Isaiah 45:24

Isaiah 45:24 (KJV): "Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed."

Context

Isaiah 45 is part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section of the prophet Isaiah's writings focused on God's sovereignty, His plan for Israel's restoration, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. In this chapter, God explicitly names Cyrus, the Persian king, as His chosen instrument to facilitate the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The broader context emphasizes that the LORD is the one true God, distinct from all idols, and His power extends over all nations and events. Verse 24 serves as a climactic declaration, following God's earlier invitation for "all the ends of the earth" to look to Him and be saved (Isaiah 45:22), highlighting the universal scope of His redemptive and judicial authority.

Key Themes

• Righteousness and Strength from God Alone: This verse powerfully declares that true righteousness—a right standing before God—and genuine strength are not found in human merit, self-effort, or worldly power, but are received exclusively "in the LORD." This prophetic statement anticipates the New Testament revelation of righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ, which is a gift of God's grace, not something earned.
• Universal Acknowledgment and Submission: The phrase "to him shall [men] come" signifies a future global acknowledgment of God's supremacy. It speaks to a time when people from all nations will turn to Him, drawing near in worship and submission. This prophetic vision aligns with other Scriptures foretelling a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess God's ultimate authority.
• Shame for Opponents: The commentary concludes with a strong promise that "all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed." This speaks to the ultimate vindication of God and His people. Those who have opposed God, His plan, or His chosen ones will ultimately face humiliation and defeat, demonstrating the futility of resisting divine sovereignty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" used here is tzedek (צֶדֶק), which carries a rich meaning of justice, moral uprightness, and conformity to a divine standard. In this context, it is a righteousness freely given by God, rather than achieved by human effort. The term for "strength" is 'oz (עֹז), conveying might, power, and security. The repeated emphasis on "in the LORD" (בַּיהוָה - ba-Yahweh) underscores that both attributes are sourced solely from God's character and are accessible only through a relationship with Him, highlighting divine provision for all spiritual and moral needs.

Practical Application

Isaiah 45:24 offers profound spiritual comfort and direction for believers today:

• Reliance on God for Salvation: This verse is a foundational reminder that our standing with God, our righteousness, comes solely from Him. It encourages us to abandon self-righteousness and place our complete faith in God's provision for salvation, echoing the New Testament message of salvation by grace through faith.
• Source of True Strength: In a world that often values self-sufficiency, this verse calls us to find our true strength—moral, spiritual, and emotional—in the LORD. When we feel weak or inadequate, we are to remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
• Confidence in God's Ultimate Victory: The promise that God's adversaries will be shamed provides immense hope. It assures us that despite present challenges, opposition, or injustice, God's divine plan will ultimately prevail, and His glory will be universally recognized. This gives believers confidence in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and His justice.