Bible Commentary

Isaiah 45:1-4

Matthew Henry on Isaiah 45:1-4

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Cyrus is called God's anointed; he was designed and qualified for his great service by the counsel of God. The gates of Babylon which led to the river, were left open the night that Cyrus marched his army into the empty channel.

The Lord went before him, giving entrance to the cities he besieged. He gave him also treasures, which had been hidden in secret places. The true God was to Cyrus an unknown God; yet God foreknew him; he called him by his name.

The exact fulfilment of this must have shown Cyrus that Jehovah was the only true God, and that it was for the sake of Israel that he was prospered. In all the changes of states and kingdoms, God works out the good of his church.

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Prophecies Concerning Cyrus. (b. c. 708.)Isaiah 45:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BiblePROPHECIES CONCERNING CYRUS. (B. C. 708.) Cyrus was a Mede, descended (as some say) from Astyages king of Media. The pagan writers are not agreed in their accounts of his origin. Some tell us that in his infancy he was…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-25Isaiah 45:1-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-7Isaiah 45:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryGOD'S WILL CONCERNING HIM ANNOUNCED TO CYRUS. This direct address of God to a heathen king is without a parallel in Scripture. Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, Abimelech, were warned through dreams. Nebuchadnezzar was even prom…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1Isaiah 45:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThus saith the Lord to his anointed. The "anointed of Jehovah" is elsewhere always either an Israelite king, or the expected Deliverer of the nation, "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25). This Deliverer, however, was to b…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-8Isaiah 45:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryCyrus the anointed of Jehovah. I. THE REASON OF THE DIVINE FAVOR TO CYRUS. Cyrus is the only king out of Israel who bears the title of Jehovah's anointed. He is solemnly set apart as an instrument to perform an importan…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-5Isaiah 45:1-5 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe unfelt hand on the human heart. Of this passage the most striking and inviting words are those in the fourth and fifth verses: "I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me;" "I girded thee, though thou hast…
commentaryProphecies Concerning Cyrus. (b. c. 708.)PROPHECIES CONCERNING CYRUS. (B. C. 708.) Cyrus was a Mede, descended (as some say) from Astyages king of Media. The pagan writers are not agreed in their accounts of his origin. Some tell us that in his infancy he was…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-8Cyrus the anointed of Jehovah. I. THE REASON OF THE DIVINE FAVOR TO CYRUS. Cyrus is the only king out of Israel who bears the title of Jehovah's anointed. He is solemnly set apart as an instrument to perform an importan…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-5The unfelt hand on the human heart. Of this passage the most striking and inviting words are those in the fourth and fifth verses: "I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me;" "I girded thee, though thou hast…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-25EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-7GOD'S WILL CONCERNING HIM ANNOUNCED TO CYRUS. This direct address of God to a heathen king is without a parallel in Scripture. Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, Abimelech, were warned through dreams. Nebuchadnezzar was even prom…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:1Thus saith the Lord to his anointed. The "anointed of Jehovah" is elsewhere always either an Israelite king, or the expected Deliverer of the nation, "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25). This Deliverer, however, was to b…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:2I will … make the crooked places straight; rather, I will make the rugged places level. No doubt intended generally, "I will smooth his way before him." The gates of brass … the bars of iron. According to Herodotus, the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 45:2The secret of assured success. These figures indicate the removal of all obstacles and hindrances out of the way of him who is called of God, entrusted with some particular work for God, and helped of God in the doing o…Joseph S. Exell and contributors