451 Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed , Whom I have taken by the right hand , To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings ; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut : 2 "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth ; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars . 3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places , So that you may know that it is I, The Lord , the God of Israel , who calls you by your name . 4 "For the sake of Jacob My servant , And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name ; I have given you a title of honor Though you have not known Me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-4
Commentary on Isaiah 45:1-4
(Read Isaiah 45:1-4)
Cyrus is called God's anointed; he was designed and qualified for his great service by the counsel of God. The gates of Babylon which led to the river, were left open the night that Cyrus marched his army into the empty channel. The Lord went before him, giving entrance to the cities he besieged. He gave him also treasures, which had been hidden in secret places. The true God was to Cyrus an unknown God; yet God foreknew him; he called him by his name. The exact fulfilment of this must have shown Cyrus that Jehovah was the only true God, and that it was for the sake of Israel that he was prospered. In all the changes of states and kingdoms, God works out the good of his church.