Isaiah 45:7

KJV

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

KJV (with Strong's)

I form {H3335} the light {H216}, and create {H1254} darkness {H2822}: I make {H6213} peace {H7965}, and create {H1254} evil {H7451}: I the LORD {H3068} do {H6213} all these things.

Complete Jewish Bible

I form light, I create darkness; I make well-being, I create woe; I, ADONAI, do all these things.

Berean Standard Bible

I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.

American Standard Version

I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I am Jehovah, that doeth all these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:7 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute and unrivaled sovereignty over all creation and every circumstance. In stark contrast to dualistic philosophies, this verse unequivocally asserts that the LORD alone is the singular source and orchestrator of all things, encompassing both the cosmic order of light and darkness, and the human experiences of peace and adversity. It underscores His unique identity as the one true God, whose power extends over every facet of existence, challenging any notion of rival deities or independent forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 45:7 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of their future restoration. Chapters 40-48, in particular, serve as a powerful theological polemic against the idols of Babylon and the prevailing polytheistic and dualistic worldviews of the ancient Near East. God repeatedly emphasizes His incomparability, His unique ability to declare the end from the beginning, and His sovereign control over history. The immediate context of [Isaiah 45](/isaiah/45 "Isaiah 45 - God's Sovereignty and Cyrus") focuses on God's astonishing declaration that He will raise up Cyrus, a pagan king, to facilitate the return of His people and rebuild Jerusalem, even calling Cyrus "My shepherd" and "My anointed" ([Isaiah 44:28-45:1](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")). This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational theological statement underpinning God's ability to use anyone or anything—even darkness and calamity—to accomplish His divine purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish people, exiled in Babylon since 586 BC, were surrounded by a culture steeped in various religious systems, including the emerging influence of Zoroastrianism from the Persian Empire, which would soon conquer Babylon. Zoroastrianism posited a cosmic struggle between two opposing, co-equal spirits: Ahura Mazda (the benevolent creator, associated with light and good) and Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit, associated with darkness and evil). This dualistic worldview presented a significant challenge to the monotheistic faith of Israel. Isaiah 45:7 directly confronts this perspective by asserting that both light and darkness, peace and what is often translated as "evil" (meaning calamity or adversity), originate from the one true God, Yahweh. This declaration was vital for the exiles, reinforcing their unique understanding of God's singular power and authority over all aspects of existence, thereby safeguarding them from syncretism.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Absolute Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's complete control over all cosmic and earthly phenomena. He is the ultimate cause and orchestrator, demonstrating that nothing exists or occurs outside of His divine purview. Secondly, it champions **Monotheism Against Dualism**, directly refuting the idea of competing deities or independent forces. By declaring "I the LORD do all these things," God establishes His unique identity as the sole, supreme deity, challenging the polytheistic and dualistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world. Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, the verse highlights **God's Control Over Calamity and Prosperity**. The phrase "I make peace, and create evil" is crucial. While "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) signifies wholeness, well-being, and prosperity, "evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) in this context refers not to moral wickedness, but to adversity, calamity, or disaster. This theme reveals God's sovereign hand in permitting or orchestrating difficult circumstances—such as natural disasters, judgments, or personal troubles—as part of His overarching divine plan, often for purposes of discipline, justice, or to bring about His ultimate redemptive will. This is echoed in [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - God's Hand in Calamity"), which asks, "If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people tremble? If disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?"

