Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Chapter 45
1
Investiture of Cyrus
Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus: “I have taken you by the right hand to subdue nations before you and strip kings of their armor, to open the gateways before you so that they will be closed no more.4
For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel, my chosen one, I have called you by your name and given you your mission although you do not know me.
5
I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides me. I armed you when you did not know me,
6
so that, from the rising to the setting of the sun, all may know that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.
Commentaries
Investiture of Cyrus.
God calls Cyrus, a pagan king who does not know Him, and anoints him for a special mission that elevates him: to give freedom to His people, Israel. In ancient times, these peoples believed their military strength reflected the power of their gods. Before Cyrus, God revealed himself as the only God, the creator, and the supplier of rain and fertility. This subtly warns the Israelites not to return to the idolatry of the Baals. Just as the Assyrians and Babylonians served as instruments of God to punish His people, now the Lord demonstrates His saving power through Cyrus in Israel’s history.