Isaiah 45:1-8

Cyrus as God’s anointed

1 The LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whom I have grasped by the strong hand, to conquer nations before him, disarming kings, and opening doors before him, so no gates will be shut:

2 I myself will go before you, and I will level mountains. I will shatter bronze doors; I will cut through iron bars.

3 I will give you hidden treasures of secret riches, so you will know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

4 For the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen, I called you by name. I gave you an honored title, though you didn't know me.

5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides me there is no God. I strengthen you— though you don't know me—

6 so all will know, from the rising of the sun to its setting, that there is nothing apart from me. I am the LORD; there's no other.

7 I form light and create darkness, make prosperity and create doom; I am the LORD, who does all these things.

8 Pour down, you heavens above, and let the clouds flow with righteousness. Let the earth open for salvation to bear fruit; let righteousness sprout as well. I, the LORD, have created these things.

Isaiah 45:1-8 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.