I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
I will go {H3212} before {H6440} thee, and make {H3474} the crooked places {H1921} straight {H3474}{H3474}: I will break in pieces {H7665} the gates {H1817} of brass {H5154}, and cut in sunder {H1438} the bars {H1280} of iron {H1270}:
"I will go ahead of you, levelling the hills, shattering the bronze gates, smashing the iron bars.
“I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.
I will go before thee, and make the rough places smooth; I will break in pieces the doors of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron;
-
Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: -
Luke 3:5
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth; -
Isaiah 42:16
And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. -
Psalms 107:16
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. -
Jeremiah 51:30
The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in [their] holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken. -
Isaiah 13:4
The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. -
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.
This verse is part of a remarkable passage in Isaiah where God speaks directly to Cyrus, a Persian king who was not a worshipper of the God of Israel. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty and his ability to use anyone, even those who don't know Him, to accomplish His purposes.
Context
Isaiah chapter 45 continues God's address to Cyrus, named in verse 1. This prophecy was given long before Cyrus was born, identifying him as the one God would use to overthrow Babylon and allow the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Verse 2 specifically describes how God would prepare the way for Cyrus's conquest and subsequent actions regarding Israel.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "make the crooked places straight" uses the Hebrew word hadar (הָדַר), which can mean to level or make smooth, and `aqob (עָקֹב), meaning twisted, rugged, or deceitful. It vividly pictures God smoothing out rough terrain and removing impediments. The "gates of brass" and "bars of iron" represent the strongest known fortifications of the time, emphasizing the insurmountable barriers God promises to dismantle.
Commentary and Application
This verse is a powerful declaration of God's power to pave the way for His chosen instruments and His divine will. Historically, it refers to God enabling Cyrus to conquer Babylon, which had seemingly impenetrable defenses (Babylon was known for its massive gates, some possibly reinforced with bronze/brass). God promised to remove every obstacle, whether geographical (crooked paths) or defensive (strong gates and bars).
For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that when God is leading, He is also capable of removing obstacles that seem impossible for us to overcome. Whether facing personal challenges, spiritual battles, or difficulties in pursuing God's call, we can trust that the same God who went before Cyrus is able to make our "crooked places straight" and break down formidable barriers. It encourages faith that God's purposes will prevail, and He will provide the means to accomplish what He sets out to do.