Isaiah 45:20

Translation
King James Version
¶ Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Assemble H6908 yourselves and come H935; draw near H5066 together H3162, ye that are escaped H6412 of the nations H1471: they have no knowledge H3045 that set up H5375 the wood H6086 of their graven image H6459, and pray H6419 unto a god H410 that cannot save H3467.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Assemble, come and gather together, you refugees from the nations! Those carrying their wooden idols are ignorant, they pray to a god that cannot save.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save.
Ask
American Standard Version
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that carry the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
“Assemble yourselves and come. Draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. Those have no knowledge who carry the wood of their engraved image, and pray to a god that can’t save.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Assemble your selues, and come: drawe neere together, ye abiect of the Gentiles: they haue no knowledge, that set vp the wood of their idole, and pray vnto a god, that cannot saue them.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
Be gathered, and come in, Come nigh together, ye escaped of the nations, They have not known, Who are lifting up the wood of their graven image, And praying unto a god that saveth not.
Ask
See also
Jeremiah 10:5Isaiah 44:17Isaiah 44:20Isaiah 43:9Psalms 115:8Isaiah 46:1Romans 1:21
In the KJVVerse 18,582 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Isaiah 45:20 issues a profound divine summons to the nations, particularly those who have survived judgment, to abandon the utter futility of idolatry. It presents a stark and undeniable contrast between the inertness of man-made images, crafted from mere wood and inherently incapable of delivering salvation, and the singular, omnipotent power of the one true God, who alone possesses the knowledge to declare future events and the might to save. The verse stands as a foundational declaration of Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty and a compelling call to spiritual discernment and repentance for all peoples.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Isaiah 45:20 is strategically placed within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a pivotal section of Isaiah's prophecy renowned for its majestic declarations of God's unique sovereignty, His faithfulness to Israel, and the ultimate restoration of His people. This verse immediately follows a powerful affirmation of Yahweh as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, who speaks righteousness and declares what is to come, emphasizing His unparalleled ability to reveal the future and fulfill His word (e.g., Isaiah 45:18-19). The broader context of Isaiah 44 and Isaiah 45 systematically and often sarcastically dismantles the credibility of idols, highlighting their inertness, their dependence on human craftsmanship, and their utter inability to act or save. This sustained polemic against idolatry culminates in the direct challenge and universal invitation extended in verse 20.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The historical setting for Isaiah's prophecy is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile of Judah, a period marked by profound national crisis and spiritual testing. During this era, ancient Near Eastern societies were deeply immersed in polytheistic worship, where a pantheon of deities was represented by physical idols meticulously crafted from various materials like wood, stone, and metal. These idols were not merely symbols but were believed to be conduits or even embodiments of the god's presence and power, to whom people would pray for protection, prosperity, and deliverance from their enemies. Isaiah's message directly confronts this pervasive cultural practice, asserting the radical monotheism of Yahweh in stark opposition to the prevailing paganism. The phrase "escaped of the nations" likely refers to those non-Israelite peoples who had survived the devastating judgments and geopolitical upheavals orchestrated by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, now being called to recognize the true God amidst the collapse of their own national deities and human powers.
  • Key Themes: Isaiah 45:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Foremost is the Folly and Impotence of Idolatry, vividly portraying the absurdity of worshipping inanimate objects that "cannot save," a theme frequently emphasized throughout Isaiah 40-48. This stands in sharp contrast to the theme of God's Exclusive Sovereignty and Power, underscoring that only Yahweh is the living God, capable of true salvation, revelation, and the declaration of future events, unlike any false god. The indictment "they have no knowledge" highlights the theme of Spiritual Blindness and Profound Ignorance, exposing the lack of discernment among idolaters who fail to perceive the self-evident truth about God's uniqueness and the inertness of their creations. Finally, the imperative summons to "Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations" introduces the profound theme of a Universal Call to Salvation, indicating that God's redemptive plan extends beyond the covenant people of Israel to encompass Gentiles who turn from their false gods, a truth beautifully elaborated in passages such as Isaiah 49:6 and Isaiah 55:1-5.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Nations (Hebrew, gôwy', H1471): This term (H1471) specifically refers to foreign nations or Gentiles, distinguishing them from Israel. Its use in this context is highly significant, indicating that God's authoritative summons and the revelation of His unique identity are not confined to His covenant people but are extended universally to all peoples, particularly those who have endured divine judgments or are being called out of their entrenched pagan practices.
  • Knowledge (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): The Hebrew word (H3045) for "knowledge" encompasses far more than mere intellectual information; it denotes a deep, experiential understanding, intimate acquaintance, recognition, and discerning insight. When the text asserts that idolaters "have no knowledge," it points to a profound spiritual ignorance and foolishness—a fundamental failure to comprehend the self-evident truth about God's nature and the utter impotence of idols, despite the clear evidence of His creative power and historical actions.
  • Save (Hebrew, yâshaʻ', H3467): This primitive root (H3467) fundamentally means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it signifies "to free or succor," encompassing deliverance, rescue, and the provision of salvation. The emphatic negation "cannot save" is the linchpin of Isaiah's indictment against idolatry. It directly challenges the primary purpose for which people worshipped idols—to seek deliverance or help—and unequivocally declares that only the true God possesses the inherent power to deliver, rescue, and bring ultimate salvation.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations": This opening phrase constitutes a powerful, authoritative, and imperative summons from the Lord. It is directed not exclusively to Israel but broadly to the Gentiles ("nations"), specifically those who have survived or "escaped" the various divine judgments, wars, or historical upheavals. It functions as an invitation to a divine courtroom or a place of revelation, urging them to approach collectively to hear God's verdict and His revealed truth concerning Himself and the futility of their false gods.
  • "they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image," This clause precisely identifies the spiritual blindness and profound ignorance that characterizes idolaters. Despite the undeniable reality that their supposed gods are nothing more than inanimate objects made of common "wood" and meticulously fashioned by human hands ("set up"), these worshippers lack the fundamental "knowledge" or spiritual discernment to recognize the utter futility and absurdity of their actions. Their spiritual perception is so clouded that they are unable to grasp this self-evident truth.
  • "and pray unto a god [that] cannot save." This concluding phrase delivers the ultimate condemnation of idolatry. It exposes the core deception and tragic irony: people direct their worship, supplication, and desperate pleas ("pray") to a "god" (H410, ʼêl, used here generally for any deity, but specifically for a false one) that is completely devoid of any power to deliver, rescue, or provide salvation. This highlights the spiritual emptiness and ultimate despair inherent in such worship, contrasting it sharply with the omnipotent, active, and saving power of Yahweh.

