Isaiah 45:13 - I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says Yahweh of Armies.
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What does "Isaiah 45:13" mean?
Isaiah 45:13 is a powerful prophecy concerning Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. Let's break down each part of the verse to understand its meaning:
"I have raised him up in righteousness..."
This means that God has sovereignly chosen and empowered Cyrus. The phrase "in righteousness" doesn't necessarily mean Cyrus was a morally perfect person. Instead, it emphasizes that God's purpose in raising him up is just and aligned with God's own righteous character and plan. God is using Cyrus as an instrument to fulfill his will.
This is surprising because Cyrus was a pagan king, not a worshiper of Yahweh. However, God can use anyone, even those outside the covenant community, to accomplish His purposes.
"...and I will make straight all his ways."
This signifies that God will guide and direct Cyrus, ensuring that his actions align with God's intentions. Obstacles in Cyrus' path will be removed, and he will be successful in his endeavors. It's a promise of divine support and facilitation.
"He shall build my city..."
This refers to Jerusalem. After conquering Babylon, Cyrus allowed the exiled Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild the city and the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
"...and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward..."
This is a key aspect of the prophecy. Cyrus will release the Jewish exiles from captivity without demanding any ransom or payment. His motivation is not personal gain but rather the fulfillment of God's plan. This was highly unusual for conquerors in that era, who typically sought to exploit conquered populations.
"says Yahweh of Armies."
This is a declaration of divine authority. "Yahweh of Armies" (also translated as "Lord of Hosts") is a powerful title that emphasizes God's sovereignty, power, and control over all things, including armies and nations. It underscores the certainty of the prophecy.
In Summary:
Isaiah 45:13 is a prophecy about Cyrus the Great, whom God would use to liberate the exiled Israelites and allow them to rebuild Jerusalem. It highlights God's sovereignty, His ability to use anyone to fulfill His purposes, and His commitment to His people. Cyrus' actions would be motivated by divine prompting rather than personal profit, demonstrating the extraordinary nature of God's plan. The entire chapter of Isaiah 45 emphasizes that God is the only true God, and even a pagan king like Cyrus is under His control.
Isaiah 45:13 - I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says Yahweh of Armies.
What does "Isaiah 45:13" mean?
Isaiah 45:13 is a powerful prophecy concerning Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. Let's break down each part of the verse to understand its meaning:
"I have raised him up in righteousness..."
This means that God has sovereignly chosen and empowered Cyrus. The phrase "in righteousness" doesn't necessarily mean Cyrus was a morally perfect person. Instead, it emphasizes that God's purpose in raising him up is just and aligned with God's own righteous character and plan. God is using Cyrus as an instrument to fulfill his will.
This is surprising because Cyrus was a pagan king, not a worshiper of Yahweh. However, God can use anyone, even those outside the covenant community, to accomplish His purposes.
"...and I will make straight all his ways."
This signifies that God will guide and direct Cyrus, ensuring that his actions align with God's intentions. Obstacles in Cyrus' path will be removed, and he will be successful in his endeavors. It's a promise of divine support and facilitation.
"He shall build my city..."
This refers to Jerusalem. After conquering Babylon, Cyrus allowed the exiled Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild the city and the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
"...and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward..."
This is a key aspect of the prophecy. Cyrus will release the Jewish exiles from captivity without demanding any ransom or payment. His motivation is not personal gain but rather the fulfillment of God's plan. This was highly unusual for conquerors in that era, who typically sought to exploit conquered populations.
"says Yahweh of Armies."
This is a declaration of divine authority. "Yahweh of Armies" (also translated as "Lord of Hosts") is a powerful title that emphasizes God's sovereignty, power, and control over all things, including armies and nations. It underscores the certainty of the prophecy.
In Summary:
Isaiah 45:13 is a prophecy about Cyrus the Great, whom God would use to liberate the exiled Israelites and allow them to rebuild Jerusalem. It highlights God's sovereignty, His ability to use anyone to fulfill His purposes, and His commitment to His people. Cyrus' actions would be motivated by divine prompting rather than personal profit, demonstrating the extraordinary nature of God's plan. The entire chapter of Isaiah 45 emphasizes that God is the only true God, and even a pagan king like Cyrus is under His control.