Study notes

Isaiah 45

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

40:1–48:22 Section

At the end of chapter 39 Isaiah made an announcement about Babylon. The Babylonian government would take control of the southern kingdom. The Babylonian armies would force many people from the southern kingdom to leave their land. They would be forced to live in exile in Babylon.

Chapters 40 to 48 record messages of comfort to those people living in exile in Babylon. These messages were recorded as poems, prophecies and songs of praise. They were also recorded as arguments between God and others in a courtroom.

These messages make three things very clear. They make clear who God is, what false gods are and who God’s people were. First, God is the one true God who created everything and has always existed. No one and nothing is equal to God. Second, false gods are objects made by people and they have no power at all. False gods can’t tell people what’s going to happen or save people from their troubles. Third, the people of Jacob’s family line were God’s servants. God chose them to be witnesses to others that he is God.

God’s love for Jacob’s family line was strong and tender. God described himself as a shepherd who carried his people like lambs close to his heart. But his people complained that God had treated them badly. They thought that the exile showed that God didn’t care about them. God explained that they had gone into exile because of their sins. But he announced a new thing that he would do. He would bring his people back to Judah from Babylon. He would use the king of Persia as his tool to make this happen. That king would be named Cyrus.

God talked about someone called God’s servant in chapter 42. In many ways this servant is what the people of Israel were to be. By obeying God’s laws, they were to live in ways that were holy and just. They were to teach other nations about God and how to worship and honour him. In this way they would be a light for the Gentiles. New Testament writers showed how Jesus served God in these ways as well (Matthew 12:15–21). They understood that the poem about this servant was a prophecy about Jesus.

44:24–45:8

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.

45:1

  • 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).

45:3

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).

45:4–5

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.

45:7

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

45:9–11

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

45:9–13

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.

45:14

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.

45:17

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

45:18

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.

45:18–25

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).

45:22

  • 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).

45:24

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

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources