Isaiah 45

Cyrus, the LORD's Anointed

Anointed — Hebrew mashiach, the same word as Messiah

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; Isaiah 45:1

Cyrus, a Persian king, is called the LORD's anointed, the word we translate Messiah. He opened gates and set the captive Jews free to go home and rebuild the temple. That foreshadows the true Anointed One, who opens the gates and frees the captives of sin and death.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Isaiah 44:28 — The LORD calls Cyrus "my shepherd."
• fulfilled by Ezra 1:1-3 — Cyrus proclaims the return and the building of the house of the LORD.
• a type of what is in Isaiah 61:1 — The Messiah is anointed to proclaim liberty to the captives.

Jehovah

I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Isaiah 45:5–7

Jehovah says he alone is God over light and darkness, peace and trouble, compared with the idols of the nations. In the Latter-day Saint view the speaker is the premortal Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

Salvation Springing from the Earth

Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. Isaiah 45:8

Heaven pours down righteousness and the earth brings forth salvation. Christians have long heard this as heaven and earth meeting in the coming of the Savior. Latter-day Saints also connect the image to the Restoration.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Psalm 85:11 — "Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven."
• alluded to by Moses 7:62 — "Righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth."

Holy One of Israel, the Maker

Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. Isaiah 45:11–12

The Holy One of Israel is Israel's Maker, and his own hands stretched out the heavens and formed man. Christ is the Creator.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — "The Creator of all things from the beginning."
• the same event in Hebrews 1:2 — The Son, "by whom also he made the worlds."

Captives Freed Without Price

I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 45:13

Cyrus frees the LORD's captives without asking for payment. It echoes the redemption the Lord gives freely: no one can buy it with money.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 52:3 — "Ye shall be redeemed without money."

The Hidden God, the Savior

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. Isaiah 45:15

The God of Israel is called the Savior, and he is also a God who hides himself. When he came to earth, Christ's glory was veiled in a humble mortal life, and many did not recognize him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by John 1:10-11 — "The world knew him not ... his own received him not."

Everlasting Salvation

But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. Isaiah 45:17

Salvation is found in the LORD, and it lasts forever. Christ is the author of eternal salvation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by Hebrews 5:9 — Christ "became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."

Creator of an Inhabited Earth

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. Isaiah 45:18–19

Jehovah made the earth on purpose, to be a home for his children, and he speaks openly. The Creator is the premortal Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by 1 Nephi 17:36 — "The Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited."

Look unto Me and Be Saved

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Isaiah 45:21–22

The just God and Savior invites the whole world to look to him and be saved. Like the Israelites who looked at the brazen serpent and lived, anyone who looks to Christ in faith is saved.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Numbers 21:8-9 — Those who looked on the brazen serpent lived.
• alluded to by Alma 37:47 — "Look to God and live."
• alluded to by Helaman 8:15 — Whoever looks upon the Son of God with faith may live.

Every Knee Shall Bow

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Isaiah 45:23

Jehovah swears by himself that every knee will bow to him. Paul applies these exact words to Jesus Christ at the judgment, a direct scriptural witness that Jehovah is Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Philippians 2:10-11 — "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."
• quoted by Romans 14:10-11 — "We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written ... every knee shall bow to me."
• alluded to by Mosiah 27:31 — "Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him."
• alluded to by D&C 76:110 — Every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne.

Righteousness and Justification in the LORD

Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. Isaiah 45:24–25

Our righteousness and strength are found in the LORD, and in him Israel is justified. Christ's grace makes us right with God when we come to him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Jeremiah 23:5-6 — The Branch is called "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
• alluded to by 2 Nephi 2:6-7 — Redemption comes in and through the Holy Messiah.