‏ Isaiah 45

* The deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus. (1-4) God calls for

obedience to his almighty power. (5-10) The settlement of his

people. (11-19) The conversion of the Gentiles. (20-25)

1-4 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. 5-10 There is no God beside Jehovah. There is nothing done

without him. He makes peace, put here for all good; and creates

evil, not the evil of sin, but the evil of punishment. He is the

Author of all that is true, holy, good, or happy; and evil,

error, and misery, came into the world by his permission,

through the wilful apostacy of his creatures, but are restrained

and overruled to his righteous purpose. This doctrine is

applied, for the comfort of those that earnestly longed, yet

quietly waited, for the redemption of Israel. The redemption of

sinners by the Son of God, and the pouring out the Spirit, to

give success to the gospel, are chiefly here intended. We must

not expect salvation without righteousness; together the Lord

hath created them. Let not oppressors oppose God's designs for

his people. Let not the poor oppressed murmur, as if God dealt

unkindly with them. Men are but earthen pots; they are broken

potsherds, and are very much made so by mutual contentions. To

contend with Him is as senseless as for clay to find fault with

the potter. Let us turn God's promises into prayers, beseeching

him that salvation may abound among us, and let us rest assured

that the Judge of all the earth will do right. 11-19 Believers may ask in prayer for what they need; if for

their good, it will not be withheld. But how common to hear God

called to account for his dealings with man! Cyrus provided for

the returning Jews. Those redeemed by Christ shall be provided

for. The restoration would convince many, and convert some; and

all that truly join the Lord, find his service perfect freedom.

Though God be his people's God and Saviour, yet sometimes he

lays them under his frowns; but let them wait upon the Lord who

hides his face. There is a world without end; and it will be

well or ill with us, according as it shall be with us in that

world. The Lord we serve and trust, is God alone. All that God

has said is plain, satisfactory, and just. As God in his word

calls us to seek him, so he never denied believing prayers, nor

disappointed believing expectations. He gives grace sufficient,

and comfort and satisfaction of soul. 20-25 The nations are exhorted to draw near to Jehovah. None

besides is able to help; he is the Saviour, who can save without

the assistance of any, but without whom none can save. If the

heart is brought into the obedience of Christ, the knee will

cheerfully obey his commands. To Christ men shall come from

every nation for blessings; all that hate his cause shall be put

to shame, and all believers shall rejoice in him as their Friend

and Portion. All must come to him: may we now come to him as the

Lord our Righteousness, walking according to his commandments.