Isaiah 45:1-13

Isaiah 45:1-13

[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;  [2] before  the crooked places  straight:  I will break in pieces  the gates  of brass,  and cut in sunder  the bars  of iron:  [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.  [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. [5] I am the LORD,  and there is none else, there is no God  beside  me: I girded  thee, though thou hast not known  [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,  [7] I form  the light,  and create  darkness:  I make  peace,  and create  evil:  I the LORD  do  all these things. [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. [9] Woe  unto him that striveth  with his Maker!  Let the potsherd  of the earth.  Shall the clay  say  to him that fashioneth  it, What makest  thou? or thy work,  He hath no hands?  [10] Woe  unto him that saith  unto his father,  What begettest  thou? or to the woman,  What hast thou brought forth?  [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  [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.  [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. 

What does Isaiah 45:1-13 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This section begins with God"s promise to Cyrus ( Isaiah 45:1-8; cf. Psalm 2; Psalm 110) and concludes with a vindication of God"s right to use whom He will ( Isaiah 45:9-13).