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Book of Isaiah
Chapter 45

Chapters 40-66 form the crown to the first section of Isaiah (Chapters 1-39) by properly preparing the reader. The three subsections of chapters 40-66 are obvious. The Chapters are evenly split into three sections. These sections are outstanding because of the way they end . . .  NOT the way they begin.   

Ch.40-48: Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV)  
Ch.49-57: Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV)   
Ch.58-66: Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (KJV)  

ISAIAH 45 parallels with ROMANS. Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Rom. 9:20-21 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21   Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Isaiah 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. Rom. 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Rom. 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Rom. 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

The prophecy of Cyrus was introduced in Chapter 44, and is the main topic of this Chapter. The LORD had there introduced the name of Cyrus as he who would deliver His people from their captivity, and to restore them to their own land. This chapter is almost entirely occupied with a report 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 resulting in that, adapted to give consolation to the friends of God, especially the future conversion of the Gentiles to the true religion.

God had raised up Cyrus, stating the plan for what He would do for him (vs.1-8). This includes several things:
#1. God would subdue nations before him, open brass gates, and give him the treasures of kings (vs.1-3).
#2. The reason the LORD would do this would be, that He might deliver His people, and that the world might know that the God of Israel was the only TRUE God (vs.4-7).
#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 as a result of it (vs.8).

Those who struggle with their Maker are reproved and rebuked (vs.9-10). This is probably intended to apply to the people of Babylon, or to all complainers as a whole in regard to the government of the LORD.

God vindicates Himself against the insults, slanders and objections of His enemies, and gives evidence that He IS God, and the importance of His intervention in raising up Cyrus.
#1. He spends time to reason with people, and is willing to be questioned about things relating to future events (vs.11).
#2. He had made the Earth and all things, and He had raised up Cyrus for the specific purpose of delivering His people (vs.12-13).
#3. He states the importance of His raising up Cyrus, and their deliverance, for the purpose of comforting His people (vs.14).
#4. All the worshippers of idols would be ashamed and confounded (vs.15-16).
#5. They who put their trust in God would never be confounded (vs.17).

God justifies His character; and calls on the nations of idolaters to come and compare the claims of idols with Him, in proof that He is God, and in proving His power of predicting future events (vs.18-21).

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 trust in Him, and that the TRUE religion would yet spread over the world (vs.22-25). This is intended to further comfort the people of God in their exile, and is a remarkable prophecy of the final universal popularity of the Gospel.

Theme: Calling of Cyrus before he was born; Creation of the Universe; continuance of Israel.

This chapter continues the theme of the preceding chapter. This chapter begins with Cyrus as the last chapter closed with him. It seems to many that the last verse of Chapter 44, should be the first verse of Chapter 45, so I am including it here. We should keep in mind that chapter and verse divisions were made by men.

Prophecy Concerning Cyrus (44:28)

Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. (KJV)

That saith of Cyrus . . . this is the first time where Cyrus is expressly named by Isaiah, although he is often referred to. He is mentioned by Isaiah only in one other place expressly by name (Isa.45:1). He is mentioned several times elsewhere in the Old Testament (2 Chron.26:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2, 7; 3:7; 4:3; 5:13, 17; Dan.1:21; 6:28; 10:1). He began his reign about 550 BC, and this prophecy was therefore delivered about 150 years before he ascended the throne. NONE but God Himself, or he whom God inspired, could have foretold something like this so long before, and name him who would deliver the Jewish people from bondage; and if this was delivered by Isaiah, it proves that he was under divine inspiration. Greek writers say the name of Cyrus means the sun. Cyrus was the celebrated king of the Medes and Persians, and was the son of Cambyses the Persian, and of Mandane, daughter of Astyages, king of the Medes (Isa.411:2).
He is my shepherd . . . a shepherd is one who leads and guides a flock, my shepherd, Cyrus is a type of Messiah (Isa.40:11; Ps.23:1; 77:20; Eze.34:23), and shepherd means by a likely and easy symbol, a ruler or leader of a people. The name servant can be applied to Moses (Ps.77:20; 78:52; Isa.43:2), and Joshua (Josh. 3:16-17). The name shepherd here is given to Cyrus because the LORD would employ him to conduct His people again to their own land. My shepherd indicates that Cyrus was completely under the direction of God, and was absolutely employed in His service.
And shall perform all my pleasure . . . in destroying the city and kingdom of Babylon; in delivering the Jewish captives; and in rebuilding Jerusalem, and the Temple.
Even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built . . . that is, the LORD says to Jerusalem. Some render this as meaning the LORD God, not Cyrus, and no doubt this is the true meaning. It was one of the things which the LORD would do . . . to say to Jerusalem that it would be rebuilt.
And to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid . . . although the Temple now lay desolate and in ruins, yet it shall be reconstructed, and its foundation shall be firmly laid. It was without a doubt under the direction of Cyrus that the city of Jerusalem was rebuilt, and that the Temple reconstructed (2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3; 5:13-15; 7:27) . . . but taking everything into account, it all can be traced to God, who raised up Cyrus for this very purpose. That this Passage refers to Cyrus is the testimony of Josephus, and is certain from the nature of the case, since, otherwise, it is unbelievable that he would have aided the Jews in returning to their own land, and in rebuilding their city and Temple. http://www.ccel.org/j/josephus/works/ant-11.htm
Cyrus, whom God here intended, by using his precise name about 150 years before he was born, that this might be undeniable evidence of the accuracy, certainty and exactness of God's foreknowledge. This should be a convincing argument to conclude the dispute between the One and Only, True, Almighty LORD God and idols.

*****The LORD names the foreign king whose army will bring about the LORD’S perfect purpose and will. The LORD clearly reveals that He knows exactly what lies ahead in the near and far away future. King Cyrus was not born until long after Isaiah died. Cyrus made the order to rebuild the Jewish Temple about 200 years after Isaiah wrote these words (Ezra 1:1-2).

The first mention of Cyrus in Scripture, chronologically speaking . . . he was named by God over 150 years before he was born, or about 200 years before he made the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple (2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-8; 3:7; 4:3-5; 5:13-17; 6:3, 14; Isa.45:1; Dan.1:21; 6:28; 10:1).

Cyrus is the LORD’S shepherd, and shall perform all His pleasure. Five things King Cyrus, the Gentile was to do for God:
#1. To be a shepherd of God's people, Israel (Isa.44:28).
#2. To perform God's pleasure in liberating the Jews (Isa.44:28; 45:13). 
#3. To decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Isa.44:28; 45:13; 2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-3; 5:13-15; 6:3).                  
#4. To decree the rebuilding of the Temple of God at Jerusalem (Isa.44:28; 2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 5:13-15).
#5. To subdue nations (Isa.44:28; 45:1; 41:2, 25).