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **form (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** From H3335, this verb means "to mould into a form, especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)." This word emphasizes God's deliberate, intentional, and skillful shaping of creation, much like a potter forms clay. It speaks to His purposeful design and pre-ordained will in bringing things into existence, particularly "light" in this context, suggesting a careful, artistic, and sovereign act.
* **create (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** From H1254, this primitive root means "to create" in an absolute sense, often implying creation _ex nihilo_ (out of nothing) or the bringing into existence of something entirely new and unique. When paired with "darkness" here, it signifies God's ultimate origination of even that which seems antithetical to light, asserting His comprehensive power over all aspects of the cosmos, not merely the "good" or "orderly" elements.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word can mean "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, distress, mischief, misery, sorrow, trouble." While _raʻ_ can indeed denote moral evil in other contexts, in passages describing God's actions, especially when contrasted with _shalom_ (peace/well-being), it overwhelmingly refers to _calamity, disaster, misfortune, or adversity_. This is a critical distinction, as God is inherently good and righteous, and [He does not tempt anyone with evil](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt"). Therefore, in Isaiah 45:7, "create evil" is best understood as God's sovereign initiation or permission of difficult circumstances, judgments, or troubles, as part of His overarching divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I form the light, and create darkness":** This clause establishes God's absolute sovereignty over the fundamental elements of the cosmos. "Light" (Hebrew: _'ôwr_) represents order, life, goodness, and revelation, while "darkness" (Hebrew: _chôshek_) represents chaos, hiddenness, and the absence of light. By stating that He forms the light and creates darkness, God declares His singular authorship and control over both the visible and the unseen, the ordered and the seemingly chaotic. This directly challenges any dualistic notion that darkness might be an independent, opposing force.
* **"I make peace, and create evil":** This is the most theologically potent and often misunderstood part of the verse. "Peace" (Hebrew: _shâlôwm_) encompasses well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and harmony. "Evil" (Hebrew: _raʻ_), as discussed in the Key Word Analysis, refers to calamity, adversity, or disaster, not moral wickedness. This clause asserts God's comprehensive control over all human experience—both times of blessing and prosperity, and times of hardship and judgment. It means that no adversity or calamity occurs outside of God's sovereign will or permission, even if it is a consequence of human sin or a means of divine discipline.
* **"I the LORD do all these [things].":** This concluding declaration emphatically reiterates God's singular and comprehensive agency. The divine name "LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_, H3068) emphasizes His covenantal faithfulness and self-existent nature. The phrase "do all these things" serves as a powerful summary statement, leaving no room for any other independent power or force in the universe. It is a direct and forceful affirmation of radical monotheism, declaring that everything, without exception, ultimately derives from and is subject to the will of Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where opposing concepts are placed in parallel structure ("light" and "darkness," "peace" and "evil") to highlight the comprehensive nature of God's control. This is further emphasized by **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole (e.g., "light and darkness" encompassing all cosmic phenomena; "peace and evil" encompassing all human experience, both positive and negative). By creating both extremes, God demonstrates His sovereignty over everything in between. The verse also functions as a powerful **Monotheistic Affirmation**, particularly through its repeated "I" statements and the concluding declaration, "I the LORD do all these things." This direct, declarative language serves as a polemic against polytheism and dualism, asserting the singular, unrivaled authority of Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:7 is a cornerstone text for understanding divine sovereignty and providence. It teaches that God is not merely a distant observer but the active, purposeful orchestrator of all reality. This truth provides immense comfort in chaos, reminding believers that even in the midst of suffering or adversity, God remains in control and has a purpose. It challenges human attempts to compartmentalize God's power, asserting that His dominion extends over everything we perceive as "good" and everything we perceive as "bad" (calamity). This understanding deepens our worship, as we recognize that our God is utterly unique and supreme, worthy of trust in all circumstances. It also shapes our response to suffering, moving us from despair to a posture of faith, knowing that even difficult seasons are part of His wise and perfect plan.

