Isaiah 45:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And the staff in their hand is My fury!" (Isaiah 10:5); then, He states, "I will send him" (Isaiah 10:6). Do you recognize how He draws the kings of the nations closer to Himself? It is noted that even Antiochus was stirred by God: "Behold, I will raise up a shepherd in this land, one of the foolish shepherds" (Zech. 11:16, 15). Thus, He affirms that His authority reaches everywhere, despite the kings not adhering to His will. Why does He act in this manner? This remains a mystery to us; His intentions are known solely to Him, and we do not grasp His design.

You have not recognized me, so that all may know, both from the east where the sun rises and from the west, that there is no God but me; I am the Lord God, and there is no other. I am the Lord who forms light and creates darkness, who makes peace and creates calamity, I am the Lord who brings forth all these things. The mighty Cyrus was said to have learned this prophecy and rejoiced greatly at the God who foretold it, coming to understand and proclaim the glory of God throughout the cities and lands under his rule, affirming that He alone is God and Lord of all, the deity worshipped by the Jews. It seems clear to me what this prophecy or prophetic prediction signifies. Now, let us examine each assertion individually, striving to clarify what may appear obscure or complex.

Firstly, the title "anointed" is attributed to Cyrus, not in the way we designate saints, but rather in a general sense, deriving from the practice of anointing individuals called by God to lead; though not all of these were righteous or esteemed. The holy prophets have declared to some elevated to this position, "The Lord has anointed you as king over Israel" (1 Kings 15:17; see also 2 Kings 12:7). Thus, Cyrus was anointed as a ruler, and it is evident that he received his power and was exalted to such glory by divine assistance, hence the designation "anointed," meaning that he was appointed and empowered by God for kingship. Therefore, it is said that God held him by the right hand, which may signify divine intercession, akin to what is expressed about the saints in the Psalms: “You have held my right hand; you have guided me with your counsel” (Psalms 72:23, 24). The statement indicates that he will support him by the right hand so that nations may be subject to him. Furthermore, it states, "I will destroy the strongholds of kings," referring to the fact that seven kings were under the authority of a single Babylonian leader.

Additionally, the cities themselves were to give way before him, and nothing was to impede Cyrus as he confronted hostile forces. This is evidenced by the declaration, “The hailstones shall not be shut; I will go before you and level the mountains,” signifying His intent to prepare all in such a manner that it would be easy and open for Cyrus, allowing nothing to stand in his way. Even if anyone were to confront him, appearing as a mountain, I will level the field, rendering him defeated and helpless.

12). As noted in the Psalms, "Touch not My anointed Christ, and in My prophets do not deceive" (Psalms 104:13). He seized him by the right hand and sustained him, ensuring that none could oppose his might. By examining Xenophon's eight books on the history of Cyrus the elder, we witness the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

In every place, the name of the already arrived Christ is exalted, for all city gates stand open before Him, and none are barred. Iron bars fall away, and bronze gates swing wide. While it may require spiritual insight to understand that some souls, besieged in diverse ways by the adversary, are opening themselves to faith in Christ, we can observe this reality: in numerous locations, people live by the name of Christ.