This is one of the many times in the Bible, where the LORD claims authority and control even over pagan princes and monarchs, and in which He says that their plans are under His direction, and made submissive to His will. It is one of the proofs that God presides over all, and that He makes the intended purposes of people obedient to Him, with their intentions being a part of the way of executing His glorious plans in regard to His people. Without a doubt, ALL the proud monarchs and conquerors of the Earth have been in some way instruments in His Holy Hand, to accomplish His pleasure.

There are many who think that Isaiah 44:28 belongs in the next chapter, so I have included it there as well. This is an amazing prophecy concerning Cyrus. He is named here about 200 years before he is born! He is chosen as "My shepherd." This is the only place in all the Scriptures where a pagan king is given such a title. What a tremendous honor for Cyrus!  

Calling Of Cyrus Before He Was Born (45:1-4)


Isaiah 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus . . . Cyrus is called the LORD'S anointed, not because he was anointed with actual oil, as the kings of Israel and Judah were; but because he was appointed by the LORD to be a king, and was qualified by Him for that office; and was raised up by Him to be an instrument of doing great things in the world, and especially of delivering the Jews from their captivity, and restoring them to their own land. His anointed, specifically His king, whom God had predetermined, separated and fitted, in all respects, for His work and service. Such persons are said to be anointed, who never had any actual oil poured upon them, as the king of Tyrus (Eze.28:14), and Christ (Isa.61:1), and Zerubbabel (Zec.4:14), and Christians (2 Cor.1:21). They are so called by way of reference to the practice of the Jews, whose kings were often anointed (1 Sam.10:1; 16:13).
Whose right hand I have holden . . . whom the LORD raised up, supported, strengthened, guided and directed him to do what he did. Right hand I have holden . . . symbol of helping a feeble person by holding his right hand (Isa.42:6).
To subdue nations before him . . . which was accordingly done. One relates, that he subdued the Syrians, Assyrians, Arabians, Cappadocians, both the countries of Phrygia, the Lydians, Carians, Phoenicians, and Babylonians; also the Bactrians, Indians, Cilicians, the Sacae, Paphlagonians, and Megadinians; likewise the Greeks that inhabit Asia, Cyprians and Egyptians. Another says that he ruled over all Asia: all which the LORD subdued under him; for it was the LORD that did it rather than Cyrus. It was the LORD that clothed him with strength and courage, gave him skill in military affairs, and gave him great success and victory.
I will loose the loins of kings . . . such as Belshazzar king of Babylon, by stripping them of their dignity, power and rule; and especially when, by the handwriting on the wall, he was thrown into a panic; and the joints of his loins were loosed (Dan.5:6). The LORD can easily weakeneth the strength of the mighty (Job 12:21).
To open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut . . . wherever Cyrus came, the gates of cities and palaces were opened to receive him as their conqueror and sovereign; this was remarkably true of the gates of the palace of the king of Babylon, when the army of Cyrus by a trick had gotten into the city, and were come up to the king's palace, they found the gates shut; but such a clamor and noise being made, the king ordered to see what was the matter; the gates were opened for that reason, the soldiers of Cyrus rushed in to the king, and slew him (Dan.5:30), but what is more remarkable, it seems that the gates of brass, which shut up the keys to the river, were left open that night Babylon was taken, while the king and those invited were feasting and reveling. Had those gates been shut, it would have defeated the plan of Cyrus; but God in His providence ordered it to be so.

*****The LORD calls Cyrus His anointed, a title that applies only to the Lord Jesus. Why did God give such a title to Cyrus? Because he carried out the will of God and delivered the Israelites from captivity and allowed them to return to the Land of Promise. He also encouraged the Israelites who did not return to send rich gifts of gold, silver, and precious things with those who did go back. In that respect Cyrus was a Gentile messiah of Israel and a vague foreshadow of the One who was to come. The two leaved gates seem to refer to the many gates of Babylon which kept Israel from returning to Palestine. Cyrus opened those gates and told the Israelites they could go.

Isaiah 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: (KJV)

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight  . . . to remove all obstructions, and to prepare the way for thee. The crooked places straight (Isa.40:4), make the mountains a plain, clear out of thy way all opposing persons and things. The sense is, that the LORD would remove all barriers and obstructions out of Cyrus’ way, and cause him to overcome any and all difficulties.
I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron . . . gates of brass (Ps.107:16).  Babylon is said to have had massive brass gates, as well as the posts of brass, and bars of iron with which the gates were fastened to the posts. The LORD said that He would break in pieces those gates, and all them that oppose Cyrus. He promised to carry Cyrus through the greatest difficulties. The rich treasures of Babylon, which the kings of Babylon had taken as spoils of war from all nations, especially from Jerusalem, fell to Cyrus.

*****In the wall that surrounded Babylon there were supposedly 100 gates, all made of solid brass, twenty five on each side of the square; which, no doubt, are here referred to. Those massive gates would not hinder the entrance of Cyrus into the city, nor hinder the taking of it, for the LORD would break in pieces the gates for Cyrus.
http://www.bible-history.com/babylonia/BabyloniaNebuchadnezzars_Babylon.htm


Isaiah 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. (KJV)

And I will give thee treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places . . . what had been laid up in private places, and had not seen the light for many years. The LORD would give Cyrus the treasures of darkness, treasures of gold and silver that have been long kept close under lock and key and had not seen the light of many years, or had been buried under ground by the inhabitants, in their fright, upon the taking of the city. The riches of many nations had been brought to Babylon, and Cyrus seized them all. Cyrus honestly owned God's goodness to Him, and in consideration of that, released the captives. God has given me all the kingdoms of the Earth and thereby has obliged me to build Him a House at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-2).
That thou mayest know that I the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel . . .  to call Cyrus by name about 150 years, before he was born, was a proof that He was omniscient God, and knew things before they happened, and could call things that were not, as though they were. That thou mayest know, not merely that He was the God of Israel, but that He was the TRUE God. 

Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. (KJV)

For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name . . . not so much for the sake of Cyrus, and to do honor to him, for it was long before Cyrus was born that the LORD called him by his name. The LORD wanted to assure His people, the LORD'S chosen people, who were His servants, of the certainty of their deliverance, their deliverer being mentioned by name. It was for their sakes, not his, that the LORD called Cyrus, and raised him up to do the great things as he did, that he might deliver them from their captivity.
I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me . . . the LORD not only named him, not only called him by his name Cyrus, but surnamed him His shepherd, and His anointed (Isa.44:28). The LORDknew and called Cyrus by his name, long before Cyrus was born.

