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Isaiah 45:2
Verse
Context
God Calls Cyrus
1This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: 2“I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. 3I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.
Sermons
Charles E. Cowman
J.C. Philpot
John Gill
Alexander Whyte
Joshua Daniel
C.H. SpurgeonC.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The crooked places "The mountains" - For הדורים hodurim, crooked places, a word not easily accounted for in this place, the Septuagint read הררים hararim, τα ορη, the mountains. Two MSS. have הדרים hadarim, without the ו vau, which is hardly distinguishable from the reading of the Septuagint. The Divine protection that attended Cyrus, and rendered his expedition against Babylon easy and prosperous is finely expressed by God's going before him, and making the mountains level. The image is highly poetical: - At vos, qua veniet, tumidi subsidite montes, Et faciles curvis vallibus este viae. Ovid, Amor. 2:16. "Let the lofty mountains fall down, and make level paths in the crooked valleys." The gates of brass "The valves of brass" - Abydenus, apud, Euseb. Praep. Evang. 9:41, says, that the wall of Babylon had brazen gates. And Herodotus, i, 179. more particularly: "In the wall all round there are a hundred gates, all of brass; and so in like manner are the sides and the lintels." The gates likewise within the city, opening to the river from the several streets, were of brass; as were those also of the temple of Belus. - Herod. i., 180, 181.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
crooked . . . straight-- (Isa 40:4), rather, "maketh mountains plain" [LOWTH], that is, clear out of thy way all opposing persons and things. The Keri reads as in Isa 45:13, "make straight" (Margin). gates of brass-- (Psa 107:16). HERODOTUS (1.179) says, Babylon had a hundred massive gates, twenty-five on each of the four sides of the city, all, as well as their posts, of brass. bars of iron--with which the gates were fastened.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight,.... Or, "level the hilly places" (c); as pioneers do. The sense is, that he would remove all impediments and obstructions out of his way, and cause him to surmount all difficulties: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron; with which the brasen gates were barred: in the wall that surrounded Babylon there were a hundred gates, all made of solid brass, twenty five on each side of the square; which, no doubt, are here referred to; which could not hinder the entrance of Cyrus into the city, and the taking of it; though they were not then destroyed by him, but by Darius afterwards (d) these gates of brass are mentioned by Abydenus (e), as made by Nebuchadnezzar, and as continuing till the empire of the Macedonians. (c) The Septuagint render the word by mountains; Gussetius by eminences, high places, such as stood in the way of passage into countries. The Vulgate Latin interprets it of glorious persons; and Abendana says it is right to understand it in this way; and applies it to Zerubbabel, and those that went up with him to Jerusalem, with the leave of Cyrus, who were good men, and honourable in their works, whom the Lord directed in their way right, and prospered them in the building of the temple, (d) Herodot. l. 1. c. 179. l. 3. c. 159. (e) Apud Euseb. Praepar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 41. p. 457.
Isaiah 45:2
God Calls Cyrus
1This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: 2“I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. 3I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Sweetness of the Storm
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 30:5ISA 45:2ROM 5:31CO 1:52CO 4:17JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches about how disasters and storms in life can lead us to great acts of prayer, enriching us with the sweetness of religion that warms our souls long after the storm has passed. Just like a storm in spring brings devastation but also leaves behind ambrosial flowers and greener pastures, the storms in our lives can lead us to discover the richer mines of God's love in Christ. Despite the challenges we face, God promises us a safe journey to our Promised Land, where even in our pain and sorrow, the sweetest virtues grow, and behind the darkest clouds, the blue sky shines.
The Breaker
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 45:10ISA 45:2MIC 2:13MAT 7:14LUK 14:26J.C. Philpot preaches on Micah 2:13, highlighting the prophetical and experimental meanings of the passage. He emphasizes the role of 'the Breaker,' identified as Immanuel, in leading God's people through great difficulties they cannot overcome on their own. Philpot explains how the Breaker breaks down obstacles like the law, unbelief, and a hard heart, enabling believers to move forward in their spiritual journey. He encourages self-examination to recognize the need for the Breaker in our lives and the evidence of His work through meltings, softenings, and humblings of the heart.
The Dejected Believer's Soliloquy. a Discourse Occasioned by the Decease of Mrs. Ann Button.
By John Gill0Hope in GodOvercoming DespairJOB 6:21JOB 22:29PSA 40:11PSA 84:2PSA 115:3ISA 45:2MAT 11:28ROM 7:23EPH 1:31PE 2:11John Gill preaches on the theme of the dejected believer's struggle with despair, drawing from Psalm 40:11. He reflects on the Psalmist's longing for God's presence amidst trials and afflictions, emphasizing the importance of self-encouragement and hope in God. Gill highlights that believers often face dejection due to sin, Satan's temptations, and the hiddenness of God, yet they are called to remember God's past faithfulness and to praise Him for His grace and mercy. He encourages the congregation to maintain faith and hope, assuring them that they will yet praise God, who is the health of their countenance and their God. The sermon serves as a reminder of the eternal hope and comfort found in God, especially in times of distress.
