- Home
- Bible
- Isaiah
- Chapter 45
- Verse 45
Isaiah 45:18
Verse
Context
God Calls Cyrus
17But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting. 18For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens—He is God; He formed the earth and fashioned it; He established it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. 19I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right.
Sermons
J. Vernon McGee
Paul RavenhillPaul Ravenhill
Bill McLeod
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons
Chuck SmithSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He formed it to be inhabited "For he formed it to be inhabited" - An ancient MS. has כי ki before לשבת lashebeth; and so the ancient Versions.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The second and last strophe of this prophecy commences with Isa 45:18. By the fulfilment of the promise thus openly proclaimed, those of the heathen who have been saved from the judgment will recognise Jehovah as the only God; and the irresistible will of Jehovah, that all mankind should worship Him, be carried out. The promise cannot remain unfulfilled. "For thus saith Jehovah, the creator of the heavens (He is the Deity), the former of the earth, and its finisher; He has established it (He has not created it a desert, He has formed it to be inhabited): I am Jehovah, and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, Into the desert seek ye me! I Jehovah am speaking righteousness, proclaiming upright things." The athnach properly divides Isa 45:18 in half. Isa 45:18 describes the speaker, and what He says commences in Isa 45:18. The first parenthesis affirms that Jehovah is God in the fullest and most exclusive sense; the second that He has created the earth for man's sake, not "as a desert" (tōhū: the lxx, Targum, and Jerome render this with less accuracy, non in vanum), i.e., not to be and continue to be a desert, but to be inhabited. Even in Gen 1:2, chaos is not described as of God's creation, because (whatever may be men's opinions concerning it in other respects) the creative activity of God merely made use of this as a starting-point, and because, although it did not come into existence without God, it was at any rate not desired by God for its own sake. The words of Jehovah commence, then, with the assertion that Jehovah is the absolute One; and from this two thoughts branch off: (1.) The first is, that the prophecy which emanates from Him is an affair of light, no black art, but essentially different from heathen soothsaying. By "a dark place of the earth" we are to understand, according to Psa 139:15, the interior of the earth, and according to Job 10:21, Hades; the intention being to point out the contrast between the prophecies of Jehovah and the heathen cave-oracles and spirit-voices of the necromancists, which seemed to rise up from the interior of the earth (see Isa 65:4; Isa 8:19; Isa 29:4). (2.) The second thought is, that the very same love of Jehovah, which has already been displayed in the creation, attests itself in His relation to Israel, which He has not directed to Himself "into the desert" (tōhū), just as He did not create the earth a tōhū. Meier and Knobel suppose that baqshūnı̄, which is written here, according to a well-supported reading, with Koph raphatum (whereas in other cases the dagesh is generally retained, particularly in the imperative of biqqēsh), refers to seeking for disclosures as to the future; but the word דרשׁוּני would be used for this, as in Isa 8:19. He has not said, "Seek ye me (as in Zep 2:3) into the desert," i.e., without the prospect of meeting with any return for your pains. On the contrary, He has attached promises to the seeking of Himself, which cannot remain unfulfilled, for He is "one speaking righteousness, declaring things that are right;" i.e., when He promises, He follows out the rule of His purpose and of His plan of salvation, and the impulse of sincere desire for their good, and love which is ever true to itself. The present word of prophecy points to the fulfilment of these promises.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(See on Isa 45:12). not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited--Therefore, Judah, lying waste during the Babylonish captivity, shall be peopled again by the exiles. The Jews, from this passage, infer that, after the resurrection, the earth shall be inhabited, for there can be no reason why the earth should then exist in vain any more than now (Pe2 3:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For thus saith the Lord, that created the heavens,.... These words, and what follow, are the words of the Son of God, of the Lord the Saviour, in whom Israel is saved with an everlasting salvation; and this is said to assure them of it, as well as to distinguish himself from the gods of the Gentiles, who made not the heavens and the earth, as he had done; for by the Word of the Lord, the essential Word of God, were the heavens made in the beginning; see Psa 33:6, God himself, that formed the earth, and made it, he hath established it; the Saviour is God himself, truly and properly God, who has all the perfections of deity in him; and this appears as from his creation of the heavens, so from his