Isaiah 45:4-7

4 For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.
5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,
6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7 I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.

Isaiah 45:4-7 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 10

  • 1. S Isaiah 14:1; Isaiah 41:8-9
  • 2. Acts 17:23
  • 3. S Isaiah 44:8
  • 4. S Deuteronomy 32:12; S Psalms 18:31; S Isaiah 43:10
  • 5. S Psalms 18:39; Ezekiel 30:24-25
  • 6. S Psalms 113:3; Isaiah 43:5; Malachi 1:11
  • 7. S Isaiah 11:9
  • 8. ver 5,18; Isaiah 14:13-14; Isaiah 47:8,10; Zephaniah 2:15
  • 9. S Genesis 1:4; S Exodus 10:22
  • 10. S Isaiah 14:15; S Isaiah 31:2; Lamentations 3:38; Amos 3:6
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