Isaiah 45:1

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} to his anointed {H4899}, to Cyrus {H3566}, whose right hand {H3225} I have holden {H2388}, to subdue {H7286} nations {H1471} before {H6440} him; and I will loose {H6605} the loins {H4975} of kings {H4428}, to open {H6605} before {H6440} him the two leaved gates {H1817}; and the gates {H8179} shall not be shut {H5462};

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus says ADONAI to Koresh, his anointed, whose right hand he has grasped, so that he subdues nations before him and strips kings of their robes, so that doors open in front of him, and no gates are barred:

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:1 unveils a remarkable prophecy from the LORD, identifying Cyrus, a pagan Persian king, as His "anointed" instrument. Centuries before his birth and the Babylonian exile, God declares His sovereign empowerment of Cyrus, promising to guide his right hand, subdue nations before him, weaken opposing kings, and ensure that the formidable gates of Babylon would be opened and remain so, thus guaranteeing his conquest and the fulfillment of divine purposes for Israel. This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over history, nations, and individuals, orchestrating global events to accomplish His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens a new section within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), which primarily addresses Israel's future return from Babylonian exile. Following chapters that emphasize God's unique power and faithfulness in contrast to the impotence of idols (e.g., [Isaiah 44:6-8](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6-8 - God as the First and Last")), Isaiah 45 explicitly names Cyrus as God's chosen agent for this restoration. The prophecy here is a direct divine address to a future pagan ruler, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and His ability to use anyone to achieve His will, even those unaware of His covenant purposes. It sets the stage for the subsequent declarations of God's unique identity as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, who alone declares the end from the beginning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 45:1 was delivered by Isaiah roughly 150-200 years before Cyrus the Great's birth and well before the Babylonian exile (586 BC) occurred. At the time of Isaiah's prophecy, Assyria was the dominant world power, and Babylon's rise was still in the future. Cyrus, founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, conquered Babylon in 539 BC. The "two leaved gates" refer to Babylon's renowned, massive bronze gates, part of its supposedly impregnable defenses. Historical accounts (e.g., Herodotus, Xenophon) describe Cyrus's army diverting the Euphrates River, which flowed under the city walls, allowing them to enter through the riverbed. The prophecy of the gates not being shut is often understood to refer to the inner city gates being left open, perhaps due to the Babylonians' overconfidence or a festival, allowing the Persians to capture the city without a major siege. This historical fulfillment underscores the precision of Isaiah's prophecy.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 45:1 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, as the LORD explicitly names Cyrus centuries before his existence, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and His perfect ability to declare "the end from the beginning" ([Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Secondly, the designation of Cyrus as God's **"Anointed"** (Hebrew: _mashiaḥ_) is a striking theme. This term, typically reserved for Israelite kings, priests, or the Messiah, highlights that God can set apart anyone, regardless of their faith or background, for a specific task in His overarching plan, functionally anointing them for a divine mission. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Irresistible Divine Power**, as God promises to "hold Cyrus's right hand," signifying divine guidance and strength, and to "loose the loins of kings," meaning to weaken their resolve and power. The prophecy of "opening the two leaved gates" and ensuring "the gates shall not be shut" illustrates that no human obstacle, however formidable, can stand against God's determined purpose. Ultimately, all these actions serve **God's Purpose for His People**, as Cyrus's conquests and subsequent decree (recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Cyrus's Decree for Israel's Return")) were for the sake of Israel's restoration and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** From the root _mâshach_ (to smear, anoint), this term (H4899) typically refers to a consecrated person, such as a king, priest, or prophet in Israel, set apart for a special office by God. Its application to Cyrus, a pagan king, is remarkable. It indicates that God "anointed" or set him apart for a specific divine purpose—to be His instrument in overthrowing Babylon and facilitating the return of the Jewish exiles. This functional anointing highlights God's universal prerogative to choose and empower anyone for His plans, regardless of their religious affiliation.
* **holden (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root (H2388) signifies to fasten upon, seize, be strong, or strengthen. When God says, "I have holden" Cyrus's right hand, it conveys divine support, empowerment, and guidance. It implies that God is the source of Cyrus's strength, success, and ability to conquer. This is not merely passive observation but active, sustaining intervention, ensuring Cyrus's victories are aligned with God's will.
* **loose (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This root (H6605) means to open wide, to loosen, or to ungird. In the context of "loose the loins of kings," it is an idiomatic expression signifying the weakening of their strength, courage, or ability to resist. The loins were considered the seat of strength and virility. To "loose" them means to divest kings of their power and resolve, rendering them vulnerable and incapable of effective resistance against Cyrus, thereby ensuring his success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus":** This opening declaration immediately establishes the divine authority of the message. The LORD, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, directly addresses Cyrus, a pagan monarch. The term "anointed" (Hebrew _mashiaḥ_) is profoundly significant, indicating that God has specially chosen and set apart Cyrus for a particular task, even though Cyrus does not know or acknowledge Yahweh. This highlights God's sovereignty over all rulers and nations.
* **"whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him":** God asserts His active involvement in Cyrus's military successes. The "right hand" symbolizes strength, authority, and effective action. By "holding" Cyrus's right hand, God signifies His divine guidance, empowerment, and direct assistance in Cyrus's conquests. It means God is the ultimate force behind Cyrus's ability to conquer and bring nations into submission.
* **"and I will loose the loins of kings":** This is a vivid idiom. The "loins" were considered the source of strength and vitality. To "loose the loins" means to weaken, disarm, or strip kings of their power, courage, and ability to resist. God promises to debilitate Cyrus's opponents, making them powerless before him, ensuring his path to victory is unhindered by formidable resistance.
* **"to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut":** This specific prophecy refers to the formidable defenses of Babylon. The "two leaved gates" were massive, often bronze, doors. God promises to supernaturally ensure that these gates would be opened for Cyrus, allowing him unhindered entry into the city. The phrase "and the gates shall not be shut" emphasizes the certainty and completeness of this divine intervention, implying either that they would be left open by human negligence or that no force could prevent their opening when God willed it. This detail foreshadows the historical account of Babylon's fall.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Prophecy**, specifically **Predictive Prophecy**, as Isaiah foretells events—the rise of Cyrus, his specific military successes, and the manner of Babylon's fall—centuries before they occur. This demonstrates God's omniscience and sovereign control over history. The phrase "loose the loins of kings" is a vivid **Idiom** or **Metaphor**, drawing on ancient understandings of the loins as the seat of strength to convey the idea of weakening or stripping kings of their power and resolve. Similarly, God's statement "whose right hand I have holden" functions as a **Metaphor** for divine empowerment, guidance, and assistance, illustrating God's active involvement in human affairs. The direct address, "Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus," is a form of **Divine Address** or **Apostrophe**, where God speaks directly to an individual, even one not yet born, emphasizing the personal and intentional nature of His decree. Finally, the repetition of "gates" and the absolute declaration "shall not be shut" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the certainty and irresistibility of God's plan for Babylon's fall and Cyrus's success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:1 serves as a profound testament to God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all of creation, including human history and political powers. It dismantles any notion of a God who is merely a passive observer or who only works within the confines of His covenant people. Instead, it reveals a God who actively raises up and casts down rulers, orchestrates international events, and even uses pagan kings as His "anointed" instruments to accomplish His specific redemptive purposes for His chosen people. This demonstrates that all authority ultimately derives from Him, and no human will or power can thwart His divine plan. It teaches us to look beyond immediate political landscapes and trust in the unseen hand of God, who works all things for the good of those who love Him and for the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart is in the Hand of the LORD")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 45:1 offers immense comfort and a powerful challenge for believers in every generation. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, shifting powers, and leaders who may seem far from God's purposes, this verse reminds us that God remains utterly sovereign. He is not surprised by global events; rather, He orchestrates them, raising up and bringing down nations and leaders according to His eternal counsel. This truth calls us to place our ultimate hope and trust not in human governments, political systems, or even the best-intentioned leaders, but in the God who holds the entire cosmos in His hands. It encourages us to pray for our leaders, knowing that God can use anyone for His purposes, and to rest in the assurance that His ultimate plan for His people and His kingdom will prevail, regardless of present circumstances. Our faith is grounded in a God who is actively involved in history, working all things together for good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 45:1 challenge our understanding of God's involvement in global politics and the rise and fall of nations?**
* **In what areas of your life or in current world events do you need to trust God's sovereign control more fully, even when circumstances seem chaotic or beyond human influence?**
* **How does the naming of Cyrus, a pagan king, as "anointed" broaden our perspective on the diverse instruments God might use to accomplish His purposes, even outside of traditional religious contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why is Cyrus called "anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiaḥ_) if he was a pagan king?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _mashiaḥ_ (מָשִׁיחַ) literally means "anointed one." While it is the root from which "Messiah" is derived and is most famously applied to the coming Savior, its primary meaning refers to someone set apart or consecrated by God for a specific purpose or office. In the Old Testament, kings (like David, [1 Samuel 16:12-13](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12-13 - David Anointed King")), priests (like Aaron, [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Aaron Anointed as Priest")), and even prophets were considered "anointed." In Isaiah 45:1, Cyrus is "anointed" in a functional sense; God divinely appointed and empowered him for the specific task of overthrowing Babylon and allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty to use anyone, regardless of their personal faith or background, as an instrument in His overarching redemptive plan.