forming, making and establishing the earth; he made the chaos of the earth out of nothing; he formed that chaos he made into a beautiful order, and prepared, as the last word (c) signifies, fitted, and furnished it with everything convenient for man and beast: he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited; the earth indeed was "tohu" when it was first created, Gen 1:2, which word is used of the chaos of the earth first made, here rendered "in vain"; but then it was not created to continue so, nor did it continue so; for though it was first without form, it was soon formed in a beautiful manner, and fitted for the habitation of men and beasts, and especially the former; and more especially for the habitation of the saints, those sons of men, with whom the delights of Christ were from eternity, and whom he foresaw would dwell in the habitable parts of the earth, which was a pleasure to him; and for the sake of them was it made to be inhabited, and not by them with the wicked promiscuously only as now, but when purified, and refined by fire, to be the habitation of the righteous, with Christ at the head of them; as will be the case in the thousand years' reign: I am the Lord, there is none else; the one Jehovah with the Father and the Spirit, and there is no other that is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. (c) "parsvit eam", Musculus; "aptavit, instruit", Gataker; "exaptavit", Cocceius, Vitringa,
Tyndale Open Study Notes
45:18-25 Salvation is from the Lord alone. He is the creator, the revealer, and the executor of his will in human history. He promised to establish a new era of salvation and righteousness (see 45:8). Every human being will submit to God, either willingly or unwillingly (45:23-24). 45:18 Ancient pagan people viewed the world as a place of empty chaos. However, God’s purposes are good, and he made the world from the beginning as a place to be lived in with him in harmony.
Isaiah 45:18
God Calls Cyrus
17But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting. 18For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens—He is God; He formed the earth and fashioned it; He established it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. 19I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) Genesis 1:2
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K05:09CreationGEN 1:1ISA 14:12ISA 45:18MAT 6:33JHN 3:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that a great catastrophe occurred between verses 1 and 2 of the Bible. They argue that there is evidence to support this, as the earth appears to have become a wasteland. The speaker also connects this catastrophe to the fall of Lucifer, who became Satan. They emphasize that God recreated and made the earth habitable for humans. The Holy Spirit is seen as playing a role in this recreation process.
All Things Work Together
By Paul Ravenhill2.0K37:45ISA 45:18MAT 6:33ROM 8:36In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of repentance and the existence of a kingdom that surpasses our imagination. He highlights the curse of emptiness that hangs over nations and individuals and the need to replace it with fullness. The preacher shares his experience of moving from a vibrant church atmosphere to a place where the spiritual fervor seemed to have died down. He then describes a vision where he sees the enemy standing on top of a fortress, symbolizing the spiritual battle that needs to be fought. The preacher concludes by sharing a personal anecdote about witnessing the transformation of dark storm clouds into beautiful shapes and forms when touched by the dying sun's glory.
Not in Vain - is.45
By Paul Ravenhill1.1K49:28GEN 1:2PRO 29:18ISA 26:18ISA 45:18MAT 6:33ACT 1:8HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who faced numerous challenges and obstacles but persevered with determination. The man's journey involved physical hardships, such as freezing feet and losing essential items like gloves and a compass. Despite these difficulties, the man recognized the strength and capabilities that God has given to mankind. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking steps in faith and committing oneself to God's purpose and calling. The sermon also highlights the need to look beyond personal feelings and subjective judgments and instead focus on the kingdom of God. The speaker references Isaiah 33, which speaks of seeing a far-off land and dwelling with the everlasting burnings. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that following God's calling may require leaving behind familiar things and embracing the reality and promises of God.
Jesus Training the Twelve (Full Service)
By Bill McLeod8121:03:02Holy SpiritISA 45:18JOL 2:23MAT 8:10MRK 1:15MRK 6:12LUK 13:29EPH 6:18In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Joel in the Bible. He emphasizes that the earth is unique and special, created by God to be inhabited. The preacher then shifts to the topic of Jesus and the training of the twelve disciples. He highlights the importance of preaching repentance, as taught by John the Baptist and Jesus himself. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of prevailing prayer and the need to persevere in seeking God's guidance and blessings.