Proof of God’s Eternal Power and Godhead,
and His Universal, Undeniable, Sovereignty (45:5-7)


Isaiah 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: (KJV)

I am the LORD, and there is none else . . . He is God alone, and there is NO God anywhere besides Him. This is here taught as an extremely important Truth, which if it is firmly believed, would utterly abolish idolatry. It is with a commanding, air of majesty and authority, to all pretenders, that the great God here proclaims it to the world: I am the LORD, I am the LORD God, and there is NO other god anywhere.
There is no God besides me . . . there is NO God besides Me, NO other who is a self-existent, self-sufficient being, NONE other who is infinite and eternal, in heaven or Earth.
I girded thee, though thou hast not known me . . . the Lord girded Cyrus with a royal girdle, a symbol of kingly power; He made him king over many nations; He girded him with strength, courage and valor for war; and made him effective, successful and victorious. Even though Cyrus was a Heathen prince, and did not know the LORD, in order to answer some valuable ends of the LORD’S own glory, and the good of His people, the LORD girded Cyrus while He would loose (take the girdle off) the loins of other kings (Isa.45:1; Dan.5:6), strengthening Cyrus, but weakening them before Cyrus.  Though thou hast not known me (Isa.45:4). God always knows His elect long before they are made to know Him.

Isaiah 45:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. (KJV)

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west . . . that all the inhabitants of the world, from east to west, which takes in the habitable part of the world, that all within this range, by hearing what great things God did by Cyrus, and for his people, might know and acknowledge,
That there is none besides me: I am the Lord, and there is none else . . . besides me there is nothing; all creatures are nothing in comparison to God. He fills up all places, and everything that lives and moves, has its being in Him. There is NO God, except the LORD, the eternal JEHOVAH (Ex.6:3; Ps.83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4), that they may know; that all nations may know it by His foretelling of these things so long beforehand, and by the wonderful success that He shall give Cyrus, and by His overruling their hearts, counsels and victories, to the deliverance of His people according to His Promise.

Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. (KJV)

I form the light, and create darkness . . . form is to give form to previously existing matter. To create is to make something from nothing. Then LORD created the original chaotic darkness.
The light which was produced at the first creation, and of which the sun is the fountain and source; or day which is light, and night which is darkness, the constant revolutions of which were formed, appointed, and are continued by the LORD (Gen.1:1-3).  Moral light, or the light of rational understanding in man; spiritual light, or the light of grace, by which things spiritual and supernatural are known; the light of joy and comfort from Christ, the Sun of righteousness (Mal.4:2) and the light of eternal glory and happiness . . . all these things are from the LORD,   from His producing and giving. Just as darkness is His creature; that natural darkness which was upon the face of the Earth at the beginning; the darkness what comes from the absence of the sun, or very black clouds; or any extraordinary darkness, such as was in Egypt (Ex.10:21-23); or deprivation of sight, spiritual blindness in men (Isa.29:9-10; 32:3; 42:7; 43:8; 59:10), and, in a symbolic sense, ignorance and darkness that follow sin; judicial blindness, the LORD gives up on men, leaving them with temporal afflictions and distresses, and worse . . . everlasting punishment (Mat.25:46), which is blackness of darkness (Jude 1:13; Rev.16:10).
I make peace, and create evil . . . peace between God and men is made ONLY by Christ, the LORD, who is God over all. Spiritual peace of the conscience can come only from God, through Christ, by the Holy Spirit (Eph.1:12-14, 17-18). Peace among the saints here on Earth and with the men of the world; peace in churches, and in the world, comes only from God, for He is the Author of peace (1 Cor.14:33), and including all spiritual prosperity of every kind. Eternal glory and happiness is another thing that comes only from God, which all saints enter into at death (2 Cor.5:6, 8). I create evil . . . NOT moral evil (Jam.1:13), evil is in direct contrast to the peace God makes, so it means He creates adversity, disaster, troubles, war, etc. (Isa.9:4; 10:16-19; 10:32-34. 14:24-27; 45:7), this evil is NOT the evil of sin . . . the LORD does NOT create the evil of sin! That evil is found in people who deliberately and willfully rebel against the LORD. That evil is their choice alone, NOT something the LORD creates in them.  James 1:13-17 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16  Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV)
I the Lord do all these things . . . therefore He must be the TRUE God, the One and Only One. This is said against those that declare two gods, the one good, and the other evil; whereas the LORD is the Maker of good and evil, and therefore He must be above all; and it is well worthy of our love, praise and respect.

*****Another thing to consider here is: Zoroastrianism, which began in Persia. It teaches that Mazda is the god of light. God tells us that He forms light, and light is NOT god. The Persians were getting very close to the truth. Many have wondered why they worshiped one god in the midst of idolatry. Well, you must remember that they came in contact with the nation Israel, and Israel was a witness to the world. In Zoroastrianism darkness was Ahriman, the god of evil. God also takes responsibility for creating the darkness.

And create evil . . . the word evil does not mean wickedness in this case in point, but it means instead calamities, difficulties, distress, sorrow, or tragedies . . . those things which are the result of evil, the fruit of sin. In a way, it is the Old Testament way of saying, The wages of sin is death... (Rom.6:23). IF you insist on staying in sin, indulging or treating yourself to sin, there absolutely will come a day when you will have to pay for it.
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/judgment_day_the_great_white_throne.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/judgment_day.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/judgment_h_s.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_judgment_coming.1.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_signs_of_end_times_1.html

We are living in a day when it is said that good and evil are relative terms, that whatever you think is good, is good . . . and many people think that countless evils are ‘good’. The Bible says "Thou shalt not kill" and "Thou shalt not steal" (Ex.20:13, 15). But WHAT is the Bible? WHO should obey it? WHY should we listen to the God of the Bible? http://www.godcannotlie.org/malachi_ch2.htm

The LORD has a very forceful argument. He clearly states that IF you indulge in sin, you will one day stand before Judge Jesus on Judgment Day, and that payday pays a full wage! This is what the LORD is saying through Isaiah. God has so created the Universe that when you break over the bounds that He has set, you will one day stand Face to face with the Creator (Jn.1:3; Rev.20:11-150), and try to explain what and why you disobeyed Him! 

The LORD is the One who creates light and darkness. He answers Zoroastrianism which worshiped the god of light. The LORD says, light is not a god; I created it.                 

