Isaiah 41:2-4, 8

“Who has stirred up and put into action one from the east [the king of Persia, Cyrus the Great] Whom He calls in righteousness to His service and whom victory meets at every step? The LORD turns nations over to him And subdues kings. He makes them like dust with his sword, Like wind-driven chaff with his bow. [Ezra 1:2] “He (Cyrus) pursues them and passes along safely, By a way his feet had not traveled before. “Who has performed and done this, Calling forth [and guiding the destinies of] the generations [of the nations] from the beginning? ‘I, the LORD—the first, and with the last [existing before history began, the ever-present, unchanging God]—I am He.’ ”

“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The offspring of Abraham My friend, [Heb 2:16; James 2:23]