Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 45

The Lord alone is sovereign over history. He raised up Cyrus of Persia to execute judgment on Babylon and restore Israel to the Holy Land.

• His anointed: This title, usually for David or the Messiah, is used here for Cyrus. Cyrus was anointed because he was chosen for a special mission. No other foreign ruler received this title (compare 1 Samuel 10:1; Romans 13:1).

• whose right hand I have grasped: The Lord would help Cyrus defeat Babylon (see Isaiah 43:14).

so that you may know: Cyrus's victories show that the Lord can fulfill his plans. Idols and false gods cannot do this (see Isaiah 41:21–29).

I call you by name: Cyrus did not know the Lord, but the Lord knew him. Isaiah predicted the rescuer Cyrus by name 150 years before he was born. This prophecy would show the exiles that the Lord is truly God and that he knows the future.

light … darkness … prosperity … calamity: Everything is under God’s control.

pot … the potter … him … his father: It is foolish for a creature to question the wisdom of its creator.

The Lord addresses those who doubt his decision to use a non-believing king for his plans. As the Creator, he is free and has complete authority. He promised to return his people to their land and would use anyone he chooses to fulfill that promise.

Egypt … Cush … Sabeans: Israel's restoration would give them new sovereignty. Foreign nations would honor God. Recognizing God's blessing on His people, they would also honor them.

Israel will never again face humiliation, disgrace, oppression, harassment, or abuse. These declarations suggest this promise will be fulfilled at the end of time.

Salvation comes only from the Lord. He is the creator, the revealer, and the one who carries out his will in human history. He promised to start a new era of salvation and righteousness (see Isaiah 45:8). Every person will submit to God, either by choice or not (Isaiah 45:23–24).

Ancient pagan people saw the world as a place of empty chaos. However, God's plans are good. He created the world from the start to live in harmony with him.

• Turn to Me … all the ends of the earth: All people need to seek the Lord, the true God who created everything, while he is available (Isaiah 55:6).

• In God there is salvation, the only hope for all people (Isaiah 45:8).

• God's words are always true. When God swears by his own name, it shows he will never break his promise (see also Isaiah 14:24; 54:9; 62:8; Hebrews 6:13).

• Every knee … every tongue: At the end of time, all nations will accept his authority, either willingly or unwillingly (see Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:25–27; Philippians 2:10–11).

In this context, the people include everyone who seeks salvation from the Lord, even those from other nations (Isaiah 45:22).

justified: Literally righteous (see also Isaiah 45:8, 24).