Question 1

Who is Cyrus in this passage and why is he called God’s anointed?

Accepted Answer

Cyrus was a Persian king whom God chose to conquer nations, including the empire that held Israel in captivity. God calls him “his anointed” not because he worshiped God or was a king of Israel, but because God set him apart for a special task. Cyrus would act like a deliverer by letting the Jewish people return home. This title shows that God can use even a ruler who does not know Him personally to carry out His plans and care for His people.

Question 2

Why does God promise to go before Cyrus and open gates for him?

Accepted Answer

God says He will go before Cyrus, straighten crooked paths, break gates of brass, and cut through iron bars. This is picture language for removing every obstacle in Cyrus’s way. The point is that Cyrus’s victories are not just his own skill or power, but God’s doing. God is arranging history so that Cyrus can defeat strong cities, including Babylon, and then free the people of Israel. It shows that God directs world events to serve His purpose for His chosen people.

Question 3

What are the “treasures of darkness and hidden riches” given to Cyrus?

Accepted Answer

The “treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places” refer to wealth stored away in secure or hidden places that Cyrus would gain as he conquered other nations. God says He will give these to Cyrus so that Cyrus may know that the God who called him by name is the God of Israel. These riches are not only for Cyrus’ honor, but also part of how God provides for the return and rebuilding of His people after their captivity. It shows God’s control even over wealth and resources.

Question 4

Why does God use Cyrus even though Cyrus does not know Him?

Accepted Answer

Twice God says about Cyrus, “though thou hast not known me.” This shows that Cyrus did not truly worship or follow the Lord, yet God still chose to strengthen him and guide his actions. The reason is “for Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect.” God’s choice of Cyrus is not a reward for Cyrus, but grace toward Israel. God can use anyone, even people who ignore Him, to protect and bless His people and to make His name known in the world.

Question 5

What does it mean when God says, “I am the LORD, and there is none else”?

Accepted Answer

In this passage God repeats, “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me.” He is strongly denying that idols or other supposed gods have any real power. In the setting of great empires and many religions, God reminds Cyrus and Israel that He alone rules history, chooses rulers, and directs events. By naming Cyrus long before he was born and using him to free Israel, God shows that He is the only true God, from east to west.

Question 6

What does “I form the light, and create darkness” teach about God?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I form the light, and create darkness,” He is claiming full rule over all of creation. Light and darkness here speak both of the natural world and of times of joy and times of difficulty. God is not sharing power with any rival. The rising and setting of the sun, the turning of day to night, and the changes in human affairs are all under His hand. This teaches that God is not limited to “good” moments; He is Lord over every part of life and history.

Question 7

Why does God say, “I make peace, and create evil,” and what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

This sentence can sound hard, and people have read it in more than one way. In this context, “peace” points to well-being, safety, and order, and “evil” points to trouble, disaster, and what brings pain, not moral sin in God. God is saying that both times of peace and times of calamity come under His rule. He allows and uses hard events as part of His plan. The verse teaches that nothing, even suffering, lies outside His control, though He Himself remains holy and just.

Question 8

What was happening with Israel when God spoke about Cyrus in this way?

Accepted Answer

God’s people were facing or heading toward exile under powerful foreign rulers. They would feel weak, judged, and unsure if God still cared. Into that setting, God speaks of a future king, Cyrus, whom He will raise up to subdue nations and open gates. Through Cyrus, God will bring Israel out of captivity and back to their own land. This promise was given ahead of time to reassure the people that their situation was not random and that God had already planned their deliverance.

Question 9

How does this passage show God’s care for His chosen people Israel?

Accepted Answer

God explains that He calls and strengthens Cyrus “for Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect.” The focus is not on making Cyrus great, but on keeping His promise to His people. God moves whole empires, opens city gates, and shifts wealth so that Israel can be freed from captivity. Even when Israel has been unfaithful, God remembers His covenant and acts in mercy. This passage comforts believers by showing that God’s plans for His people stand, even through foreign powers and hard times.

Isaiah 45:1

Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

God Calls Cyrus

God Uses Cyrus

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Isaiah 45:1

Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

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God Calls Cyrus

God Uses Cyrus

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