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.
13. I (again emphatic) have raised him (Cyrus) up in righteousness ] i.e. in accordance with a consistent, straightforward and right purpose (cf. ch. Isa 42:6). Cf. also chs. Isa 41:2; Isa 41:25, etc.
he (and no other) shall build my city &c. ] See ch. Isa 44:27 f.
not for price nor reward ] Lit. “not for hire and not for a bribe.” These words remove a difficulty which would naturally suggest itself to the exiles: viz., that there was no conceivable motive that could induce Cyrus to espouse the cause of Israel. The divine answer is that he will do so from an inward impulse ( , as Josephus expresses it) inspired by Jehovah. There is an apparent but no real contradiction between this assurance and the idea of ch. Isa 43:3 f. The restoration of Israel is conceived as preceding the Persian conquest of Egypt and Ethiopia ( Isa 45:14); that is the reward subsequently given to Cyrus, but not the inducement on which he acted.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I have raised him up – That is. Cyrus (see the notes at Isa 41:2).
In righteousness – In Isa 41:2, he is called the righteous man. He had raised him up to accomplish his own righteous plans. It does not necessarily mean that Cyrus was a righteous man (see the notes at Isa 41:2).
And I will direct all his ways – Margin, Make straight. This is the meaning of the Hebrew word (see the notes at Isa 40:4). The sense here is, I will make his paths all smooth and level, that is, whatever obstacles are in his way I will remove, and give him eminent success.
He shall build my city – Jerusalem. See Ezr 1:2, where, in his proclamation, Cyrus says, Jehovah, God of heaven, hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. It is very probable that Cyrus was made acquainted with these predictions of Isaiah. Nothing would be more natural than that the Jews in Babylon, when he should become master of the city, knowing that he was the monarch to whom Isaiah referred, and that he had been raised up for their deliverance, should acquaint him with these remarkable prophecies, and show him that God bad long before designated aim to accomplish this great work (compare the notes at Isa 44:28).
And he shall let go my captives – Hebrew, My captivity, or my migration; that is, those of his people who were in captivity.
Not for price – They shall not be purchased of him as slaves, nor shall they be required to purchase their own freedom. They shall be sent away as freemen, and no price shall be exacted for their ransom (compare Isa 52:3). The Jews in Babylon were regarded as captives in war, and therefore as slaves.
Nor for reward – The Hebrew word used here ( shochad) denotes properly that which is given to conciliate the favor of others, and hence, often a bribe. Here it means, that nothing should be given to Cyrus for their purchase, or to induce him to set them at liberty. He should do it of his own accord. It was a fact that he not only released them, but that he endowed them with rich arid valuable gifts, to enable them to restore their temple and city Ezr 1:7-11.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 13. I have raised him up] This evidently refers to Cyrus, and to what he did for the Jews; and informs us by whom he was excited to do it.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
I have raised him; Cyrus, who; was named before, Isa 45:1.
In righteousness; not in a way of absolute sovereignty, as I might have done, but most justly, to punish the wicked Babylonians, to plead the cause of the innocent oppressed ones, to manifest my own righteousness, and truth, and goodness.
Direct all his ways; guide and assist him in all his travels and marches, in all his attempts, and battles, and sieges, crowning him with success in all his undertakings.
Not for price nor reward; freely, without requiring any ransom for or from them, as is usual in such cases. Such an exact prediction of these things, which depended wholly upon the mind and will of Cyrus, is mentioned here, as an infallible evidence of the certainty of Gods foreknowledge, and of his being the only true God, because idols could discover no such things at such a distance of time.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
13. himCyrus, type ofMessiah, who redeems the captives of Satan “without money andwithout price” (Isa 55:1),”freely” (gratuitously) (Isa 52:3;Isa 61:1; Zec 9:11;Rom 3:24).