This is a remarkable prophecy. Cyrus did not appear in the pages of history until about two hundred years after Isaiah spoke of him. Cyrus came out of the East, from Persia. The ruins of his tomb have been found in Pasargadae, Iran, and you cannot read the inscription without knowing that he was a humble man who trusted God. Most of the great rulers of the past were loudmouth showoffs and most of them were liars. Most of what they said was arrogant, bragging lies, like so many today! The records they left magnified their greatness (like todays politicians) and cannot be trusted. But Cyrus was different. He made no great claims; he did not boast, and yet, he conquered the world!

A Prayer to Hasten the Deliverance (45:8)

Isaiah 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. (KJV)

Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness . . . the LORD is the Author of righteousness (1 Cor.1:30), who was to bring in an everlasting righteousness (Ps.118:142; Dan.9:24); and whose coming was to be, and was, as the rain, as the former and latter rain to the earth (Hos.6:3). Christ came from Heaven to Earth to fulfil all righteousness (Mat.3:15), and with Him came an abundance of blessings of rich grace, including all spiritual blessings of peace, pardon, righteousness, salvation and eternal life, which were poured down from above upon the sons of men.
Let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation . . . Christ is the author of salvation (Heb.5:9; 12:2), who was appointed to be the Saviour (salvation) of His people, who came to bring it into being, and has achieved it (Eph.2:16; Col.2:14).
And let righteousness spring up together . . . Christ Jesus was the LORD from Heaven, and yet was made of a woman (Jn.1:14): Christ, who IS the Truth (Jn.14:6), sprung out of the earth (Ps.85:11).
I the LORD have created it . . . both righteousness and salvation. Christ as Man, the Author of both, whom God appointed (Heb.1:2; 3:2), and raised up, and sent to be the Redeemer and Saviour of His people.

A Warning to the Unbelieving Jews, Who Argued with God (45:9-10)

Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? (KJV)

Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker . . . anyone that opposes and struggles with the LORD, enters into an argument they cannot win, and quarrels with His purposes and decrees, frets and murmurs at His wisdom, and finds fault with His privileges. This seems to be in regard to the challenges, denials, murmurs, rejections and quarrels of the Jews about Christ, the Author of righteousness and salvation, and when He would appear.
Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth . . . let men strive with men, who are as earthen vessels made of the same mass and lump, and so are a match for each other; but let them not have the disrespect and vanity to strive with their Maker, who, since He has made them, can dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel, if He so desires.
Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, what makest thou? . . . can the clay find fault with the potter? Can the clay say to him that forms it, "Why do you make me shaped like this?” Can the clay be wiser than the potter? Can the clay advise the potter? Is the clay stronger than the potter? Can the clay control the potter? . . . NO! No way! The LORD that gave us life, that gave us this existence, and He may design and plan in relation to us, and dispose of us, as He pleases. It is totally bold for us to think that we, the clay, can advise or suggest anything to Him. The doctrine of God's sovereignty should silence ALL our discontents and objections against the methods of His providence and grace (Rom.9:20-21).
http://www.hisservants.org/books_sovereignty_of_god.html
http://hisservants.org/w_what_is_god's_sovereignty.htm
Or thy work, He hath no hands?. . . does the clay have power and skill to make anything on its own? It was just as foolish for the Jews, thinking that they had no need of the Saviour sent to them, nor of His righteousness and salvation, as they argued for justification by their own works, and in favor of their self-sufficiency to work out their own salvation.

Isaiah 45:10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? (KJV)

Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? . . . woe to them that quarrels with his father, complaining to him that he was not of the other sex, or not so wise, or so rich, or so handsome, as others.
Or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?. . . or to the woman; despising to call her mother: it was equally as absurd and sinful for the Jews to quarrel with Christ for His reception of them, or for the regeneration of such persons; or to find fault with God for the conversion of the Gentiles, and resent it, and be angry about it, as they were (Rom.10:19-21).

Encouragement Given to the Believing Jews, Who Trusted in God and Continued Instant in Prayer (45:11-15)

Isaiah 45:11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker . . . He whose Name alone is Jehovah (Ex.6:3; Ps,83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4).
Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands . . . these words are NOT spoken to idolaters, or the idolatrous Jews, and not of their idols . . . but to spiritual Israel, leading them to trust in the LORD, and insist upon the performance of His Promises to them, His children.
Command ye me . . . must I give you an account of my secret purposes and designs? Must I make you aware of future events? Will you tell Me what I should do in my family? Am I not a Father, must you tell me what to do with my sons? Am I not the Maker of all men, must I be told what to do with the work of My Hands? What utter arrogance and disrespect this is!

*****When someone made an idol (image) to be his god, he did it to make a ‘god’ to suit his desires, because he was not happy with the TRUE God! He wants a ‘god’ that he can control, revealing that he has lost all sense of reality. The one REAL God can never be under anyone’s control. Romans 1:19-23 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (KJV)

When people suddenly realize  that the One and Only TRUE God is actually present with them, and knows exactly what they do and even think . . . it terrifies them. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (KJV) BEWARE!! The LORD does warn you! (Ps.50:22; 76:7; 90:11; Mat.10:28; Lk.12:5; Heb.12:29).

Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. (KJV)

I have made the earth . . .  the worlds were framed by the word of God  (Heb.11:3), this, with what follows, is said to show that the LORD was able to bring to pass all the things to come, concerning His children, and the works of His Hands, and to insist upon the performance of them; since He was the Creator of all things (Jn.1:3), and had made the Earth out of nothing, in the beginning of time (Gen.1:1-2), by the word of His power (Heb.1:3).
And created man upon it . . . man was the last and chief of the Creation (Gen.1:26-28), for the sake of whom the Earth was made; and man was made to dwell on it, enrich, and care for it. He has done a poor job!
I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens . . . the heavens are as a canopy over the Earth, as a curtain and tent to dwell in; a phrase often used to express the greatness and majesty of God (Isa.40:22). I, even my hands (Ps.41:2). He stretcheth out the heavens: (Job 9:8; 37:18; 38:4-9; Ps.102:25-26; 104:2; Isa.40:22; 42:5; 44:24; 51:13; Jer.10:12; Zec.12:1; Heb.1:10-12).  
And all their host have I commanded . . . all the hosts of heaven, the sun, moon and stars, as well as the heavenly host of angels (Ps.33:9), He has commanded into being, by the Word of His mouth (Heb.11:3), and to perform their offices regularly and constantly. WHAT is it that the TRUE God cannot do? He is well able to do much more than His people can ask of Him, or think to receive from Him (Eph.3:20).

