Isaiah 45:13

I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

I have raised him up {H5782} in righteousness {H6664}, and I will direct {H3474} all his ways {H1870}: he shall build {H1129} my city {H5892}, and he shall let go {H7971} my captives {H1546}, not for price {H4242} nor reward {H7810}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

I am stirring up Koresh to righteousness, I am smoothing out all his paths. He will rebuild my city; and he will free my exiles, taking neither ransom nor bribe," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Isaiah 45:13 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign control over history and His specific plan for the restoration of His people, the Israelites, from Babylonian captivity. This verse continues a remarkable prophecy concerning Cyrus the Great, a pagan king, whom God designates as His instrument to fulfill divine purposes.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Isaiah (chapters 40-48) where God comforts His exiled people and demonstrates His incomparable power and foreknowledge. The prophecy about Cyrus is particularly striking because it names him over a century before his birth and rise to power. God identifies Cyrus as the one He has "raised up in righteousness" – meaning, according to God's just and righteous plan – to accomplish specific tasks. The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were displaced from their homeland due to their disobedience. God, however, promises their return and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its Temple, using an unexpected agent.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: The phrase "I will direct all his ways" underscores God's absolute control, even over the actions of powerful earthly rulers like Cyrus. This highlights that no human authority operates outside of God's overarching plan. For further understanding of God's control over kings, see Daniel 2:21.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Isaiah’s detailed prophecy about Cyrus, including his role in rebuilding Jerusalem and releasing captives, was fulfilled precisely when Cyrus issued his famous decree, as recorded in Ezra 1:2-4. This demonstrates the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word.
  • Divine Righteousness and Purpose: God raises Cyrus "in righteousness," emphasizing that His actions are always just and aimed at fulfilling His righteous purposes for His covenant people. It's not about Cyrus's personal merit, but God's own character.
  • Restoration and Redemption: The core promise is that Cyrus "shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives." This refers to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and the release of the Jewish exiles without ransom or condition ("not for price nor reward"). This act foreshadows a greater spiritual redemption that God provides freely.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is frequently used in Isaiah and throughout the Old Testament. It emphasizes God's power as the commander of heavenly armies and the sovereign ruler of the universe. This title reinforces the authority and certainty behind the prophecy concerning Cyrus, affirming that the God who declares this is indeed capable of bringing it to pass.

Practical Application

Isaiah 45:13 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events and using even unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes. For believers facing difficult circumstances or feeling like "captives" of various situations, this verse provides hope that God can bring about unexpected deliverance and restoration. It also challenges us to trust God's timing and methods, knowing that He works all things according to His righteous will, not for our merit or reward, but out of His boundless grace. Just as He directed Cyrus, He continues to direct the paths of His people, ultimately working towards the establishment of His eternal city, as hinted at in Revelation 21:2.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 41:2

    Who raised up the righteous [man] from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made [him] rule over kings? he gave [them] as the dust to his sword, [and] as driven stubble to his bow.

  • Isaiah 13:17

    Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:22

    ¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

  • 2 Chronicles 36:23

    Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.

  • Isaiah 41:25

    I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

  • Isaiah 49:25

    But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

  • Isaiah 46:11

    Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

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