Isaiah 45 - Introduction

God calleth Cyrus for his church's sake: by his omnipotence he challengeth obedience: he convinceth the idols of vanity by his saving power.

Before Christ 712.

SEE the analyses on ch. Isaiah 44:6. The second section of this discourse is divided into two parts: The first part respects the overthrow of the Babylonish empire, and the deliverance of the people of God from captivity, to be effected by Cyrus: Wherein we have, first, an apostrophe to this prince: and here the purpose of God, concerning him, and his success in subverting the Babylonish monarchy, is foretold; and the ends and design of this divine purpose are declared, Isaiah 45:4. An epiphonema, or exultation of the prophetic chorus, or of God himself, is subjoined; wherein the joyful consequences of this great work are figuratively described, Isaiah 45:8 and the malignant censurers of the ways of God are refuted. Secondly, we have a direct prophetical and doctrinal discourse of God, wherein, vindicating his honour against the blasphemers of his providence, he ascribes the raising up of Cyrus to himself, as the principal cause, Isaiah 45:11 and applies the joyful consequence hereof to the consolation of the pious, Isaiah 45:14. Another epiphonema of the chorus is subjoined, celebrating the ways of the divine providence, and their own lot, Isaiah 45:15. Thirdly, we have a reproving discourse of God to the Gentiles; wherein, from this work, and his prediction of it, he vindicates the truth of his divinity, and shews the vanity of idols and their worshippers, Isaiah 45:18. The second part of this section respects the calling of the Gentiles to the communion and salvation of God; and herein, first, we have a gracious invitation of the Gentiles to this communion, Isaiah 45:22 and secondly, the design of God concerning their conversion, faith, and salvation, emphatically set forth, Isaiah 45:23. The disposition of the parts of this prophesy is dramatic; for there are various persons who are here introduced: God himself, the ruler of the universe; Cyrus, to whom the discourse of God is directed; and also all nations, which in like manner are addressed by an apostrophe, together with a chorus, representing the church, and addressing God. See Vitringa.