Isaiah 45:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:13 is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and righteous purpose, specifically detailing His divine orchestration of Cyrus the Great to fulfill His redemptive plan for Israel. The verse reveals that God Himself raised up Cyrus, a pagan king, to execute His will by directing his every action, culminating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the liberation of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, all accomplished freely, without human compensation or incentive. This powerful statement underscores God's unique ability to foreknow and control human history for the sake of His covenant people and His own glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 45:13 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of their impending return and restoration. Chapters 40-48 particularly emphasize God's incomparability, His unique power as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and His unparalleled ability to declare the future. This specific verse continues the remarkable prophecy concerning Cyrus, which begins in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Prophecy of Cyrus") and extends through [Isaiah 45:13](/isaiah/45-13 "Isaiah 45:13 - God's Purpose for Cyrus"). God explicitly names Cyrus over a century before his birth, designating him as His "shepherd" and "anointed" (though not in the messianic sense) to accomplish His will. The immediate preceding verses (Isaiah 45:9-12) reinforce God's unquestionable authority as the potter over the clay, asserting His right to act as He pleases and challenging any who would question His methods or purposes. The verse thus serves as a definitive statement of divine intention and capability, confirming the certain fulfillment of the promises of return and rebuilding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual despair for the Jewish people, who had been forcibly removed from their homeland following the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC. They were living as captives in a foreign land, under the dominion of the powerful Neo-Babylonian Empire. The cultural context includes the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding nations, particularly Babylon, which worshipped numerous gods and goddesses. In stark contrast, Isaiah's prophecy asserts the unique monotheism of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who demonstrates His supremacy by naming and using a foreign king, Cyrus, to overthrow the dominant empire and facilitate the return of His people. This act would have been astonishing and counter-cultural, as pagan kings typically acted for their own glory or at the behest of their own deities. God's declaration that Cyrus would act "not for price nor reward" directly challenges the common practice of tribute or ransom in ancient Near Eastern geopolitical maneuvers, highlighting the divine, unmerited nature of this liberation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history**. The declaration "I will direct all his ways" emphasizes that even the most powerful human rulers are instruments in God's hands, fulfilling His predetermined purposes, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine righteousness and faithfulness to covenant promises**. God raises Cyrus "in righteousness," implying that His actions are just, consistent with His character, and aimed at fulfilling His covenant with Israel, despite their disobedience. This act of restoration is not based on Israel's merit but on God's own righteous character and His unwavering commitment to His word, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Righteous Character"). Thirdly, the verse is central to the theme of **restoration and redemption**. The promise that Cyrus "shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives" directly addresses the deepest longings of the exiles—the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, and their return to the land. This physical liberation and rebuilding foreshadows a deeper spiritual redemption, freely offered by God, as promised in [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to Freely Receive").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised him up (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to wake (literally or figuratively); (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self)." In this context, it signifies God's active, intentional, and sovereign initiation of Cyrus's rise to power. It's not a passive observation but a direct divine intervention, indicating that Cyrus's ascendancy was not merely a historical accident but a divinely appointed act for a specific purpose.
* **direct (Hebrew, _yâshar'_):** This primitive root means "to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous; direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly)." Here, it emphasizes God's precise and unerring guidance over Cyrus's actions. It implies that Cyrus's paths, even those he chose, were ultimately aligned and made straight by God to achieve His divine objectives, ensuring the fulfillment of His will.
* **captives (Hebrew, _gâlûwth'_):** This feminine noun refers to "captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively); (they that are carried away) captives(-ity)." It precisely identifies the Jewish people in Babylon as those who have been carried away from their homeland. The use of "my captives" highlights God's proprietary claim over His people, even in their state of exile, underscoring His intention to reclaim and liberate them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have raised him up in righteousness":** This clause asserts God's sovereign initiation of Cyrus's rise to power. The phrase "in righteousness" signifies that God's actions are just, morally right, and consistent with His character and covenant promises. It implies that Cyrus's ascent and subsequent actions are not arbitrary but are part of God's righteous plan to restore His people and demonstrate His justice.
* **"and I will direct all his ways":** This emphasizes God's continuous and comprehensive control over Cyrus's life and decisions. "All his ways" indicates total oversight, meaning every step Cyrus took, every campaign he waged, and every decree he issued was ultimately guided and orchestrated by God, even if Cyrus himself was unaware of this divine direction.
* **"he shall build my city":** This is a specific prophetic command and promise. "My city" refers to Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This clause declares that Cyrus will be the instrument through whom Jerusalem will be rebuilt, specifically including the Temple, which was central to Israel's worship and identity.
* **"and he shall let go my captives":** This is the second specific task assigned to Cyrus. "My captives" refers to the Jewish exiles held in Babylon. This clause promises their release and permission to return to their homeland, a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
* **"not for price nor reward":** This crucial phrase highlights the gratuitous nature of God's redemptive act through Cyrus. It means that Cyrus will not demand ransom, tribute, or any form of payment from the Jewish people for their release, nor will he receive any personal gain or compensation from God for performing these tasks. This emphasizes God's free grace and sovereign initiative in their liberation, contrasting with typical human transactions.
* **"saith the LORD of hosts":** This closing declaration serves as a divine authentication and seal of certainty. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful title emphasizing God's omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies and the sovereign ruler of all creation. This title underscores the unquestionable authority and guaranteed fulfillment of the prophecy, leaving no doubt about its veracity or the power behind it.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the entire verse is a predictive statement about future events, specifically naming Cyrus over a century before his birth and detailing his actions. This serves to demonstrate God's unique attribute of foreknowledge and control over history. The phrase "saith the LORD of hosts" acts as a **Divine Fiat** or **Authoritative Declaration**, lending an undeniable weight and certainty to the pronouncement. It is a direct speech from God, emphasizing His supreme authority and the guaranteed fulfillment of His word. There is also an element of **Divine Agency**, where God is depicted as the primary actor, "raising him up" and "directing" Cyrus, making the human king merely an instrument in His hands. The phrase "not for price nor reward" functions as a powerful **Contrast**, distinguishing God's method of liberation from typical human ransoms or political deals, thereby highlighting the gracious and unmerited nature of His redemption. Finally, the liberation and rebuilding described here serve as **Foreshadowing**, pointing beyond the immediate historical event to the greater spiritual liberation and eternal building project that God would accomplish through the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unparalleled sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate human history, even through unlikely instruments like pagan kings, to accomplish His divine purposes. This verse underscores that God's plans are rooted in His righteousness and faithfulness to His covenant promises, not in human merit or earthly incentives. The liberation of the exiles "not for price nor reward" prefigures the ultimate, unmerited redemption God provides through Christ, highlighting the gratuitous nature of divine grace. It assures believers that God is actively working behind the scenes of world events, directing all things towards His ultimate redemptive goal, ensuring the restoration of His people and the establishment of His kingdom.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings and Times")
* [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return of Exiles")
* [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification as a Gift of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 45:13 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by chaos, political upheaval, and personal struggles, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign over all. He is not a distant observer but an active participant, orchestrating events and even using individuals who do not acknowledge Him, to fulfill His righteous purposes. This should instill deep trust, knowing that our lives, our circumstances, and the broader sweep of history are ultimately "directed" by a God who acts "in righteousness" and for the good of His people. Just as He raised up Cyrus to liberate His captives without price, He continues to work in unexpected ways, often providing deliverance and restoration through means we might not anticipate or deserve. This calls us to cultivate a posture of patient trust, recognizing that God's timing and methods are perfect, and His grace is always free. It also encourages us to participate in His redemptive work, knowing that even our seemingly small actions can be part of His grand design, contributing to the building of His spiritual city and the liberation of those held captive by sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over world leaders and historical events impact your trust in Him amidst current global challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "captive," and how does the promise of God's free liberation, "not for price nor reward," offer you hope?**
* **How might God be using unexpected or seemingly secular means to accomplish His purposes in your life or in the world today?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God acts "in righteousness" and directs "all his ways"?**

