Isaiah 45:1

Sec. 4. (2) THE TIMES OF CYRUS AND MESSIAH.

1. This subdivision of section four presents more in detail the relations of Cyrus to Immanuel.

To his anointed, to Cyrus Jehovah’s “anointed” in the typical aspect of kingship and royal command, relating to Israel in particular. For Israel’s sake Cyrus was anointed king. He subdued all nations within and contiguous to Babylon Medes, Assyrians, Babylonians, Hyrcanians, and the nations of account in Asia Minor.

I will loose the loins of kings This means, to weaken, as “to gird up” the loins, means to put strength into one.

To open… two leaved gates By which Cyrus entered the city of Babylon. Herodotus speaks of the gate by the river (Euphrates) having been left accidentally unclosed on the night of the attack. To the same effect says Xenophon. (See HERODOTUS 1:191, and XENOPHON’S Cyrop., vii, Isaiah 5:10.)