Literary Devices

Isaiah 45:20 is masterfully crafted with several potent literary devices that amplify its message. Irony is profoundly present, as the prophet highlights the inherent absurdity of human beings praying to an object they themselves fashioned from "wood"—something inherently lifeless and powerless—for the very purpose of salvation. This often takes the form of biting Sarcasm or Ridicule, a characteristic prophetic technique employed by Isaiah to expose the foolishness of idolatry by emphasizing the stark contrast between the inert, dependent idol and the living, active, self-sufficient God. The verse also employs striking Contrast, setting the "escaped of the nations" who are called to true knowledge against those who "have no knowledge" and persist in worshipping false gods. This creates a clear dichotomy between spiritual enlightenment and profound spiritual blindness. Furthermore, the opening commands ("Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together") are powerful Imperatives, conveying the urgency, authority, and non-negotiable nature of God's summons, presenting it not as a mere suggestion but as a divine decree.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Isaiah 45:20 stands as a majestic testament to the absolute uniqueness and unparalleled sovereignty of the God of Israel. It asserts a radical and uncompromising monotheism, unequivocally declaring that there is no other God who can genuinely save, reveal the future, or act decisively in history, thereby directly challenging the pervasive polytheistic worldview of the ancient Near East. The theological implication is profound: humanity's deepest needs—for salvation, guidance, ultimate meaning, and deliverance from sin and judgment—can only be met by the one true Creator, Yahweh, and never by human constructs or false deities. The "no knowledge" attributed to the idolaters underscores the critical necessity of divine revelation for true understanding and highlights the profound spiritual blindness that inevitably results from rejecting God's self-disclosure. This verse also powerfully foreshadows a universal scope of salvation, extending an unprecedented invitation even to the Gentiles to turn from their futile practices and acknowledge Yahweh as the only true deliverer.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While contemporary societies may not commonly engage in the worship of physical "graven images" made of wood, the core principle of idolatry remains profoundly and pervasively relevant. An idol, in its essence, is anything that usurps the rightful place of God in our lives—anything we rely on for our ultimate security, identity, meaning, or salvation apart from Him. This insidious form of idolatry can manifest as an obsessive pursuit of wealth, career success, romantic relationships, physical appearance, political ideologies, or even an overweening self-reliance and personal autonomy. Isaiah 45:20 issues a penetrating challenge to us to critically examine the true objects of our ultimate trust and devotion. Do we, perhaps subtly, place our hope in things that "cannot save"—temporal, finite, and ultimately powerless entities—or do we place our unwavering trust in the living God who alone possesses the inherent power to deliver, redeem, and provide lasting purpose and eternal life? The profound spiritual blindness of the idolaters serves as a sobering warning against our own potential for self-deception and underscores the continuous need for vigilant spiritual discernment. We are called to actively pursue a genuine and experiential "knowledge" of the true God through His Word and Spirit, allowing Him to expose and dismantle any false gods that may have subtly crept into the affections of our hearts.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "graven images" or false gods might I be setting up in my own life, consciously or unconsciously, that ultimately "cannot save"?
  • In what specific areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength, possessions, achievements, or human relationships rather than trusting in God alone for security, provision, and deliverance?
  • How can I cultivate a deeper, more experiential "knowledge" of the true God to guard against spiritual blindness and the subtle, pervasive forms of idolatry prevalent in my contemporary culture?
  • What practical and intentional steps can I take to reorient my affections, allegiances, and ultimate trust solely toward the living God, recognizing His exclusive power to save and transform?