### FAQ
**Who is "him" in this verse, and why is his role significant?**

Answer: The "him" in Isaiah 45:13 refers to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who conquered Babylon. His role is profoundly significant because God explicitly names him over a century before his birth and rise to power, designating him as His chosen instrument to fulfill a specific divine purpose. This purpose was to overthrow the Babylonian Empire, issue a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland, and facilitate the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its Temple. Cyrus's significance lies in demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers, proving His unique ability to foreknow and orchestrate history, even using a pagan king who did not know Him, to accomplish His redemptive plan for His covenant people (see [Isaiah 45:4-6](/isaiah/45-4 "Isaiah 45:4-6 - God Calls Cyrus by Name")).

**What does "not for price nor reward" mean in the context of the captives' release?**

Answer: The phrase "not for price nor reward" emphasizes the gratuitous and unmerited nature of the liberation God provides through Cyrus. In the ancient world, the release of captives often involved payment of a ransom, tribute, or some form of compensation. This declaration signifies that Cyrus would not demand any financial or material payment from the Jewish exiles for their freedom, nor would he receive any personal gain or incentive from God for carrying out this decree. It highlights that the liberation was entirely a result of God's sovereign will, righteous character, and boundless grace, freely extended to His people, underscoring that their redemption was not earned or purchased by human effort or merit. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption freely offered through Christ (see [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification by Grace")).

**How does this prophecy relate to God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: This prophecy is deeply intertwined with God's covenant with Israel, particularly the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. The Babylonian exile was a consequence of Israel's disobedience and breaking of the Mosaic covenant, yet God's faithfulness to His unconditional promises remained. By raising up Cyrus to rebuild "my city" (Jerusalem) and "let go my captives," God demonstrates His unwavering commitment to restore His people to their land and to re-establish the place where His presence would dwell. This act of restoration, despite Israel's unworthiness, underscores God's covenant loyalty and His ultimate purpose to bring about salvation and blessing through Israel, fulfilling His promises to Abraham that his descendants would be a great nation and possess the land (see [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). It reaffirms that even in judgment, God's ultimate plan is redemptive and faithful to His sworn word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:13, while directly prophesying the work of Cyrus the Great in delivering Israel from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Cyrus, a pagan king used by God, serves as a powerful **type** or foreshadowing of the Messiah. Just as God "raised him up in righteousness" and "directed all his ways" to accomplish a specific redemptive task, so too was Jesus "raised up" by God, perfectly righteous in all His ways, to fulfill God's ultimate plan of salvation. Cyrus freed physical captives from a physical empire; Christ came to "proclaim liberty to the captives" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah")) and to deliver humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, an infinitely greater captivity. He is the true builder of God's city, not a physical Jerusalem, but the spiritual "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" (as described in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")), which is His Church (as declared in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")) and ultimately the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven (revealed in [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Crucially, Christ accomplished this liberation and building "not for price nor reward" from humanity; His sacrifice on the cross was a free act of divine grace, a redemption freely given, without human merit or payment (as emphasized in [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification by Grace")). Thus, Cyrus's historical mission serves as a magnificent shadow, pointing to the incomparably greater and eternal work of Christ, the true Liberator and Builder of God's everlasting kingdom.

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 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.