Jerusalem shall again be inhabited (Isaiah 44:26)

For some time I have been seeking understanding of Isaiah 44:26-28, and have been reluctant to share this as it indicates coming destruction in Jerusalem.  I would like to make a few comments on these verses, and leave it for doves to meditate on.  While these verses could be historic, this is not the context and they may have a future and imminent reference.  I wrote recently about Psalm 83 and Message from a Bog.  What has prompted me to write at this time is this:  The Hal Lindsey article Prophesied destruction of Damascus imminent? (Donna Danna’s letter).

Isaiah 44:26  ‘Who says of Jerusalem, She shall again be inhabited and of the cities of Judah they shall again be built, and I will raise up their ruins.  The Samson option and the foretold destruction of Damascus can only really be seen as a response to a chemical attack on Israel that could make it uninhabitable, albeit only for a short time’.  

Isaiah 44:28  Speaking of Cyrus ‘even saying of Jerusalem, She shall again be built and of the temple, Your foundation shall again be laid.’  Note that in verse 26 it refers to Jerusalem being inhabited, in verse 28 to being rebuilt.  These verses do raise the difficult issue of whether another ‘Cyrus’ (an Elijah who will restore all things) will be involved, and I know that there are differing views on this.  Sufficient perhaps to see that, should the Lord tarry, the (true) church of Jesus Christ will strongly support the rebuilding of Jerusalem and Israel underway, including the foundation of the temple - but with the full restoration of the temple once we have been raptured!

I believe that these are key verses, but the full meaning my still be veiled in mystery.  For those like myself who are simply longing for His return, remember that God is making the final preparations for the unveiling of His purposes, and the curtain is about to be opened.  Maranatha