* [Lamentations 3:38](/lamentations/3-38 "Lamentations 3:38 - Good and Evil from God's Mouth") – "Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?"
* [Job 2:10](/job/2-10 "Job 2:10 - Accepting Good and Calamity from God") – "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?"
* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God as the Sole Giver of Life and Death") – "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding Isaiah 45:7 offers profound spiritual nourishment, particularly in a world often characterized by uncertainty, suffering, and the illusion of randomness. This verse calls us to a deeper, more robust trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances defy our comprehension or challenge our comfort. It encourages us to surrender our need for complete understanding and embrace the mystery of a God whose ways are higher than our ways. When we grasp that God is sovereign over both our seasons of peace and our seasons of adversity, it transforms our perspective on trials. Instead of viewing suffering as meaningless or purely punitive, we can begin to see it as potentially purposeful, even a means through which God refines our character, draws us closer to Him, or accomplishes His broader redemptive plan. This truth cultivates resilience, fosters genuine humility, and strengthens our worship, as we acknowledge that the LORD alone is worthy of all praise, for He alone holds the universe—and our lives—in His sovereign hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration that God creates both "light and darkness" and "peace and evil" challenge your preconceived notions about divine control and human experience?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereignty, particularly when facing adversity or seemingly negative circumstances?**
* **How might understanding God's control over "evil" (calamity) change your prayer life or your response to suffering, both personally and globally?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your worship of the one true God, who is sovereign over all things, even those you find difficult to accept?**

### FAQ
**Does "create evil" mean that God is the author of sin or moral wickedness?**

Answer: No, it does not. The Hebrew word translated "evil" here is _raʻ_ (H7451), which, while it can mean moral evil in other contexts, primarily refers to calamity, adversity, disaster, or misfortune when describing God's actions. God is perfectly holy and righteous, and the Bible explicitly states that [He cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone with evil](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt"). Rather, this verse asserts God's sovereign control over all circumstances, including those that bring hardship or judgment, often as a consequence of sin or for His greater redemptive purposes. He permits or orchestrates these events, but He is never the source or author of moral evil itself.

**If God is sovereign over everything, including calamity, does that negate human free will or responsibility?**

Answer: This verse emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty, but it does not negate human free will or responsibility. Biblical theology holds these two truths in tension: God is absolutely sovereign, yet humanity is genuinely responsible for its choices. God's sovereignty means that nothing happens outside of His ultimate knowledge, decree, or permission. He can use human choices, even sinful ones, to accomplish His purposes, without being the author of sin. [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps") states, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." This verse reminds us that while we make choices, God remains the ultimate director of history and individual lives.

**Why should I pray or strive for good if God has already ordained everything, including peace and calamity?**

Answer: Prayer and human effort are not rendered meaningless by God's sovereignty; rather, they are often the very means through which God accomplishes His ordained will. God sovereignly ordains the ends, and He also sovereignly ordains the means to those ends. We are called to pray, to work for justice, to seek peace, and to love our neighbors, not because God needs our help, but because He has chosen to involve us in His redemptive plan. Our prayers and actions are acts of obedience, worship, and participation in the divine will, not attempts to change God's mind or force His hand. As [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation") teaches, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Word of God, Jesus is the very agent through whom God "formed the light and created darkness." [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ") declares, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All") affirms that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him." Thus, the cosmic creative power of the LORD, so powerfully asserted in Isaiah, is fully embodied in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus is the one who truly "makes peace." He is the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, reconciled humanity to God, breaking down the wall of hostility and establishing true and lasting peace ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He offers a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")), a spiritual wholeness that transcends circumstances. Crucially, while God "creates evil" in the sense of calamity, Christ is the one who ultimately triumphs over all forms of evil—moral evil, suffering, and death—through His resurrection. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it ([John 1:5](/john/1:5 "John 1:5 - Light Shines in Darkness")). Through His suffering and death, which were part of God's sovereign plan ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Christ's Sacrifice")), Christ absorbed the consequences of human sin and transformed the greatest "calamity" into the ultimate act of redemption. In Christ, we see God's sovereignty over all things, including suffering, perfectly exercised for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity, leading to His ultimate exaltation "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Ephesians 1:21 - Christ's Exalted Position")).

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

Ecclesiastes 7:13

Consider the work of God: for who can make [that] straight, which he hath made crooked?

Ecclesiastes 7:14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

Psalms 75:7

But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Job 2:10

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

Isaiah 31:2

Yet he also [is] wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.