Jesus Training the 12 - Bill Mcleod
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons29136:23RadioISA 45:18MAT 5:10MAT 5:39MAT 5:41MAT 6:4MAT 7:6MAT 7:24MAT 10:14MAT 10:22MAT 10:32MAT 10:38MAT 16:24MAT 20:26MAT 23:13MRK 1:4MRK 1:15JHN 8:12In this sermon, Phil McLeod discusses the training of the Twelve disciples by Jesus. He emphasizes the uniqueness of the Earth as the theater of the universe and the place where Jesus came to be the light of the world. Jesus taught the disciples important principles such as fasting and giving in secret, building on a solid foundation, and preaching repentance. The disciples also witnessed Jesus performing miracles, reading people's minds, and raising the dead. Additionally, Jesus publicly condemned false teachings, a practice that is unpopular among preachers today.
Of the Honour and Happiness of Man in a State of Innocence.
By John Gill0InnocenceDivine ProvisionGEN 2:8PSA 115:16PRO 3:18ISA 45:18LUK 23:43EPH 5:31REV 22:2John Gill emphasizes the honor and happiness of man in a state of innocence, focusing on Adam's creation and his placement in the Garden of Eden. He describes how Adam was endowed with wisdom, knowledge, and the responsibility to cultivate the garden, which was a symbol of God's provision and care. The sermon highlights the significance of Adam's communion with God, the joy of his labor, and the creation of Eve as a partner, illustrating the divine intention for companionship and community. Gill also reflects on the deeper spiritual implications of these events, connecting them to the nature of Christ and the church. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the ideal state of humanity before the fall, marked by harmony with God and creation.
I Chronicles 16:31
By Chuck Smith0God's SovereigntyComfort in Calamity1CH 16:31PSA 96:10PSA 139:14ISA 45:18ROM 8:28Chuck Smith emphasizes the sovereignty of God in his sermon 'The Lord Reigneth,' illustrating the evidence of His reign through the universe, nature, and the intricate designs of creation. He addresses the question of why calamities exist if God reigns, attributing the world's ills to humanity's rebellion against God's authority. Smith reassures believers that despite the chaos, God is still in control, and His reign brings comfort and peace in our lives. He encourages personal acknowledgment of God's rule, which leads to a life of joy and assurance.
A Place in Heaven - Gen. 1:16
By Bernard Fell0GEN 1:16ISA 45:18JHN 3:16HEB 11:16Bernard Fell preaches on the divine order of creation, highlighting the moon as Earth's satellite with borrowed light, ruling the night as queen, and the contrast of the moon's barrenness to Earth's fruitful seasons due to man's sin. He draws parallels between the moon landing by space-men and Jesus' peaceful mission to Earth, bearing the cost of sin on the cross. Fell emphasizes God's love and mercy in providing a heavenly home beyond the physical realm, urging listeners to prioritize the eternal gift of salvation over earthly pursuits.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He formed it to be inhabited "For he formed it to be inhabited" - An ancient MS. has כי ki before לשבת lashebeth; and so the ancient Versions.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The second and last strophe of this prophecy commences with Isa 45:18. By the fulfilment of the promise thus openly proclaimed, those of the heathen who have been saved from the judgment will recognise Jehovah as the only God; and the irresistible will of Jehovah, that all mankind should worship Him, be carried out. The promise cannot remain unfulfilled. "For thus saith Jehovah, the creator of the heavens (He is the Deity), the former of the earth, and its finisher; He has established it (He has not created it a desert, He has formed it to be inhabited): I am Jehovah, and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, Into the desert seek ye me! I Jehovah am speaking righteousness, proclaiming upright things." The athnach properly divides Isa 45:18 in half. Isa 45:18 describes the speaker, and what He says commences in Isa 45:18. The first parenthesis affirms that Jehovah is God in the fullest and most exclusive sense; the second that He has created the earth for man's sake, not "as a desert" (tōhū: the lxx, Targum, and Jerome render this with less accuracy, non in vanum), i.e., not to be and continue to be a desert, but to be inhabited. Even in Gen 1:2, chaos is not described as of God's creation, because (whatever may be men's opinions concerning it in other respects) the creative activity of God merely made use of this as a starting-point, and because, although it did not come into existence without God, it was at any rate not desired by God for its own sake. The words of Jehovah commence, then, with the assertion that Jehovah is the absolute