This is the specific mention of Cyrus as the one who would release Israel from Babylonian captivity. He is referred to as the Lord's anointed. He was appointed by God for a specific task, and equipped to carry out that task. He was anointed to subdue nations and open doors.
All that stood in his way would be broken down by the Lord who would go before him. He would be given the secret wealth of the nations that he conquered. He would succeed beyond his expectations so that he would know that it was not by his own power that he was achieving success.
Cyrus was chosen for the sake of Israel. Verse 4 makes it clear that God knew full well that Cyrus did not acknowledge the Lord.
All this is done to make the name of the Lord known. These verses make clear that God is not restricted to working through the "normal channels" (ie His church). God can and does work through all sorts of agencies.
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