Isaiah 45:23 - Exposition

I have sworn by myself (comp. Genesis 22:17 ; Jeremiah 22:5 ; Jeremiah 49:15 ). "God swears "by himself," because he can swear by no greater" ( Hebrews 6:13 ). He condescends, for man's sake, to confirm in this way promises that are exceedingly precious (see the Homiletics on Isaiah 14:24 ). The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness . So Dr. Kay and Mr. Cheyne (comp. Isaiah 45:19 , "I the Lord speak righteousness"). And shall not return; i.e. shall not be withdrawn or retracted. God's gifts and promises are "without repentance." Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear . This universal turning to God belongs to the final Messianic kingdom, prophesied in Isaiah 2:2-4 ; Isaiah 11:6-9 ; Isaiah 35:1-10 ; Isaiah 65:17-25 ; Isaiah 66:18-23 ; and also by Daniel ( Daniel 7:9-14 ) and St. John the Divine ( Revelation 21:1-4 ). The entire destruction of God's enemies is to take place previously ( Revelation 19:17-21 ).