11 Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel,
and his Maker:
“You ask me about the things that are to come, concerning my sons,
and you command me concerning the work of my hands! 12 I have made the earth, and created man on it.
I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens;
and I have commanded all their army. 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. 14 Thus says Yahweh: “The labor of Egypt,
and the merchandise of Ethiopia,
and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you,
and they shall be yours.
They will go after you.
They shall come over in chains;
and they will bow down to you.
They will make supplication to you:
‘Surely God is in you; and there is none else.
There is no other god. 15 Most certainly you are a God who hid yourself,
God of Israel, the Savior.’” 16 They will be disappointed,
yes, confounded, all of them.
Those who are makers of idols will go into confusion together. 17 Israel will be saved by Yahweh with an everlasting salvation.
You will not be disappointed nor confounded to ages everlasting. 18 For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens,
the God who formed the earth and made it,
who established it and didn’t create it a waste,
who formed it to be inhabited:
“I am Yahweh;
and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret,
in a place of the land of darkness.
I didn’t say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’
I, Yahweh, speak righteousness.
I declare things that are right.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 45:11-19
Commentary on Isaiah 45:11-19
(Read Isaiah 45:11-19)
Believers may ask in prayer for what they need; if for their good, it will not be withheld. But how common to hear God called to account for his dealings with man! Cyrus provided for the returning Jews. Those redeemed by Christ shall be provided for. The restoration would convince many, and convert some; and all that truly join the Lord, find his service perfect freedom. Though God be his people's God and Saviour, yet sometimes he lays them under his frowns; but let them wait upon the Lord who hides his face. There is a world without end; and it will be well or ill with us, according as it shall be with us in that world. The Lord we serve and trust, is God alone. All that God has said is plain, satisfactory, and just. As God in his word calls us to seek him, so he never denied believing prayers, nor disappointed believing expectations. He gives grace sufficient, and comfort and satisfaction of soul.