Isaiah 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)

I have raised him up in righteousness . . . although this does in some respect refer to Cyrus, yet it much more fully refers to Christ, of whom Cyrus was just a type. It is ChristJesus whom God appointed and determined to be the Saviour and Redeemer of His people; it was Christ Jesus that He sent forth in time, in righteousness and faithfulness concerning Him. Almighty God has
raised Him up a King with righteousness; a righteous King, a King that reigns in righteousness, as Christ does, and better agrees with Him than Cyrus (Isa.42:6; Jer.23:5).
And I will direct all his ways . . . Cyrus, was a type of Messiah, who redeems the captives of Satan without money and without price (Isa.55:1),  freely (Isa.52:3; 61:1; Zec.9:11; Rom.3:24).
God would make plain Cyrus’ ways, removing all difficulties and obstructions out of his way. Cyrus would succeed and prosper, because the LORD was at his right hand to direct, counsel, and assist him, and to make him successful, just as Christ shall be successful in the last days (Rev.19:11-21), when He sets up His everlasting Kingdom (Ps.134:13; Dan.4:3, 34; 7:13, 27; 2 Pet.1:11).             
He shall build my city . . . this does not mean Cyrus, for he did not build the city of Jerusalem, whatever orders he might give for it (vs.28), for his proclamation only mentions the Temple (Ezra 1:2).
And he shall let go my captives, not for price, nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts . . . the LORD'S people are captives to sin, Satan and the law; Christ has not only redeemed these captives, He has also proclaimed liberty to them, and delivered them from their bondage by His Spirit and grace; and all this is done freely and willingly, not through any merits of theirs, but of His own rich grace and mercy; and although they are redeemed with a price; it is NOT with any corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the precious Blood of Christ (1 Pet.1:18-19); and whatever their redemption and freedom cost the LORD, it costs them nothing, it is free to them without money and without price (Isa.52:3; 55:1).

Isaiah 45:14 Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God. (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord . . . it seems that the following words are not said to Cyrus, nor to Christ, but are directed to Jerusalem.  
The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia, and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee . . . a prophecy of the conversion of many in these nations, who would join themselves to the churches of Christ, formed among these Gentiles, and make use of their riches, obtained by merchandise, labor and industry, to support the interest of religion; and had its accomplishment in part, in the first times of the Gospel. The Ethiopian eunuch, baptized by Philip, carried it into his country (Acts 8:27), where it also met with success, was embraced and professed; as it will be more so in the latter day, when the kings of Seba and Sheba shall offer gifts to Christ, and bring their riches into the church, the same with the Sabeans here (Ps.72:10), who are said to be men of stature; meaning of a large and tall stature, as the men of Seba are said to be. One interprets it men of merchandise; who used measures in trade and business: and they shall be thine, give themselves up to the church, become members of it, and submit to its rule and discipline.
In chains they shall come over, and they shall be thine . . . being subdued and conquered by the grace of God (Lk.2:40; Acts 13:43; 20:24, 32; Rom.5:15; 15:15; 1 Cor.1:4; 3:10; 15:10; 2 Cor. 1:12; 6:1; 13:14; Eph.2:8; 3:2, 7; Col.1:6; 2 Thes.1:12; Tit.2:11; 1 Pet.5:10, 12).
And they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee . . . to obtain the LORD’S favor and fellowship (Isa.2:2-3; 11:10-11; 25:9; 42:1-4; 49:12, 22-23; 60:2-11).
Saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God . . . persuaded to come to the church, and show all due respect to her, that the LORD is in the midst of her, that He is the Truth, that the LORD is there, and it is here where He grants His awesome Presence, here where His Word is preached, and His ordinances administered, and where converts flock, in hope of enjoying the same blessing as those within. The TRUE church is fully satisfied that there is NO other God but the One in Zion (Eze.48:35; Zec.8:22-23). They were now convinced that the LORD is the only TRUE God, and that idols are vain and empty nothings; which was but very dimly fulfilled in Cyrus's time, but was most clearly accomplished in the days of the Messiah, of whom Cyrus was a type; as also this deliverance of the Jews from Babylon by Cyrus was a type of the redemption of God's people by Christ.

Isaiah 45:15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. (KJV)

Verily thou art a God that hideth thyself . . . who hid Himself from the Gentile world for hundreds of years, for they had no knowledge of the TRUE God, although now the LORD would make Himself known by His Gospel sent among them, and they were blessed by the bringing of it. He is also a God that hides Himself from His own people at times, withdrawing His gracious Presence, and withholding the message of His love and grace. This seems to be the words of the prophet, speaking of his own experience, or rather of the church. Some render this "thou art the hidden God" invisible in His nature; beyond your understanding in His essence; His judgments are unsearchable, and His ways past finding out. It could be applied to Christ in His state of humiliation; for although He was most surely God manifest in the flesh (Jn.1:14), yet the glory of His deity was seen by just a few, being hidden in the harsh veil of humanity. He appeared in the form of a Servant, but He certainly was Almighty God, and equal to Him (Jn.10:30); and to Him the following words agree.
O God of Israel, the Saviour . . . for the LORD is God over all, and the God of His spiritual Israel in a special way; and the Saviour of them from sin, wrath, condemnation and death, by His ultimate obedience, sufferings and death. IF this is to be understood of God the Father, who is the God of Israel, He is the Saviour of them by His only begotten Son ((Jn.3:16).

Challenge to Worshippers of Idols and Their Doom
Satisfaction Given to the Worshippers of the True God (45:16-25)

Isaiah 45:16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols. (KJV)

They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them . . . this refers not to any persons spoken of before; not to Israel or the church, or converts among the Gentiles that came to her; but to those that follow, of whom the same is said in other words.
They shall go to confusion together, that are makers of idols . . . one says, worshippers of image, both the makers and the worshippers are most likely meant. This refers to the first times of the Gospel, and its coming into the Gentile world, and its success there; when the prophecies of the Heathens were struck dumb; idols and idol temples were forsaken; and Paganism was abolished in the Roman empire; and when the gods they served could not help them, they fled to the rocks to hide them from the wrath of God and the Lamb (Rev.6:15-16).