FAQ

Who are "ye that are escaped of the nations" in this verse?

Answer: The phrase "ye that are escaped of the nations" refers to Gentiles (non-Israelites) who have survived or been delivered from the various judgments, wars, and geopolitical upheavals that characterized the ancient Near East, particularly those brought about by powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. Isaiah is addressing those who have witnessed the collapse of human powers and the demonstrable impotence of their national deities, and he is now extending an urgent invitation for them to recognize and turn to the one true God of Israel. This suggests a universal scope to God's redemptive plan, calling all peoples to turn from their empty, false worship to the one true God who alone possesses the power to save and to declare the future (Isaiah 46:10).

Why does Isaiah emphasize that idolaters "have no knowledge"?

Answer: Isaiah's emphasis on idolaters having "no knowledge" (H3045, yâdaʻ) highlights a profound spiritual ignorance and a critical lack of discernment, rather than merely a deficit of information. Despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power in creation (as described in Isaiah 45:18) and in His sovereign control over historical events (such as raising up Cyrus in Isaiah 45:1-7), idolaters fail to grasp the fundamental truth that their deities are nothing more than inanimate objects crafted by human hands. This "no knowledge" signifies a deep spiritual blindness that prevents them from perceiving the obvious futility of worshipping something that "cannot save," contrasting sharply with the true God who declares the end from the beginning.

What is the significance of "wood" in relation to the graven image?

Answer: The specific mention of "wood" (H6086, ʻêts) emphasizes the mundane, earthly, and entirely man-made origin of the idol. It serves to underscore the utter absurdity and illogical nature of worshipping something that begins as a common piece of material, meticulously crafted and shaped by human hands (a process vividly detailed in Isaiah 44:9-20). By highlighting the base material, Isaiah deliberately strips the idol of any pretense of divinity, exposing it as a mere artifact, completely lacking inherent power, life, or the ability to respond to prayers or provide salvation. This stands in stark contrast to the living God who created all things, including the very wood itself.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Isaiah 45:20, with its profound contrast between the impotence of man-made idols and the exclusive saving power of the one true God, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "god that cannot save" is exposed as utterly worthless and a profound deception in the radiant light of the saving work accomplished by Jesus, who is definitively identified as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus, as God incarnate, is the definitive answer to humanity's desperate need for a Savior, demonstrating divine power not through inert images but through miraculous signs, His authoritative teaching, His resurrection from the dead, and the divine prerogative to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6). The "no knowledge" of the idolaters is powerfully overcome by the illuminating light of Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and who perfectly reveals the Father to humanity (John 1:18). Furthermore, the prophetic call to "Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations" beautifully foreshadows the New Testament's Great Commission, where the gospel of salvation in Christ is extended to "all nations" (Matthew 28:19), inviting all people, from every tribe and tongue, to turn from their empty idols—whether physical artifacts or spiritual dependencies—to the one and only Lord who alone can truly deliver, redeem, and bestow eternal life (Acts 4:12).

