Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22

There is No Other

Cyrus Called by Name:  44:24-45:13.  God announces that “Jerusalem shall be inhabited” and names Cyrus, who overcame Babylon, as his announced instrument.  The decree spoken of in this chapter was issued in 538 B.C., some 200 years after Isaiah’s time.  This mission is performed by Cyrus “though you do not acknowledge me” (45:4).

This chapter thus focuses on a theme often stated by the prophets and related to the biblical view of history.  Nations and empires are raised up by God to accomplish his purposes.  All are like clay in the hands of a potter:  none is able to command the Maker of all.  Thus God will “raise up Cyrus in my righteousness… He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free” (45:13).

In the end all peoples will turn to God.  They will confess in new-found faith, “In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength” (24).