Isaiah 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. (KJV)

But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation . . . not the carnal seed of Israel, nor the natural posterity of Jacob, for only a remnant of them were saved. Without a doubt, in the last days, when there will be a general conversion of them, there will be a universal salvation of them. With an everlasting salvation; not just for a short time, as it was in the days of the judges and of the kings, under whom their dangers and calamities often returned upon them; but unto all ages. All Israel shall be saved (Isa.45:17; Rom.11:26); but here spiritual Israel of God are meant, those that God has appointed unto salvation; who are taken into the covenant of His grace, in which their salvation is secured; who are His spiritual people, whom Christ saves from their sins; who are redeemed by the Blood of Christ, and are called by His grace; these who believe in Him, and hope in the LORD . . . these shall be saved with an everlasting salvation. There is a certainty of their salvation, not just a mere chance of it only.
Ye shall not be ashamed, nor confounded, world without end . . . unto the ages of eternity,  that is, those who believe in Christ, and are saved by Him, they shall not be ashamed, although the makers and worshippers of idols will be ashamed and confounded. Believers in Christ shall not be confounded, neither in this world, nor in the one to come; nor will they ever be ashamed of Christ Jesus, His Word, and His ordinances, nor of their faith, hope and trust in Him, nor will they be ashamed or resent their sufferings for Him. For certain, they shall not be ashamed on resurrection morning, when their vile bodies are fashioned into bodies like the glorious body of Christ (Phil.3:20-21), while others shall rise to shame and everlasting contempt (Dan12:2). Neither shall they be ashamed at the Coming of Christ, when they stand before Him, being clothed with white robes (Rev.7:9), and having on the wedding garment (Mat.12:11-12) when they shall be introduced into His own and His Father's Kingdom and glory, into the world of happiness, which will know no end (Lk.1:33).

*****Those who think that God is through with Israel should re-read this Passage. Israel's salvation is everlasting. God clearly tells them that Israel is going to be judged. They are going to Babylon, but they shall return to their land. Rebellion was still in their heart, but ultimately He was going to save them.

Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. (KJV)

For thus saith the LORD, that created the heavens . . . these words, and what follow, are the words of the Son of God, of the LORD, the Saviour, in whom Israel is saved with an everlasting salvation (vs.17). This is said to assure them of this Promise, as well as to separate Himself from the gods of the Gentiles, who could not possibly have made the heavens and the Earth, as the LORD had done (Ps.33:6; 102:25; Jn.1:3; Eph.3:9; Col.1:16-17; Heb.1:2-3, 10-12; 3:3-4; 2 Pet.3:5-7; Rev.4:11); for it was all done simply by the Word of the LORD, the essential Word of God . . . He SPOKE, and the heavens and Earth appeared (Gen.1:3,6,9, 11,14, 20, 24; 26. 29). Psalm 33:6-9 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7  He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8  Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9  For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. (KJV) . . . Can you comprehend the awesome power and wisdom of the LORD?  There is no way I can.  
God himself, that formed the earth, and made it, he hath established it . . . the Saviour IS God Himself, Jesus truly and rightly IS Almighty God (Jn.10:30), for He had and still has all the perfections of deity in Him; and this is proved by His creation of the heavens, and from His forming, making and establishing the Earth. Out of the muddled nothing (Gen.1:1-2), He made the heavens and the Earth. Out of that chaos, the LORD in His wisdom formed everything into a beautiful order, and prepared, fitted and furnished it with everything convenient for man and beast. Again, I ask you . . . Can you comprehend the awesome power and wisdom of our precious and awesome LORD?  I cannot! http://www.godcannotlie.org/is_jesus_god.htm
He created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited . . . the Earth indeed was without form, and void (Gen.1:2), before it was created, but it was soon formed in a beautiful way, and fitted so that men and beasts could occupy it, and especially for the residence of the saints, the sons of men, with which Christ foresaw would dwell in the livable parts of the Earth. The LORD created the Earth so mankind could live here. One day, all the wicked shall be removed (Rev.19:11-21; 20:15). All those who disobey the LORD and live in an evil and immoral way shall be removed from the Earth! In the last days, the Earth shall be purified and refined by fire (See 2 Peter Chapter 3), to be the home of the righteous, with Christ Jesus at the Head of them (Eph.1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col.1:18; 1 Pet.2:7); as He shall be in the Millennium, the thousand year reign (Rev.20:1-6).
I am the Lord, there is none else . . . the One and Only JEHOVAH (Ex.6:3; Ps.83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4).

Isaiah 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. (KJV)

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth . . . not in a private whisper, not in a muttering manner, but in a free, open, clear and public manner, before multitudes, in the face of all men, or where there was many people: in the midst of a burning bush (Ex.3:4), so the LORD delivered the Law on Mount Sinai, in an audible manner and before all the people (Ex.19 & 20), and when He was here on Earth, He said nothing in secret, but all He said was openly in the synagogues and Temple of the Jews, where they resorted in great numbers (Jn.18:20), and too, the LORD commanded His disciples to preach upon on the housetops what they heard with their ears (Mat.10:27). The heathen idols deliver their prophecies darkly and doubtfully, in obscure cells and caverns of the Earth, but the LORD delivered His prophecies to Israel publicly and plainly, for He was neither afraid nor ashamed to utter His mind, lest He would be accused of folly and falsehood; which was the case of idols. Pagan priests delivered their prophecies out of dens and caverns, with a low and hollow voice, and in confusing words; those that had familiar spirits (Lev.19:31; 20:6; Deut.18:11; 1 Sam.28:3, 9; Isa.19:3); they whispered and muttered (Isa.8:19); but God delivered His Law from the top of Mount Sinai before all the thousands of Israel, in clear, distinct, audible and logical sounds. Wisdom always cries in the chief places of life’s way (Pro.1:20-21; 8:1-3).
I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain . . . as I appointed them work, so I promised and shall give them ample payment for their service; while the Gentiles seek their idols in vain, for idols can do them no good.
I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. . . the LORD always speaks to what agrees with the Word of God. Proverbs 8:6-9 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7  For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8  All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9  They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. (KJV) . . . The word of righteousness and the doctrine of justification (Rom.3:22, 26-28, 30; 4:5; 5:1, 9, 18); by His own righteousness (Rom.1:30); that which He owned by His obedience, His sufferings and His substitutional death on the cross. He declared and brings near His righteousness in the ministry of the Word (Isa.46:13). The Targum renders righteousness as truth; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (Jn.1:17).

*****Just as the works of God abundantly prove that He alone is God, so does His Word. The LORD’S prophecies FAR exceed those of the Pagan deities, for those idol prophecies were never carried out. All that God has said is acceptable, pure and just. He has not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the Earth, nor would the seed of the house of Jacob ever seek Him in vain.

