Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 45

Verses 1-25

Isaiah 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

Isaiah 45:3 “which call thee by thy name” - Comments - God called Cyrus by name two hundred years before Cyrus knew God. Note the next verse in Isaiah 45:4, “though thou hast not known me.”

Isaiah 45:3 “am the God of Israel” - Comments - The names of God used in passages of Scripture often relate to the context of the passage. Here, God is using a name that reveals His close relationship to the nation of Israel.

Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Isaiah 45:12 “and all their host have I commanded” Comments - In the first chapter of Genesis, the Hebrew verbs are in the imperative when God speaks to His creation, “Let there be…” Thus, when God speaks, He literally commands, as this verse declares.

Scripture Reference - Note a similar verse:

Psalms 148:5, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created .”

Isaiah 45:15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

Isaiah 45:15 Comments - The Lord revealed Himself to Isaiah as “a God that hidest thyself” (Isaiah 45:15). When Hezekiah began his reign as king over Israel, the Scriptures tell us that the Lord was with him (2 Kings 18:7). However, there came a season in his life when Hezekiah’s heart was lifted up with pride (2 Chronicles 32:24-26). Therefore, the Lord had to bring about circumstances that humbled the king. God chose to remove Himself for a season so that Hezekiah would realize his need and dependence upon the Lord, and repent and turn back to Him (2 Chronicles 32:31).

2 Kings 18:7, “And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.”

2 Chronicles 32:31, “Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”

God wants us to pursue Him, which is a sign of our love and devotion and dependence upon Him; for God wants our fellowship. The angel of the Lord pull away from Jacob, but the patriarch wrestled with the angel until he received a blessing (Genesis 32:24-30). Jesus did not stay with the Samaritans until they urged Him (John 4:40). When Jesus came walking on the water towards the disciples in the boat during a storm, He made as if He were going to pass by them. They cried out to Him and He came (Mark 6:48).

Isaiah 45:15, “Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.”

John 4:40, “So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.”

Mark 6:48, “And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.”