One; and from this two thoughts branch off: (1.) The first is, that the prophecy which emanates from Him is an affair of light, no black art, but essentially different from heathen soothsaying. By "a dark place of the earth" we are to understand, according to Psa 139:15, the interior of the earth, and according to Job 10:21, Hades; the intention being to point out the contrast between the prophecies of Jehovah and the heathen cave-oracles and spirit-voices of the necromancists, which seemed to rise up from the interior of the earth (see Isa 65:4; Isa 8:19; Isa 29:4). (2.) The second thought is, that the very same love of Jehovah, which has already been displayed in the creation, attests itself in His relation to Israel, which He has not directed to Himself "into the desert" (tōhū), just as He did not create the earth a tōhū. Meier and Knobel suppose that baqshūnı̄, which is written here, according to a well-supported reading, with Koph raphatum (whereas in other cases the dagesh is generally retained, particularly in the imperative of biqqēsh), refers to seeking for disclosures as to the future; but the word דרשׁוּני would be used for this, as in Isa 8:19. He has not said, "Seek ye me (as in Zep 2:3) into the desert," i.e., without the prospect of meeting with any return for your pains. On the contrary, He has attached promises to the seeking of Himself, which cannot remain unfulfilled, for He is "one speaking righteousness, declaring things that are right;" i.e., when He promises, He follows out the rule of His purpose and of His plan of salvation, and the impulse of sincere desire for their good, and love which is ever true to itself. The present word of prophecy points to the fulfilment of these promises.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(See on Isa 45:12). not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited--Therefore, Judah, lying waste during the Babylonish captivity, shall be peopled again by the exiles. The Jews, from this passage, infer that, after the resurrection, the earth shall be inhabited, for there can be no reason why the earth should then exist in vain any more than now (Pe2 3:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For thus saith the Lord, that created the heavens,.... These words, and what follow, are the words of the Son of God, of the Lord the Saviour, in whom Israel is saved with an everlasting salvation; and this is said to assure them of it, as well as to distinguish himself from the gods of the Gentiles, who made not the heavens and the earth, as he had done; for by the Word of the Lord, the essential Word of God, were the heavens made in the beginning; see Psa 33:6, God himself, that formed the earth, and made it, he hath established it; the Saviour is God himself, truly and properly God, who has all the perfections of deity in him; and this appears as from his creation of the heavens, so from his forming, making and establishing the earth; he made the chaos of the earth out of nothing; he formed that chaos he made into a beautiful order, and prepared, as the last word (c) signifies, fitted, and furnished it with everything convenient for man and beast: he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited; the earth indeed was "tohu" when it was first created, Gen 1:2, which word is used of the chaos of the earth first made, here rendered "in vain"; but then it was not created to continue so, nor did it continue so; for though it was first without form, it was soon formed in a beautiful manner, and fitted for the habitation of men and beasts, and especially the former; and more especially for the habitation of the saints, those sons of men, with whom the delights of Christ were from eternity, and whom he foresaw would dwell in the habitable parts of the earth, which was a pleasure to him; and for the sake of them was it made to be inhabited, and not by them with the wicked promiscuously only as now, but when purified, and refined by fire, to be the habitation of the righteous, with Christ at the head of them; as will be the case in the thousand years' reign: I am the Lord, there is none else; the one Jehovah with the Father and the Spirit, and there is no other that is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. (c) "parsvit eam", Musculus; "aptavit, instruit", Gataker; "exaptavit", Cocceius, Vitringa,
Tyndale Open Study Notes
45:18-25 Salvation is from the Lord alone. He is the creator, the revealer, and the executor of his will in human history. He promised to establish a new era of salvation and righteousness (see 45:8). Every human being will submit to God, either willingly or unwillingly (45:23-24). 45:18 Ancient pagan people viewed the world as a place of empty chaos. However, God’s purposes are good, and he made the world from the beginning as a place to be lived in with him in harmony.