What He spoke was absolutely just, there was no evil in it. I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right, and in agreement with the eternal rules and reasons of good and evil. The heathen deities dictated those things to their worshippers which were the rebuke of human nature and tended to utterly destroy moral decency and virtue; whereas God speaks of love, goodness, mercy and righteousness, and commands that which is right in itself and tends to make men righteous . . . for He is the one and only God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. (KJV)

Assemble yourselves, and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations . . . not speaking to the Chaldeans that escaped the sword of Cyrus's army, nor the Jews that escaped out of Babylon and other countries, by his means; but those according to the election of grace among the Gentiles (Rom.11:5); who were called out of Heathen darkness into the marvelous light of the Gospel, and escaped the idolatries that others continued in; these are called and summoned together, as to observe (take in, realize, see) the grace of God (Tit.2:11-14; Rom.4:4-5; Eph.2:8-9), and to work to convince others of their destructive ignorance and stupidity in  worshipping idols, and to judge and pass sentence on the stubborn among them.
They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image . . . inside those graven images is just a piece of wood, although it is beautifully covered with some kind of metal which is engraved; but for a man to carry such an image on his shoulders, either in procession or in order to set it in some proper place to be adored, reveals great ignorance and stupidity. Such people have absolutely NO knowledge of TRUE deity, if they can possibly believe that a simple piece of wood, covered with gold or silver, and engraved by man's tools, and which must be carried upon men’s shoulders in order to be moved can be a god, or be a fit object of worship.  
And pray to a god that cannot save. . . idols cannot save themselves, nor save them that carry and worship them; cannot hear their prayers, cannot return an answer to them; cannot help and assist them in distress, nor ever deliver them out of even their smallest trouble . . . therefore it absolute and utter madness, and stupidity to pray to it.

Isaiah 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (KJV)

Tell ye, and bring them near, and let them take counsel together . . . tell them what I say of their ignorance and stupidity. Gather them all together, their gods, their makers, and their worshippers, and let them join their heads together, and figure out what proof they are able to give of their idol gods, especially of their foretelling things to come.
Who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? . . . who or which of all their idol gods or priests have ever declared anything at any future time before it came to pass? Did they declare the everlasting salvation of God’s people, or the redemption by Cyrus, which was a type of salvation, and was spoken of long before it happened? Have any of them ever foretold anything that ever came to pass as they predicted? NO! Absolutely NOT! Not one of them.
Have not I the Lord? . . . the LORD had declared many prophecies, by His Spirit (Rom.8:9) in the prophets, indicated before His sufferings and His death, and the glory that should follow (1 Pet.1:11), and when He was here on Earth, He foretold of His being betrayed to the chief priests (Mat.20:18; 27:3); His being delivered to the Gentiles (Mk.10:33); His scourging and crucifixion (Mk.8:31; 10:32-34), and resurrection from the dead (Mat.17:22-23; Mk.8:31; 14:58; Jn.2:19); all which came to pass exactly as He had predicted (Mat.20:18-19).
And there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me . . . Christ is the One God with the Father and Spirit, an Awesome Triune God, and there is no other; nor any Saviour of lost sinners, except Him; there is salvation in Christ alone, and in NO other (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12); and He is absolutely just in ALL things pertaining to God, in satisfying His justice, and fulfilling His law. He was set forth as Mediator to declare His righteousness, and which is displayed in the work of redemption by Him . . . God is just, while He is the Justifier of him that believes in Him (Rom.3:25; 5:1). There is none beside me: (Isa.45:5-6, 21; Zep.2:15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/books_our_awesome_triune_god.html

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (KJV)

Look unto me . . . look NOT to idols, not to any creature, not to the works of your hands; not to your own righteousness; not to your wounds or tears and humiliations; only Christ alone should be looked to by a direct act of faith, for righteousness, for pardon, for He alone supplies grace to secure us, and for glory, happiness and eternal life in Heaven (Jn.3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 8:24; 1 Jn.5:10-12). He is to be looked to as the only begotten Son of God (Jn.3:16), whose glory is the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (Jn.1:14), as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (Jn.1:29, 36); as the only Mediator between God and man (1 Tim.2:5; 1 Jn.2:1); and as the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners (Isa.49:26; 60:16). The LORD must be considered in all His offices and under all circumstances He is to be looked to . . . when in the dark, look to Him for light; when feeling dead and lifeless, look to Him for life; when weak, look to Him for strength; when sick, look to Him for healing; when hungry, look to Him for food; and when miserable and in pain, look to Him for comfort; for NONE who ever have looked to Him are ashamed or disappointed, they have received what they looked for; for He is there for us in all these circumstances. Always look to Jesus, for He is well pleased when we do, for it shows our faith in Him.
And be ye saved . . Christ is set up in the Gospel, whereby men may be saved by Him; and it is the will of God, not only that men should look to Him, but that whosoever sees Him, and believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn.3:15-16). The ministers of the Gospel are appointed to show people that the way of salvation is only by Christ (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12), and to assure them that those that believe in Him shall be saved (Jn.3:15-18,  36); for saints in all ages have looked to Him, and have been saved by Him; so this may be taken for a sure and certain thing, that those who look to Christ, as the Israelites did to the brazen serpent, the type of Him, shall be saved (Num.21:7-9; Jn.3:14).
All the ends of the earth . . . all people that live at the furthest parts of the Earth; Christ even has people there, for the Father has given Him for His possession. Saints, no matter where they live, have been purchased with His precious shed Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19), and for whose sins He became the Propitiation, meaning He reconciled us to God the Father. It is to these people that He sends His Gospel and His ministers, to find them and tell them of salvation by Christ. If people believe and trust Him by faith, they shall be saved, even though they are the worst and vilest of sinners. God is indeed a God of love (1 Jn.4:8, 16).
For I am God, and there is none else . . . the LORD is mighty to save, able to save to the uttermost (Heb.7:25), all that come to Him, no matter where they are, or who they are; since He IS God, and there is enough virtue in His Blood to pardon any sin, and cleanse it, IF the person is truly sincere in his repentance. The LORD’S righteousness can justify from any and all sin; and His willing Sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to expiate (pay for) it. Therefore sensible sinners may safely look to Christ, and trust their souls to Him. There is none else: (Deut.4:35, 39; 1 Sam. 2:2; 1 Ki.8:60; Isa.44:6, 8; 45:5-6, 14, 18, 21-22; 46:9).

