latest knowledge look silly.
But he backs the word of his servant
    and confirms the counsel of his messengers.
He says to Jerusalem, “Be inhabited,”
    and to the cities of Judah, “Be rebuilt,”
    and to the ruins, “I raise you up.”
He says to Ocean, “Dry up.
    I’m drying up your rivers.”
He says to Cyrus, “My shepherd—
    everything I want, you’ll do it.”
He says to Jerusalem, “Be built,”
    and to the Temple, “Be established.”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible: Luke & Acts
The Message Prayerful Reading Bible: Luke & Acts
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $2.99
Save: $5.00 (63%)
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/tan
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/tan
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $26.00 (65%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Student Bible - eBook
The Message Student Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
The Message Raspberry Blossom, Personal Size + Topical Concordance
The Message Raspberry Blossom, Personal Size + Topical Concordance
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $26.00 (65%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars