Isaiah 45:4
For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God's calling Cyrus by name, even before his birth, highlights that this powerful king is not the main focus, but rather the reason for his existence: to serve the purposes of God for His chosen people, Israel. This underscores that even those who don't know God can be used by Him for the salvation and restoration of His beloved ones.
God is speaking directly to Cyrus, a foreign king, revealing that he has chosen and empowered him for a specific purpose. This divine selection and naming of Cyrus is not for Cyrus's own merit, but for the sake of God's chosen people, Jacob and Israel. God is emphasizing that Cyrus's rise to power and success, even his very existence and calling, are orchestrated for the liberation and well-being of His people.
Understand the original words
bachiyr · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
One chosen or selected by God for a specific purpose, mission, or relationship. It implies a sovereign act of divine election rather than human merit.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A term used for individuals or nations who fulfill God's purposes, often used for leaders like David or the nation of Israel. It denotes one who acts in accordance with or is subject to God's authority.
This verse directly addresses Cyrus the Great, revealing God's sovereign plan to use him as an instrument for His people's deliverance, even though Cyrus was unaware of God's specific calling.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus II of Persia, known as Cyrus the Great, begins his rise to power, uniting the Medes and Persians and establishing the Achaemenid Empire.
c. 550-539 BC
Cyrus's Conquests Expand
Cyrus conquers the Lydian Empire under King Croesus and then the Neo-Babylonian Empire, creating a vast empire stretching from the Mediterranean to India.
539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, a pivotal event that leads to the release of the Jewish exiles.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues an edict allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, fulfilling prophecies made centuries earlier.
This passage reveals God's broader intention to bless all nations through Abraham's descendants, which aligns with Isaiah's depiction of Cyrus's actions ultimately serving a global purpose, not just Israel's immediate needs.
Exodus 33:19God's declaration that He will show mercy on whom He chooses, and have compassion on whom He chooses, parallels Isaiah's statement that He names and exalts Cyrus not based on Cyrus's merit, but for the sake of His people.
Jeremiah 25:9This verse describes God raising up Nebuchadnezzar to judge and conquer nations, similar to how Isaiah portrays God raising up Cyrus for His purposes, highlighting God's sovereignty over even pagan kings.
Acts 13:36Paul explains how David served God's purpose in his own generation, which echoes the theme of Isaiah 45:4 where Cyrus, though unaware, serves God's ultimate plan for His chosen people.
Romans 9:11-13The concept of God choosing individuals (like Jacob over Esau) for His purposes, irrespective of their merit or deeds, directly reflects the principle that God called and empowered Cyrus for Israel's sake, not his own.
bensonIsaiah 45:4: "For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me."
Isaiah 45:4-6 . For Jacob my servant’s sake, &c. — The prophet here gives us the reasons why God showed such favour to a prince, who had been addicted to the superstition of his country, and ignorant of the true God, that he prospered all his undertakings, and gave success to all his endeavours. It was, 1st, For Israel’s sake: For Israel, m…
cambridgeIsaiah 45:4: "For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me."
4 . The remainder of the section announces Jehovah’s purpose in raising up Cyrus, which is twofold: (1) the liberation and exaltation of His Servant Israel ( Isaiah 45:4 ), and (2) that His Godhead may be acknowledged throughout the world ( Isaiah 45:6 ). These two motives are inseparable, since it is only through Israel that the character…
God's calling Cyrus by name, even before his birth, highlights that this powerful king is not the main focus, but rather the reason for his existence: to serve the purposes of God for His chosen people, Israel. This underscores that even those who don't know God can be used by Him for the salvation and restoration of His beloved ones.
God is speaking directly to Cyrus, a foreign king, revealing that he has chosen and empowered him for a specific purpose. This divine selection and naming of Cyrus is not for Cyrus's own merit, but for the sake of God's chosen people, Jacob and Israel. God is emphasizing that Cyrus's rise to power and success, even his very existence and calling, are orchestrated for the liberation and well-being of His people.
God is speaking directly to Cyrus, a foreign king, revealing that he has chosen and empowered him for a specific purpose. This divine selection and naming of Cyrus is not for Cyrus's own merit, but for the sake of God's chosen people, Jacob and Israel. God is emphasizing that Cyrus's rise to power and success, even his very existence and calling, are orchestrated for the liberation and well-being of His people.
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"For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me." — God's calling Cyrus by name, even before his birth, highlights that this powerful king is not the main focus, but rather the reason for his existence: to serve the purposes of God for His chosen pe…