*****The idol gods could NOT foretell future events, as the God of Israel had done. None of the idol prophets could foretell the future, for they were lying prophets (1 Ki. 22:22-23; 2 Chron. 18:21-22). But the LORD had told it from a time, long before it came to pass; therefore they must own that there is no other God besides Him.
#1. None besides the LORD is fit to rule. He is a just God, and rules in justice, and will execute justice for those that are oppressed.
#2. None besides the LORD is able to help. As He is a just God, so too He is the Saviour, who can save without the assistance of anyone else, and without the LORD, none can save.

Those that worship idols pray to gods that cannot possibly save; but the God of Israel says it to all the ends of the Earth, to His people, although they are scattered into the utmost parts of the world and seem to be lost and forgotten in their scattering. If they look to the LORD by faith and prayer, stay away from all pretenders, and look Him, they shall be saved. It seems to also refer further to the conversion of the Gentiles that live in the ends of the earth, the most distant nations, when the standard of the Gospel is set up in the last days. They shall all be invited to look to Him, as the snake bitten Israelites did to the brazen serpent (Num. 21:7-9); and so strong is the eye of faith that by divine grace it will reach the Saviour and bring salvation by Him even from the farthest ends of the earth; for He IS God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (KJV)

I have sworn by myself . . . this is the highest and most solemn oath that is possible (Heb.6:13), and so means that the matter here sworn is of an extraordinary importance.
The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness . . .it is not vain words rashly uttered (Ex.5:9; 2 Ki.18:20; Job 16:3; Isa. 36:5; Eph.5:6), and afterwards never considered nor remembered, but what the LORD speaks is sincere, true and will most faithfully and perfectly perform.
And shall not return . . . meaning without result, as this phrase is much more fully brought in: Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV) . . . It is a symbol from ambassadors, who sometimes return to their princes without any success in their business.
That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear . . . not only the Jews, but ALL people of ALL nations, shall worship the LORD and submit to His authority; which is meant by an outward act, the bowing of the knee, which is a posture of reverence and subjection. Dear one, EVERYONE shall one day be subject to Christ, embrace His Gospel, submit to His ordinances, profess His Name, and serve and worship Him. This will be when the fullness of the Gentiles is come in (Rom.11:25-27), and the Jews are converted: the apostle quotes this passage, and applies it to the Judgment Day, when all, whether they want to or not, shall confess that Christ Jesus IS God, which He so often asserts in this context (Rom.14:11). ALL
One day, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God that Jesus is LORD! You can either do it now, lovingly and willingly . . . OR you SHALL do it on Judgment Day, before the terrifying wrath of God! http://www.godcannotlie.org/is_jesus_god.htm

Isaiah 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. (KJV)

Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength . . . one and all shall be brought to submit to Christ, and to confess Him, shall declare it as their faith, for it is in Christ alone where they get their righteousness and strength. They have a complete righteousness in Him, consisting of the holiness of His perfect nature, the total obedience of His life, and His patient sufferings of death; by which the Law is honored, justice satisfied and God is well pleased. In the Lord; by or from God alone, or the Messiah, who is the TRUE God as well as Man. Have I righteousness and strength . . . this plainly points us to the Messiah, whose very Name is, The Lord our Righteousness (Jer.23:6), and whose great business it was to bring in everlasting righteousness (Dan.9:24), and Who is made unto us of God righteousness (1 Cor.1:30). Strength, support and assistance to bear all our burdens, and overcome all our enemies, and perform all our duties comes only through Him. The sense is, the Gentiles shall expect and obtain from Christ both justification, or forgiveness of sins by His Blood, and sanctification by His Spirit.
To justify me from all things, from which I could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:39).
Even to him shall men come . . . the Gentiles shall come to God and Christ, either, #1. By requirement, to be judged by Him at the last day; or, #2. Willingly, by prayer to seek, and by faith to receive, righteousness and strength from Him; which seems better to agree with the foregoing clause, which speaks of TRUE believers only. Coming to Christ is the same as believing on him (Mat.11:28-30; Jn.5:40; 6:35-37).
And all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed . . . all His cruel enemies shall one day be brought to shame and punishment; all that are incensed against His person, His deity, His personality, and His divine Son-ship; those who are against His precious Blood, His righteousness, His Sacrifice and Satisfaction; those against His offices, His kingdom, and His glory . . . ALL these shall be ashamed, either when they are finally see the Truth of these things now, or when they shall appear in His glory in the last day at the Great White Throne.
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/judgment_day_the_great_white_throne.htm

Isaiah 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. (KJV)

In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified . . . all Israelites indeed, whether Jews or Gentiles (Gal.3:26-29); all believers, who are frequently called God's Israel in Scripture (Rom.9:6; Gal.6:15-16). Justified (Rom.3:24; 5:1) acquitted both from real guilt before God, and from all false slanders before the world; for this justification of the true Israel is opposed to their enemies being ashamed (vs.24), which seems to plan their public shame and confusion before God and men. All the spiritual Israel of God, whether Jews or Gentiles; all the spiritual seed and offspring of Christ, these being given to Him (Jn.10:29), and being in Christ (Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor.1:30; 4:10), are justified in Him from all things (Rom.3:24; 5:1, 9). These shall be brought to see their need of His righteousness, and look to Him for it, and receive it from Him by faith; and be clearly justified in their own consciences, as they will be openly at the throne of God, before angels and men, in the hereafter. Thank You Jesus!
And shall glory . . . in Christ, as the LORD their righteousness; not in themselves, not in their own righteousness, holiness, wisdom and strength, but in the fact that Christ is made to them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption (1 Cor.1:30). Shall glory, shall not only receive Him, but shall rejoice and triumph in Him as their God.

Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible

Isaiah Ch.1 . . Isaiah Ch.2 . . Isaiah Ch.3 . . Isaiah Ch.4 . . Isaiah Ch.5 . . Isaiah Ch.6 . . Isaiah Ch.7 . . Isaiah Ch.8 . . Isaiah Ch.9 . . Isa.Ch.10 . . Isa.Ch.11 . . Isa.Ch12 . . Home Page

JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page

ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page

ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page

Isaiah Speaks of Messiah's Incarnation. . Isaiah Ch.40 . . Isaiah Ch.41 . . Isaiah Ch.42 . . Isaiah Ch.43 . . Isaiah Ch.44 . . Isaiah Ch.45 . . Isaiah Ch.46 . . Isaiah Ch.47 . . Isaiah Ch.48 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant

Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Vision of the Dispersion . . . Isaiah Ch.58 . . Isaiah Ch59 . . Isaiah Ch.60 . . Isaiah Ch.61 . . Isaiah Ch.62 . . Isaiah Ch.63 . . Isaiah Ch.64 . . Isaiah Ch.65 . . Isaiah Ch.66 . . Home Page

 

 

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