Copy as

Commentary on Isaiah 45 verses 20–25

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

What here is said is intended, as before,

I. For the conviction of idolators, to show them their folly in worshipping gods that cannot help them, and neglecting a God that can. Let all that have escaped of the nations, not only the people of the Jews, but those of other nations that were by Cyrus released out of captivity in Babylon, let them come, and hear what is to be said against the worshipping of idols, that they may be cured of it as well as the Jews, that Babylon, which had of old been the womb of idolatry, might now become the grave of it. Let the refugees assemble themselves and come together; God has something to say to them for their own good, and it is this, that idolatry is a foolish sottish thing, upon two accounts: -

1.It is setting up a refuge of lies for themselves: They set up the wood of their graven image; for that is the substratum. Though they overlay it with gold, deck it with ornaments, and make a god of it, yet still it is but wood. They pray to a god that cannot save; for he cannot hear, he cannot help, he can do nothing. How do those disparage themselves who give honour to that as a god which cannot, as a god, give good to them! How do those deceive themselves who pray for relief to that which is in no capacity at all to relieve them! Certainly those have no knowledge, or are brutish in their knowledge, who take so much pains, and do so much penance, in seeking the favour of a god that has no power.

2.It is setting up a rival with God, the only living and true God (Isa 45:21): "Summon them all; tell them that the great cause shall again be tried, though once adjudged, between God and Baal. Bring them near, and let them take counsel together what to say in defence of themselves and their idols. It shall, as before, be put upon this issue: let them show when any of their gods did with any certainty foretel future events, as the God of Israel has done, and it shall be acknowledged that they have some colour for their pretensions. But None of them ever did; their prophets were lying prophets; but I the Lord have told it from that time, long before it came to pass; therefore you must own thee is no other God besides me." (1.) None besides is fit to rule. He is a just God, and rules in justice, and will execute justice for those that are oppressed. (2.) None besides is able to help. As he is a just God, so he is the Saviour, who can save without the assistance of any, but without whom none can save. Those therefore have no sense of truth and falsehood, good and evil, no, nor of their own interest, that set up any in competition with him.

II. For the comfort and encouragement of all God's faithful worshippers, whoever they are, Isa 45:22. Those that worship idols pray to gods that cannot save; but the God of Israel says it to all the ends of the earth, to his people, though they are scattered into the utmost corners of the world and seem to be lost and forgotten in their dispersion, "Let them but look to me by faith and prayer, look above instruments and second causes, look off from all pretenders, and look up to me, and they shall be saved." It seems to refer further to the conversion of the Gentiles that live in the ends of the earth, the most distant nations, when the standard of the gospel is set up. To it shall the Gentiles seek. When Christ is lifted up from the earth, as the brazen serpent upon the pole, he shall draw the eyes of all men to him. They shall all be invited to look unto him, as the stung Israelites did to the brazen serpent; and so strong is the eye of faith that by divine grace it will reach the Saviour and fetch in salvation by him even from the ends of the earth; for he is God, and the is none else. Two things are here promised, for the abundant satisfaction of all that by faith look to the Saviour: -

1.That the glory of the God they serve shall be greatly advanced; and this will be good news to all the Lord's people, that, how much soever they and their names are depressed, God will be exalted, Isa 45:23. This is confirmed by an oath, that we might have strong consolation: I have sworn by myself (and God can swear by no greater, Heb 6:13); the word has gone out of my mouth, and shall neither be recalled nor return empty; it has gone forth in righteousness, for it is the most reasonable equitable thing in the world that he who made all should be Lord of all, that, since all beings are derived from him, they should all be devoted to him. He has said it, and it shall be made good, I will be exalted, Psa 46:10. He has assured us, (1.) That he will be universally submitted to, that the kingdoms of the world shall become his kingdom. They shall do him homage - Unto me every knee shall bow; and they shall bind themselves by an oath of allegiance to him - Unto me every tongue shall swear. This is applied to the dominion of our Lord Jesus, Rom 14:10, Rom 14:11. We shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ and give account to him, for it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God; and it seems to be referred to, Psa 2:9, Psa 2:10. If the heart be brought into obedience to Christ, and made willing in the day of his power, the knee will bow to him in humble adorations and addresses, and in cheerful obedience to his commands, submission to his disposals, and compliance with his will in both; and the tongue will swear to him, will lay a bond upon the soul to engage it for ever to him; for he that bears an honest mind never startles at assurances. (2.) That he will be universally sought unto, and application shall be made to him from all parts of the world: Unto him shall men of distant countries come, to implore his favour. Unto thee shall all flesh come with their request, Psa 65:2. And, when Christ was lifted up from the earth, he drew all men to him. (3.) That it will be to no purpose to make opposition to him. All that are incensed against him, that rage at his bonds and cords - the nations that are angry because he has taken to himself his great power and has reigned, that have been incensed at the strictness of his laws, the success of his gospel, and the spiritual nature of his kingdom - they shall be ashamed; some shall be brought to a penitential shame for it, others to a remediless ruin. One way or other, sooner or later, all that are uneasy at Christ's government and victories will be made ashamed of their folly and obstinacy. Blessed be God for the assurance here given us that, whatever becomes of us and our interests, the Lord will reign for ever!

