God knew that the Jews would increase in wickedness, be led captive to Babylon, and remain there for seventy years. The Babylonians would be overthrown by the Medo-Persians after which a king of Persia, named Cyrus, would decree that the Jews could return to their land. The actual event is recorded in Ezra but here God speaks of Cyrus long beforehand as if he was alive in the days of Isaiah. God would raise up Cyrus, establish his dominion over Persia and the whole Middle East, and cause him to show favour to Israel vs.1-4.Isaiah 45:1-4XWaiting for response This shows how we can read history and see the hand of God at work, not only long ago, but also in our own times, for example, when the LORD has again controlled events in the world to cause his people of Israel to return to the land. The British foreign secretary made a similar declaration concerning Israel and the land in 1917 after the British army had gained control of it, saying that the Jews could have a national home there. Cyrus did God’s will without realising it v.5Isaiah 45:5XWaiting for response and this is a demonstration that the LORD is in complete control of the earth. He has created all things so that the conditions in the earth are according to his purpose.
People rejected the truth that God creates evil v.7Isaiah 45:7XWaiting for response and invented a god of evil called “the Devil” and “Satan” but there is no other supernatural power than the LORD v.6.Isaiah 45:6XWaiting for response As our Maker, he is the Potter, we the clay, and he may do with us whatever he desires v.9,Isaiah 45:9XWaiting for response and his word tells us of his will so we can conform our lives to it. Although there is much evil in the earth, it will ultimately be eradicated. God desires righteousness to flourish v.8,Isaiah 45:8XWaiting for response and our wisdom is to do righteousness in these evil days so that when Jesus comes to establish righteousness in the earth we may be invited to live and reign with him.
This verse may be better translated in the NIV "This is what the LORD says—the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands?"
God declared in advance what he will do with Israel and he specifically raised up Cyrus to fulfil his will with his people vs.13-14.Isaiah 45:13-14XWaiting for response It may seem that the LORD is a God who hides himself v.15Isaiah 45:15XWaiting for response so that many doubt whether he exists, but there is abundant evidence in the scriptures of his existence. He created the earth for a specific purpose, i.e. to be inhabited v.18Isaiah 45:18XWaiting for response and ultimately this will be by people who are all righteous and immortal. His purpose is with Israel who will be saved with an everlasting salvation v.17Isaiah 45:17XWaiting for response and all of us are invited to become “Israelites indeed” in Christ. God has spoken openly, calling upon men to seek him v.19Isaiah 45:19XWaiting for response and be saved v.22.Isaiah 45:22XWaiting for response His word has gone forth in righteousness and it will accomplish its purpose without fail so that unto him “every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear” v.23Isaiah 45:23XWaiting for response and all Israel shall be made righteousness in the LORD and shall glory v.25.Isaiah 45:25XWaiting for response
In this chapter Isaiah spoke of a world ruler who would live about two hundred years after this prophecy was given.