Isaiah 45:1-3

God Uses Cyrus

1 Thus says the LORD to 1Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right 2hand, To 3subdue nations before him And to 4loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:
2 "I will go before you and 5make the rough places smooth; I will 6shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron 7bars.
3 "I will give you the 8treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who 9calls you by your name.

Isaiah 45:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 45

This chapter contains prophecies concerning Cyrus, the deliverer of the Jews from captivity; and concerning the grace, righteousness, and salvation of Christ; and the conversion of the Gentiles. An account is given of Cyrus, and of the great things God would do for him, and by him, Isa 45:1-3 and the ends for which he would do these things, for the sake of his people Israel; and that he might be known to be the only true God, who is the Maker of all things, Isa 45:4-7 an intimation is given of the Messiah, as the author of righteousness and salvation; and of the contention and murmuring of the Jews about him, Isa 45:8-10, encouragement is given to pray for and expect good things by him for the children of God, in consideration of the greatness of God as the Creator, who would raise him up in righteousness, the antitype of Cyrus, Isa 45:11-13, the conversion of the Gentiles, the confusion of idolaters, and the salvation of the Israel of God, are prophesied of, Isa 45:14-17, which are confirmed by his works and his word, what he had done and said, Isa 45:18,19, the vanity of idols is exposed, and Christ the only Saviour asserted, to whom persons in all nations are directed to look for salvation, Isa 45:20-22 when it is affirmed with an oath that all shall be subject to him; that his people shall come to him for righteousness and strength; that his enemies shall be ashamed, and the spiritual Israel of God shall be justified, and glory in him, Isa 45:23-25.

Cross References 9

  • 1. Isaiah 44:28
  • 2. Psalms 73:23; Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 42:6
  • 3. Isaiah 41:2, 25; Jeremiah 50:3, 35; Jeremiah 51:11, 20, 24
  • 4. Job 12:21; Isaiah 45:5
  • 5. Isaiah 40:4
  • 6. Psalms 107:16
  • 7. Jeremiah 51:30
  • 8. Jeremiah 41:8; Jeremiah 50:37
  • 9. Exodus 33:12, 17; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 49:1

Footnotes 3

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