**How were Babylon's "two leaved gates" opened or "not shut" as prophesied?**

Answer: Historical accounts from Greek historians like Herodotus and Xenophon corroborate the fulfillment of this prophecy. According to these accounts, during a major Babylonian festival, Cyrus's army diverted the Euphrates River, which flowed under the city walls. This lowered the water level, allowing Persian troops to march along the riverbed directly into the city. Crucially, the massive inner city gates, which opened onto the river, were either carelessly left open by the celebrating Babylonians or were easily breached due to negligence. This allowed the Persian army to enter the supposedly impregnable city without a direct siege or battle at the main walls, leading to Babylon's swift and unexpected fall in 539 BC. This historical detail provides a striking confirmation of the precise foreknowledge of God declared through Isaiah centuries earlier.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:1, with its prophecy of Cyrus as God's "anointed" instrument, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah. Cyrus was God's chosen agent to deliver His people from physical captivity in Babylon and enable the rebuilding of a physical temple. In a far greater sense, Jesus is the divine Anointed One, sent by God to deliver humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Powers")). Just as God held Cyrus's right hand to subdue nations, so God the Father empowered Jesus with all authority in heaven and on earth to conquer the spiritual enemies of humanity. While Cyrus opened physical gates, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way")), breaking down the spiritual gates of hell and the grave. Furthermore, Cyrus enabled the rebuilding of a physical temple, but Jesus is the true Temple, and through Him, believers are built together as living stones into a spiritual dwelling place for God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")). The sovereign power of God displayed in raising up Cyrus for a specific historical task foreshadows the even greater, redemptive sovereignty displayed in sending the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), to accomplish eternal salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Jeremiah 51:20

Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;

Jeremiah 51:24

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Psalms 73:23

Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.

Isaiah 41:13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Jeremiah 51:11

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.