Isaiah 45:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I have summoned you by name, specifically by the name of My Anointed One. In a similar manner, along with the promise, He declares the judgment upon the Jews: you, He states, did not recognize Me.

Behold, you shall be so splendid and esteemed that you may testify that I am the Lord God, invoking your name, the God of Israel, for the sake of my servant Jacob and my chosen Israel. I have summoned you to this purpose, declares the Lord. I, the one true God, have bestowed upon you this radiant honor so that my servant Israel may gain success through you. I have called you, declares the Lord, and adorned you with glory.

Cyrus as God’s Instrument Cyrus himself was ensnared by idolatrous illusions, and despite having received the entire kingdom and significant support from God, he failed to recognize the true source of these blessings. Nevertheless, God bestowed these gifts upon him, even as Cyrus was misled in his role in bringing down Babylon and liberating Israel. Occasionally, I come across alternative texts stating, "But you, O Israel, have recognized Me." However, I have not encountered the term "Israel" in the Hebrew Scriptures, nor in the interpretations of others, nor in the translation of the seventy found in the Origen Hexapla. This omission is entirely appropriate; for it is Cyrus, not Israel, who is admonished for his ignorance. God then clarifies the purpose behind the rescue of the Jewish people.