in righteousnesstofulfil My righteous purpose (see on Isa41:2; Isa 42:6; Jer23:6).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
I have raised him up in righteousness,…. Though this may be said with some respect to Cyrus, yet chiefly to Christ, of whom Cyrus was a type; him the Lord appointed and determined to be the Saviour and Redeemer of his people; him he sent forth in time for that purpose, in righteousness or faithfulness to concerning him: or, “unto righteousness” s, as the Vulgate Latin version; to bring in an everlasting righteousness for the justification of his people: or, “with righteousness”, as the Septuagint version is t:
I have raised him up a King with righteousness; a righteous King, a King that reigns in righteousness, as Christ does, and better agrees with him than Cyrus; see Jer 23:5:
and I will direct all his ways; or “make them plain” u; remove all difficulties and obstructions out of his way; he shall succeed and prosper, as the “pleasure of the Lord did prosper” in the hands of Christ; God being at his right hand as man and Mediator, to direct, counsel, and assist him, and to make him successful:
he shall build my city; not Cyrus, for he did not build the city of Jerusalem, whatever orders he might give for it, Isa 44:28 though his proclamation only mentions the temple, Ezr 1:2, but Christ, the builder of the church, often compared to a city, and called the city of God, of which the saints are fellow citizens; and which is built by Christ, upon himself the Rock, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail, Mt 16:18:
and he shall let go my captives, not for price, nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts; the Lord’s people are captives to sin, Satan, and the law; Christ has not only redeemed these captives, but has proclaimed liberty to them, and delivered them from their bondage by his Spirit and grace; and all this freely, not through any merits of theirs, but of his own rich grace and mercy; and though they are redeemed with a price; yet not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ; and whatever their redemption and freedom cost him, it costs them nothing, it is to them without money and without price,
Isa 52:3.
s “adjustitiam”, V. L. t , Sept. “cum justitia”, Forerius. u “aequabo”, Piscator; “aequaturus”, Junius Tremellius “rectificabo”, Vatablus; “rectificabam”, Cocceius; “aequas faciam”, Vitringa.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
He who created all things, and called all things into existence, had also raised up this Cyrus, whose victorious career had increased the anxieties and fears of the exiles, instead of leading them to lift up their heads, because their redemption was drawing nigh. “I, I have raised him up in righteousness, and all his ways shall I make smooth: He will build my city, and release my banished ones, not for price nor for reward, saith Jehovah of hosts.” All the anxieties of the exiles are calmed by the words “in righteousness,” which trace back the revolutions that Cyrus was causing to the righteousness of Jehovah, i.e., to His interposition, which was determined by love alone, and tended directly to the salvation of His people, and in reality to that of all nations. And they are fully quieted by the promise, which is now expressed in the clearest and most unequivocal words, that Cyrus would build up Jerusalem again, and set the captivity free ( galuth , as in Isa 20:4), and that without redemption with money (Isa 52:3) – a clear proof that Jehovah had not only raised up Cyrus himself, but had put his spirit within him, i.e., had stirred up within him the resolution to do this (see the conclusion to the books of Chronicles, and the introduction to that of Ezra). This closes the first half of our sixth prophecy.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
13. I have raised him up. He now continues the subject on which he had entered in the beginning of the chapter; for, having undertaken to soothe their affliction, which was exceedingly sharp and severe, Isaiah holds out the hope of deliverance, and stretches out his hand to them, that they may look for an absolutely certain redemption. Though you think that you are ruined, yet the Lord will protect you against destruction. Why the reproof which we have seen was intermingled with it, may be easily gathered from the event itself; for, if Isaiah had not abruptly made this digression, the Jews, in their vehement impatience, would have been hurried into despair.
In righteousness. This means “justly and truly,” and must be understood relatively; for it assigns the reason why God determined to raise up Cyrus, that is, because he is a faithful guardian of his Church, and does not disappoint his worshippers. Some explain it, “in justice,” that is, in order that he may punish the Babylonians; and others, “that he may reign justly;” but the Prophet meant nothing of this sort. But in the Scriptures, “righteousness” often signifies fidelity, (Psa 5:8), because the Lord manifests his “righteousness” by fulfilling his promises and defending his servants. The “righteousness” of God shines brightly in giving a display of exalted and perfect rectitude by saving his people; for, although there is no work of God on which a mark of righteousness is not engraven, yet a much more clear and striking proof is seen in the salvation of the Church. The meaning therefore is, that he “raised up” Cyrus, in order to manifest his “righteousness” in him, whom he has appointed to lead and conduct in bringing back his people.
He shall build my city. Jerusalem is meant, which he calls “his city,” because he wished that there the remembrance of his name should be preserved, and because he had consecrated it in a peculiar manner to himself. In like manner God himself had declared,
“
Wherever I shall cause my name to be recorded, I will come to thee, and will bless thee.” (Exo 20:24.)
