I, even my hands ; literally, I , my hands ; i.e. "my hands, and my hands alone." All their host . The "host of heaven" is sometimes put for the stars, and may be so understood here; but "commands" are laid on intelligent rather than on unintelligent beings. (The object of the verb tsavah in Hebrew is almost always personal.) read more
I have raised him up. "Him" can only be referred to Cyrus, the one individual mentioned previously in the chapter ( Isaiah 45:1-5 ). The expression," raised up," had been already used of him ( Isaiah 41:25 ). In righteousness means "to carry out my righteous purposes." I will direct; rather, as in the margin, make straight. He … shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward. Captives were often "redeemed for a price" ( Nehemiah 6:8 ). In Greece a fixed sum was established... read more
Thus saith the Lord - This verse is designed still further to illustrate the general subject referred to in this chapter, and especially to show them, that instead of complaining of his designs, or of finding fault with his sovereignty, it was their privilege to inquire respecting his dealings, and even to ‘command’ him. He was willing to be inquired of, and to instruct them in regard to the events which were occurring.And his Maker - (See the note at Isaiah 43:1).Ask me of things to come - I... read more
I have made the earth - God here asserts that he had made all things, doubtless with a view to show that he was able to hear their cry, and to grant an answer to their requests. His agency was visible everywhere, alike in forming and sustaining all things, and in raising up for them a deliverer. They might, therefore, go before him with confidence, and spread out all their needs.Have stretched out the heavens - (See the notes at Isaiah 40:26).And all their host - The stars (see the notes at... read more
I have raised him up - That is. Cyrus (see the notes at Isaiah 41:2).In righteousness - In Isaiah 41:2, he is called ‘the righteous man.’ He had raised him up to accomplish his own righteous plans. It does not necessarily mean that Cyrus was a righteous man (see the notes at Isaiah 41:2).And I will direct all his ways - Margin, ‘Make straight.’ This is the meaning of the Hebrew word (see the notes at Isaiah 40:4). The sense here is, I will make his paths all smooth and level, that is, whatever... read more
Isaiah 45:11-13. Thus saith the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker Israel’s Maker. A preface this which always ushers in some gracious promise: see Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; and Isaiah 44:6; and Isaiah 48:17. Ask me of things to come, &c. The words thus rendered contain a concession, and the sense of them may be this: although the potter doth not give an account to the clay, nor parents to their children, yet I will so far condescend to you as to be at your command in... read more
God uses Cyrus (45:1-19)Cyrus’s many victories, and the power and wealth he gained through them, were all planned by God. God was preparing the way so that Cyrus could conquer Babylon and release the Jews. Throughout these events, Cyrus did not know God and was unaware that God was using him to carry out his purposes for Israel (45:1-4).To Cyrus, his release of the captive Jews was a relatively minor event in his long and glorious career, but in the eyes of God it was the purpose for which he... read more
the Holy One of Israel. See note on Isaiah 1:4 . Maker = Former, or Fashioner. read more
have made, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 1:1 ). App-92 . man = Hebrew. adam . App-14 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 45:11
The Holy One of Israel ; i.e. he who always does right, and with whom, therefore, it is absurd to find fault. His Maker ; i.e. Israel's Maker, who has, therefore, the right to do with him as he pleases. Ask me of things to come concerning my sons . This sentence is wrongly punctuated. The last three words should be attached to what follows, thus: "Ask me of things to come: concerning my sons and concerning the work of my hands command ye me;" i.e. first learn of me what in my... read more