2.That the welfare of the souls they are concerned for shall be effectually secured: Surely shall one say, and another shall learn by his example to say the same, so that all the seed of Israel, according to the Spirit, shall say, and stand to it, (1.) That God has a sufficiency for them and that in Christ there is enough to supply all their needs: In the Lord is all righteousness and strength (so the margin reads it); he is himself righteous and strong. He can do every thing, and yet will do nothing but what is unquestionably just and equitable. He has also wherewithal to supply the needs of those that seek to him and depend upon him, upon the equity of his providence and the treasures of his grace; nay, we may say, not only "He has it," but, "In him we have it," because he has said that he will be to us a God. In the Lord the captive Jews had righteousness (that is, grace both to sanctify their afflictions to them and to qualify them for deliverance) and strength for their support and escape. In the Lord Jesus we have righteousness to recommend us to the good-will of God towards us, and strength to begin and carry on the good work of God in us. He is the fountain of both, and on him we must depend for both, must go forth in his strength, and make mention of his righteousness, Psa 71:16. (2.) That they shall have an abundant bliss and satisfaction in this. [1.] The people of the Jews shall in the Lord be justified before men and openly glory in their God. The oppressors reproached them, loaded them with calumny, and boasted even of a right to oppress them, as abandoned by their God; but, when God shall work out their deliverance, that shall be their justification from these hard censures, and therefore they shall glory in it. [2.] All true Christians, that depend upon Christ for strength and righteousness, in him shall be justified and shall glory in that. Observe, First, All believers are the seed of Israel, an upright praying seed. Secondly, The great privilege they enjoy by Jesus Christ is that in him, and for his sake, they are justified before God, Christ being made of God to them righteousness. All that are justified will own it is in Christ that they are justified, nor could they be justified by any other; and those who are justified shall be glorified. And therefore, Thirdly, The great duty believers owe to Christ is to glory in him, and to make their boast of him. Therefore he is made all in all to us, that whose glories may glory in the Lord; and let us comply with this intention.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–25. Public domain.
Copy as
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Vers. 18 seqq.) Because this is what the Lord says, the one who created the heavens, the one who formed the earth and made it, the one who established it; he did not create it in vain, but formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a dark place on the earth. I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I am the Lord, speaking truth, declaring what is right. Gather together and come, draw near, you who have been saved from the nations. They have no knowledge, those who carry about their wooden idols and pray to a god who cannot save. Announce, and come, and counsel together: Who has declared this from the beginning, and from then on predicted it? Is it not I, the Lord? There is no other God besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.' Therefore, in the Lord, it is said: My justice and power belong to me; they will come to him, and all who oppose him will be put to shame. In the Lord, all the descendants of Israel will be justified and praised. LXX: Thus says the Lord who made the heavens: this is the God who revealed the earth and made it, he prepared it: he did not make it empty, but formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, nor in a dark place on the earth. I have not spoken in secret, in a place of a land of darkness: I have not said to the seed of Jacob: Seek me in vain. I am the Lord that speak justice, that declare right things. Assemble yourselves, and come, and draw near together, ye that are saved of the Gentiles: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven work, and pray to a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and come, and consult together: who hath declared this from the beginning, who hath foretold this from that time? Have not I the Lord, and there is no God else besides me? A just God and a saviour, there is none besides me. Turn to me and you will be saved from the ends of the earth. I am God, and there is no other. By myself I swear: righteousness will go out of my mouth, my words will not be turned away, for every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will swear and confess to God, saying: Righteousness and glory will come to him, and all who separate themselves from the Lord will be put to shame. Every descendant of Israel will be justified and glorified in God. He calls Egypt, and Ethiopia, and the Sabaeans with their exalted men, through whom the salvation of all barbarian nations and the conversion of the whole world to God is shown, God shows His justice; so that the Lord is not only of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles. For