Now, there was no other city which he had appointed for sacrifices and vows, and for calling on his name; and, therefore, also it is called (Psa 46:4) “The city of God, the holy tabernacle of the Most High, for God is in the midst of her;” and in another place it is said, “This is my rest for ever and ever.” (Psa 132:14.) Now, Cyrus did not build this city with his own hand, but by royal edicts forbade any one to hinder the rebuilding of it, and likewise supplied the people with provisions and money. (2Ch 36:23; Ezr 1:2.)
And shall release my captivity, not for a price, that is, “for nothing.” This was uncommon; for, if captives are released by a conqueror, either a price is demanded, or harsh conditions are imposed on them; but Cyrus did nothing of that kind. Hence it follows that this deliverance took place by the will of God, and not by the will of man. The word “captivity” is here used as a collective noun, denoting “captives.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(13) I have raised him up in righteousness . . .This was the answer to the murmurers. It would be seen by the results, the city rebuilt, the exiles restored to their home, that the conquests of Cyrus had been ordered by the loving righteousness of Jehovah; and he would do this, not through the greed and ambition of other conquerors, but because the spirit of the Lord stirred him (2Ch. 36:22).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Was there ever a more blessed and gracious proclamation made by God the Father, concerning the person, work, and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, than what is contained in these words? To read this verse with reference to Cyrus, as some have done, is to enervate the passage sadly, and endanger the mind to overlook the one great object intended. For after allowing all that may be said of Cyrus, as God’s instrument and servant, in delivering the Church from the oppressions they underwent in Babylon; still the temporal mercies then shown are, so inconsiderable, compared to the everlasting and eternal redemption from sin, death, and hell by the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are not worthy to be mentioned. And surely it is to this, all along, that God the Father refers as the one great object of all salvation, which, is to glorify his dear Son. Reader! keep, I pray you, your eyes steadily fixed upon the glorious person of Jesus. Hear what God the Father, even the Lord of hosts saith, in this blessed verse; that it is he who hath raised him up, called him, appointed him, anointed him, and blessed him, as thy Redeemer. He, Jehovah alone, directed, ordered, and crowned with success all that Christ did in salvation. Behold the Lord Jesus, in all this, building his Church, and delivering all his people; and all without money and without price; and then fall down on thy knees, crying out, with the Apostle: Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift; 2Co 9:15 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 45:13 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.
Ver. 13. I have raised him up, ] i.e., Cyrus. Ezr 1:1
And I will direct all his ways,
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
raised him up : i.e. raised Cyrus up.
he shall build My city. Nehemiah rebuilt only the walls. See Neh 7:4.
The city was not rebuilt until after the return under Zerubbabel, and the emancipation by Cyrus. See App-68.
captives. Hebrew captivity. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for the captives in it.
the LORD of hosts. See note on 1Sa 1:3
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
raised him: Isa 45:1-6, Isa 41:2, Isa 41:25, Isa 46:11, Isa 48:14, Isa 48:15
in righteousness: Isa 42:6, Psa 65:5
direct: or, make straight, Isa 45:1, Isa 45:2
he shall build: Isa 44:28, Isa 52:5, 2Ch 36:22, 2Ch 36:23, Ezr 1:3-11
let go: Isa 49:25, Isa 52:2, Isa 52:3, Rom 3:24-26, 1Pe 1:18, 1Pe 1:19
price: Isa 13:17
Reciprocal: Exo 7:16 – Let my Ezr 1:2 – he hath charged Isa 14:17 – opened not the house of his prisoners Isa 42:22 – are hid Mic 4:10 – there shalt Luk 4:18 – to preach deliverance
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
45:13 I have raised {p} 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 {q} price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.
(p) That is, Cyrus, that I may show by him the faithfulness of my promise in delivering my people.
(q) Meaning, freely and without ransom, or any grievous condition.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
God’s raising up of Cyrus was consistent with His righteousness. He would enable Cyrus to succeed. Cyrus would be responsible for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the release of the Israelites from Babylonian exile. The Almighty Yahweh would do this without even rewarding Cyrus. Cyrus’ action would not put him in the Lord’s debt because he would simply be carrying out the will of the sovereign God (cf. Luk 17:9-10).
"It is ironic, but typical, that Cyrus obeys without question, while Israel rebels." [Note: Watts, Isaiah 34-66, p. 157.]