Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 45

Prophecies Concerning Cyrus.This section introduces Cyrus, the king who would conquer Babylon and set God’s people free. Even though historians do not always agree on his background, all agree that he became a powerful ruler. He conquered many kingdoms and eventually captured Babylon, which was famous for its strong defenses. This prophecy is remarkable because it was given about 210 years before these events happened. God shows in advance what he will do to accomplish his plans for his people.v. 1–2: God calls Cyrus his anointed, meaning Cyrus was chosen for a special purpose. God promises to hold Cyrus’s hand, guide him, and help him succeed. I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2). God will remove obstacles, defeat nations, and open city gates for Cyrus. This is how God made Cyrus a great conqueror, ready to do God’s will—even though Cyrus did not know God personally (2 Kings 13:16 ).

v. 3: God says, I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places (Isaiah 45:3). When Cyrus took Babylon, he gained great wealth that had been hidden away for years. God gave him these riches to prepare him for freeing the Israelites. Cyrus himself later recognized that God had blessed him and gave credit to the God of Israel (Ezra 1:2 ).

v. 4: God did all this for the sake of his people. For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name (Isaiah 45:4). God chose Cyrus and made him great so that he would set Israel free. It was not because of Cyrus’s own merit or goodness, but for God’s own purposes and his love for his people.

The Divine Dominion.This passage emphasizes the total and absolute sovereignty of God. Through the rise of Cyrus and the events surrounding Israel’s deliverance, God shows the world that he alone is the true and living God. He is in control of all things, both good and bad, and directs history according to his plan. These verses are meant to give comfort to God’s people and to warn those who try to resist his will.v. 5–6: God makes it clear that he is the only God.

v. 7–8: God shows he is in control of everything.

v. 8: God calls on creation to join in his work. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness (Isaiah 45:8). God commands that righteousness and salvation will appear together, just as rain brings life to the earth. He promises that the restoration of his people will come when they turn to him in righteousness (Psalm 85:11 ).

v. 9–10: God warns against arguing with him. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! (Isaiah 45:9). It is foolish for people to complain about God’s ways, like clay questioning the potter or a child questioning the parents. God, as our Creator, has the right to shape our lives as he chooses. We must trust his wisdom and not rebel against his plan (Romans 9:20–21 ).

The Power of God; Encouragement to the People of GodIn this section, God speaks to His people who are in captivity. They are encouraged not to lose hope, but to trust in His power and promises. God invites them to ask about what will happen in the future and to rely on Him, not only as their Creator but as the One who holds all things in His hands. He reminds them that He alone is God, and that He will do what He has promised for their deliverance and restoration.v. 11: God, the Holy One of Israel and their Maker, tells the people to seek Him about future events. He encourages them to come to Him with their prayers and questions about what will happen to His children and the work of His hands. God does not want them to argue with Him or challenge His plans, but He welcomes their earnest prayers and trust. They are not to command Him as if they are in charge, but to come with faith, asking and expecting Him to act according to His word. God is open to their petitions, but not to their complaints or attempts to give Him orders.

v. 12: God reminds them that He created the earth and mankind, and He also stretched out the heavens and commands all their hosts. This shows His absolute power over creation and assures the people that He is able to help and deliver them, no matter how impossible their situation seems.

v. 13: God says He will raise up Cyrus (the Persian king) to do what is right. Cyrus will rebuild Jerusalem and set the people of Israel free, without asking for payment or reward. This deliverance is part of God's plan, showing that He can use anyone, even a foreign king, to fulfill His purposes for His people.

v. 14: The wealth and people of Egypt, Cush, and the Sabeans will come to Israel, acknowledging that God is truly with them. This means that even other nations will recognize the greatness of the God of Israel and seek to be part of His blessing.

v. 15: The people confess that God often works in secret and mysterious ways. Even when He seems hidden, He is still the God of Israel and the Savior. His ways may not always be obvious, but He is always at work for the good of His people.

v. 16: Those who worship idols will be put to shame and confusion. God’s people can trust that those who oppose Him will not succeed.

v. 17: Israel will be saved by the LORDORD with an everlasting salvation. They will never be put to shame, but will have eternal security and joy in God’s presence.

v. 18: God, who created the heavens and the earth to be inhabited, declares that He is the only true God. He did not create the world for nothing, but with a purpose—to be lived in and enjoyed by people who know Him.

v. 19: God says that He does not speak in secret or give confusing messages, like the false gods of other nations. When He tells His people to seek Him, it is not in vain. His words are righteous and true, and He always keeps His promises. Those who seek God will never be disappointed.

The Folly of Idolatry; Salvation in Christ.This section shows the foolishness of worshipping idols and reveals the greatness of God’s salvation. God calls all people, Jews and Gentiles, to see the difference between false gods and the one true God. He invites everyone to turn to him and find salvation through faith, not through lifeless idols.v. 20–21: God invites survivors from all nations to gather and listen. He points out how foolish it is to worship idols made of wood, which cannot save or help. They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save (Isaiah 45:20). God challenges all idol worshippers to prove that their gods can predict the future or save anyone. Only the Lord

v. 22: God says, Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth (Isaiah 45:22). Everyone, no matter where they live, is invited to trust in God for salvation. This points forward to the time when Gentiles from distant nations would turn to Christ and be saved by faith (John 3:14–15 ).

v. 23: God promises, with an oath, that his greatness will be recognized everywhere. Unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear (Isaiah 45:23). All people will one day acknowledge God’s authority. This is quoted in the New Testament about Jesus Christ (Romans 14:11 ), showing that Christ’s kingdom will reach all nations.

v. 24–25: God’s people will find righteousness and strength in him. In the Lord