Isaiah 45:1-8

Isaiah 45:1-8

[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.

What does Isaiah 45:1-8 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The promise to Cyrus was, of course, for the benefit of the Israelites who wondered how God would restore them to the land as He promised.