Lady Robertland
By Alexander Whyte0PSA 25:15PSA 34:17PSA 107:14PSA 107:20PSA 139:5ISA 45:2ROM 8:281CO 10:132CO 12:9REV 1:18Alexander Whyte preaches about the remarkable life of Lady Robertland, a saint known for her deep piety, patriotism, and remarkable powers of mind. Lady Robertland experienced extraordinary outgates, or ways of redemption and deliverance, which were often discussed with spiritual leaders like David Dickson, Robert Blair, and John Livingstone. Her outgates from providential disabilities and entanglements were seen as miraculous interventions of God's providence. The sermon emphasizes the need for keys, or divine interventions, to unlock the gates of deliverance in our lives, just as Lady Robertland experienced rare outgates through the majestic Figure of the first chapter of Revelation.
Moving Forward, Trusting in God
By Joshua Daniel0ISA 45:2MAT 6:332CO 5:72CO 6:10COL 2:3Joshua Daniel preaches about the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, emphasizing the need to walk by faith and not by sight, as God's ways are higher than ours. He encourages the congregation to have their hearts enlarged by God's love and to claim the hidden treasures and promises God has for them, even in times of financial need and uncertainty. By relying on Christ as their inexhaustible treasure, they can possess all things and be rich in Him, despite their material poverty. Joshua Daniel urges the Fellowship to pray fervently, trust in God's provision, and remove any hindrances that may block their blessings, reminding them that God's thoughts are of peace and not evil towards them.
We Dare Not Doubt
By C.H. Spurgeon0FaithOvercoming ObstaclesJOS 1:9PSA 27:1PSA 46:1ISA 45:2MAT 17:20ROM 8:312CO 5:7PHP 4:13HEB 11:11JN 5:14C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unwavering faith required to follow God's path, as illustrated in Isaiah 45:2, where God promises to clear obstacles for His servants. He encourages believers to move forward without fear, trusting that God will break down barriers and make the way straight. Spurgeon asserts that the Lord's assurance, 'I will go before thee,' empowers us to act boldly in our spiritual journey. He reminds us that human limitations do not hinder God's purpose, and we must not doubt His promises. The sermon calls for a courageous faith that relies on God's infinite resources to overcome any challenge.
Listen for the Signal
By C.H. Spurgeon0Divine GuidanceSpiritual Vigilance2SA 5:24PSA 37:23ISA 45:2MAT 28:19JHN 3:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the signs of God's movement, as illustrated by the sound in the tops of the mulberry trees, which signaled David to act. He encourages believers to seize the divine opportunities presented to them, especially when the Lord goes before them in battle against their challenges. Spurgeon urges the congregation to remain vigilant and ready to respond to God's call, as this could lead to significant moments of evangelism and soul-winning. The promise that the Lord will go before us serves as a powerful motivation to engage courageously in our spiritual battles.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The crooked places "The mountains" - For הדורים hodurim, crooked places, a word not easily accounted for in this place, the Septuagint read הררים hararim, τα ορη, the mountains. Two MSS. have הדרים hadarim, without the ו vau, which is hardly distinguishable from the reading of the Septuagint. The Divine protection that attended Cyrus, and rendered his expedition against Babylon easy and prosperous is finely expressed by God's going before him, and making the mountains level. The image is highly poetical: - At vos, qua veniet, tumidi subsidite montes, Et faciles curvis vallibus este viae. Ovid, Amor. 2:16. "Let the lofty mountains fall down, and make level paths in the crooked valleys." The gates of brass "The valves of brass" - Abydenus, apud, Euseb. Praep. Evang. 9:41, says, that the wall of Babylon had brazen gates. And Herodotus, i, 179. more particularly: "In the wall all round there are a hundred gates, all of brass; and so in like manner are the sides and the lintels." The gates likewise within the city, opening to the river from the several streets, were of brass; as were those also of the temple of Belus. - Herod. i., 180, 181.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
crooked . . . straight-- (Isa 40:4), rather, "maketh mountains plain" [LOWTH], that is, clear out of thy way all opposing persons and things. The Keri reads as in Isa 45:13, "make straight" (Margin). gates of brass-- (Psa 107:16). HERODOTUS (1.179) says, Babylon had a hundred massive gates, twenty-five on each of the four sides of the city, all, as well as their posts, of brass. bars of iron--with which the gates were fastened.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight,.... Or, "level the hilly places" (c); as pioneers do. The sense is, that he would remove all impediments and obstructions out of his way, and cause him to surmount all difficulties: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron; with which the brasen gates were barred: in the wall that surrounded Babylon there were a hundred gates, all made of solid brass, twenty five on each side of the square; which, no doubt, are here referred to; which could not hinder the entrance of Cyrus into the city, and the taking of it; though they were not then destroyed by him, but by Darius afterwards (d) these gates of brass are mentioned by Abydenus (e), as made by Nebuchadnezzar, and as continuing till the empire of the Macedonians. (c) The Septuagint render the word by mountains; Gussetius by eminences, high places, such as stood in the way of passage into countries. The Vulgate Latin interprets it of glorious persons; and Abendana says it is right to understand it in this way; and applies it to Zerubbabel, and those that went up with him to Jerusalem, with the leave of Cyrus, who were good men, and honourable in their works, whom the Lord directed in their way right, and prospered them in the building of the temple, (d) Herodot. l. 1. c. 179. l. 3. c. 159. (e) Apud Euseb. Praepar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 41. p. 457.