Isaiah 45 - God's Message to Cyrus

 

Isaiah 45 – God’s Message to Cyrus

 

God makes declarations to Cyrus, to the Jews, and to the Gentile nations, and in these messages, He speaks to His people today.

 

His message to Cyrus was one of sovereignty, focusing on His uniqueness. Jehovah is the Creator and the Lord of history. Cyrus did not even know the Lord; yet the Lord called him by name and used him to accomplish His purposes. When life seems to be tumbling in, remember that God is on the throne and is sovereign.

 

His message to Israel emphasized submission. God can tell the rain clouds what to do, but His own people resist Him. This is like the clay telling the potter what to do (Jer. 18) or the child scolding the parents. If Israel would trust Him, they could share in the great things He was doing. Cyrus would cooperate with the Lord, and he did not even know Him!

 

The message to the gentiles was one of salvation. God’s purpose through Israel was that all nations be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3). One day God will gather His people and establish His kingdom, and then the nations will know the true God and trust the Savior. Meanwhile, we must get the message of salvation to every tribe and nation.

 

Isaiah prophesied Cyrus two centuries before he was born. This was to identify him so that there would be no doubt this was the man Isaiah spoke of, also because Cyrus was to be the one responsible for bringing the Israelites out of captivity and returning them to their land. He also did this to prove his prophecies accurate so that they would also believe in the coming of the Messiah.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.