He is the maker of heaven and earth equally the God of all, and He created the earth for no other reason than that it should be the habitation of mankind who would worship and understand their Creator, and despise all idols. For on Mount Sinai, from its lofty summit, he spoke these words to the listening people: You shall have no other gods before me, nor shall you make for yourself an idol (Exod. XX, 3, 4). But it is better to believe this saying about the preaching of the Gospel: For Moses spoke to the people in the hidden solitude alone. But the sound of the Apostles went forth into the whole world, and their words reached to the ends of the earth (Psal. XVIII). I did not say, he said, that I am seeking the seed of Jacob in vain. For I have promised them the kingdom of heaven, and I spoke first to them: I have come only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matth. XXV, 24). And for this reason I spoke of justice and proclaimed what is right, or the truth, so that, with the images of the Law and the ceremonies set aside, they would follow the truth of the Gospel. But because they did not want to believe and judged themselves unworthy of salvation, therefore I say to the Gentiles: Gather from all over the world; and come and join me, all of you who have been saved from the Gentiles. By which he shows that not all nations will believe immediately, but gradually and in part. Finally, he rebukes those who remained in their former error, saying: They did not know those who lift up the wood of their carved image, and they pray to a God who does not save. And the meaning is: They did not understand my words, burdened by the weight of their idols, and hoping in them, in which there is no salvation. Therefore, the Apostles are commanded to proclaim the truth opportune and importune (2 Timothy 4), and to devise a plan for the salvation of the nations. But, that is, in order that many might be saved, God spoke from the beginning that they should be gathered and come from the nations, and the mouths of all the prophets proclaimed those who spoke the word of the Lord, except for whom there is no other. For the Son is not without Him, but in Him is God. And elegantly He joins together: God is just, not of one nation alone, but of the whole world, to whom He speaks: Turn to me and you shall be saved, all the ends of the earth; this having been fulfilled which the Father promised to the Son: Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as your possession (Psalm 2:8). And He swore by Himself, since His word and judgment are unchangeable, that the declaration which He uttered once concerning the salvation of the nations might not in any way be voided, but that His promise might be fulfilled by His work, saying above: Turn to Me, and you will be saved, all the ends of the earth. He also swore by the Apostle (Heb. 6) that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong consolation; and He also swore that every knee should bow to Him, heavenly, earthly, and infernal, and every tongue should swear by Him among mortal men (Phil. 2). In which it is clearly stated that the Christian people are signified. It is the custom of the Church to bow the knee to Christ: which the Jews, demonstrating the pride of their minds, absolutely do not do. But also every tongue of all barbarian nations, not in synagogues but in the Churches of Christ, confesses God. Moreover, every tongue confessing Christ will speak in the Lord, and will say: 'Mine are righteousness and mine is dominion, not the people of the Jews.' To him all nations will come, and those who previously resisted his Gospel will be put to shame; and all the descendants of Israel will be justified and praised, whose preaching and most fruitful sowing has brought abundant fruit throughout the whole world. Whether according to the Seventy or in every language, swearing and confessing God, it will be said that the righteousness and glory of the whole world come to him, and the Jews who separate themselves from him will be confounded. But those who are descended from the children of Israel and have sprung from the seed of the Apostles, and have believed in Christ, may they have eternal righteousness and glory.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 4:3.45:20
But Emmanuel appeared who led with courage those who were snared. He endured for us the death of the flesh so that as Isaiah says in an evangelical way, the scattered children of God would be gathered into one … to gather, that is, to be bound together in one faith and like-mindedness. [They are] gathered by God the ruler of all through holiness and righteousness … and “brought near through the blood of Christ.” … For it is through faith that understanding grows so that it is not in doubt. Even though faith might be undermined by deceit of ill counsel or led astray into ruin by ancient wickedness, we can quickly return to God and receive the light of the true divine knowledge and with a deliberation that comes from an upright mind constantly pursue the better things. Consider then and take counsel, all who have been saved from among the nations.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Isaiah 45:20 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.