Isaiah 45 - Introduction

The subject which was introduced in the previous chapter Isaiah 44:28 constitutes the main topic of this. God had there introduced the name of Cyrus as he who was to deliver his people from their captivity, and to restore them to their own land. This chapter is almost entirely occupied with a statement of the deliverance which would be effected through him - with an occasional reference to the more important deliverance which would be effected under the Messiah. The general subject of the chapter is the overthrow of Babylon, the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus, and the events consequent on that, adapted to give consolation to the friends of God, particularly the future conversion of the Gentiles to the true religion.

I. An apostrophe to Cyrus, stating the design for which God had raised him up, and what he would do for him Isaiah 45:1. This statement also comprises several items:

1. God would subdue nations before him, open brass gates, and give him the treasures of kings Isaiah 45:1.

2. The design for which God would do this would be, that he might deliver his people, and that the world might know that Yahweh was the true and only God Isaiah 45:4.

3. The joyful consequences of this event - so great that the heavens are represented as dropping down righteousness, and the earth as bringing forth salvation in consequence of it Isaiah 45:8.

II. Those who strive with their Maker are reproved and rebuked Isaiah 45:9. This is probably designed to apply to the people of Babylon, or to complainers in general in regard to the government of God.

III. God vindicates himself against the calumnies and objections of his enemies, and states the evidence that he is God, and the consequence of his interposition in raising up Cyrus.

1. He condescends to reason with people, and is willing to be inquired of respecting future events Isaiah 45:11.

2. He had made the earth and all things, and he had raised up Cyrus for the purpose of delivering his people Isaiah 45:12.

3. He states the consequence of his raising up Cyrus, and thcir deliverance, for the purpose of comforting his people Isaiah 45:14.

4. All the worshippers of idols should be ashamed and confounded Isaiah 45:15.

5. They who put their trust in God should never be confounded Isaiah 45:17.

IV. God vindicates his own character; and calls on the nations of idolaters to come and compare the claims of idols with him, and especially appeals, in proof that he is God, to his power of predicting future evcnts Isaiah 45:18.

V. The chapter closes by a call on all nations to trust in him in view of the fact that he is the only true God; and with an assurance that all should yet trust in him, and that the true religion should yet spread over the world Isaiah 45:22. This is designed further to comfort the people of God in their exile, and is a striking prophecy of the final universal prevalence of the gospel.