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- Verse 22
Verse
Context
God Calls Cyrus
21Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. 22Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Look unto me, and be ye saved, etc. - This verse and the following contain a plain prediction of the universal spread of the knowledge of God through Christ; and so the Targum appears to have understood it; see Rom 14:11; Phi 2:10. The reading of the Targum is remarkable, viz., אתפנו למימרי ithpeno lemeymri, look to my Word, ὁ Λογος, the Lord Jesus.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
It is in accordance with this holy loving will that the cry is published in Isa 45:22 : "Turn unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth; for I am God, and none else." The first imperative is hortatory, the second promising (cf., Isa 36:16 and Isa 8:9): Jehovah desires both, viz., the conversion of all men to Himself; and through this their salvation, ad this His gracious will, which extends to all mankind, will not rest till its object has been fully accomplished. Isa 45:23 "By myself have I sworn, a word has gone out of a mouth of righteousness, and will not return, That to me every knee shall bend, every tongue swear." Swearing by Himself (see Gen 22:16), God pledges what He swears with His own life (compare Rom 14:11, "as I live"). Parallel to נשׁבּעתּי בּי is the clause ישׁוּב ולא דּבר צדק מפּי יצא. Here Rosenmller connects דבר צדקה together as if with a hyphen, in the sense of a truth-word (Jerome, justitiae verbum). But this is grammatically impossible, since it would require צדקה דּבר; moreover, it is opposed both to the accents, and to the dagesh in the Daleth. Hitzig's rendering is a better one: "Truth (lxx δικαιοσύνη), a word that does not return," - the latter being taken as an explanatory permutative; but in that case we should require לא for ולא, and tsedâqâh is not used in the sense of truth anywhere else (compare tsaddı̄q, however, in Isa 41:26). On the other hand, צדקה might be equivalent to בצדקה "in righteousness;" cf., Isa 42:25, חמה = בּהמה), if it were not incomparably more natural to connect together צדקה מפי as a genitive construction; though not in the sense in which הגבורה מפי is used in post-biblical writings - namely, as equivalent to "out of the mouth of God" (see Buxtorf, Lex. Chald. Col. 385) - but rather in this way, that the mouth of God is described attributively as regulated in its words by His holy will (as "speaking righteousness, Isa 45:19). A word has gone forth from this mouth of righteousness; and after it has once gone forth, it does not return without accomplishing its object (Isa 55:11). What follows is not so much a promising prediction (that every knee will bend to me), as a definitive declaration of will (that it shall or must bend to me). According to Isa 19:18; Isa 44:5, "to me" is to be regarded as carried forward, and so to be supplied after "shall swear" (the Septuagint rendering, ὀμεῖται @85 τὸν Θεόν, is false; that of Paul in Rom 14:11, ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ, is correct; and in this case, as in others also, the Cod. Al. of the Sept. has been corrected from the New Testament quotations).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Look . . . and be ye saved--The second imperative expresses the result which will follow obedience to the first (Gen 42:18); ye shall be saved (Joh 3:14-15). Num 21:9 : "If a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass he lived." What so simple as a look? Not do something, but look to the Saviour (Act 16:30-31). Believers look by faith, the eye of the soul. The look is that of one turning (see Margin) to God, as at once "Just and the Saviour" (Isa 45:21), that is, the look of conversion (Psa 22:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Look unto me,.... And not to idols, nor to any creature, nor to the works of your hands; to your own righteousness and doings; to your wounds; to your tears and humiliations; to your own hearts and frames; to your graces and the exercise of them; all must be looked off of, and Christ only looked unto by a direct act of faith, for righteousness, for pardon, for all supplies of grace, and for glory and eternal happiness. He is to be looked unto as the Son of God, whose glory is the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world; as the only Mediator between God and man; as the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners; and considered in all his offices and relations: under all circumstances he is to be looked to; when in the dark, look to him for light; when dead and lifeless, look to him for life; when weak, look to him for strength; when sick, look to him for healing; when hungry, look to him for food; and when disconsolate, look to him for comfort; for none ever look to him and are ashamed or disappointed, they have what they look for; and as it is profitable, so pleasant to look to Jesus, and he himself is well pleased with it; and therefore here encourages to it, adding, and be ye saved; or, "ye shall be saved" (e): Christ is set up in the Gospel, and the ministration of it to be looked at, that men may be saved by him; and it is the will of God, not only that men should look to him, but that whosoever sees him, and believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life: the ministers of the Gospel are appointed to show men the way of salvation by Christ, and to assure them that he that believes in him shall be saved; and saints in all ages have looked unto him, and have been saved by him; and therefore this may be taken for a sure and certain thing, that such that look to Christ, as the Israelites did to the brasen serpent, the type of him, shall be saved, Joh 3:14, all the ends of the earth; all that live at the furthest part of the earth; Christ has a people there, the Father has given him for his possession, and which are the purchase of his blood, and for whose sins he became the propitiation; and to these he sends his Gospel and his ministers, to find them out, and publish salvation to them, and to assure them, that however distant they are, both as to place and state, yet through looking to him by faith they shall be saved, even though they are the worst and vilest of sinners: for I am God, and there is none else; and so mighty to save, able to save to the uttermost, all that come to him, and to God by him, be they where they will; since he is truly God, there is virtue enough in his blood to pardon sin, and cleanse from it; and in his righteousness to justify from all sin; and in his sacrifice to expiate it; and therefore sensible sinners may safely look to him, and venture their souls on him. The Targum is, "look unto my Word, and be ye saved, &c.'' (e) "salvi eritis", V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
45:22 Let all the world look to me: All humanity needs to seek the Lord, the true God who created all things, while he may be found (55:6). • In God there is salvation, the only hope for all of humanity (45:8).
God Calls Cyrus
21Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. 22Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Made Man to Worship
By A.W. Tozer6.5K39:00Worship1CH 16:29PSA 45:11PSA 96:9ISA 45:22MAT 6:33JHN 4:242TH 1:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God. He states that worship is the chief purpose of man's existence, as taught in the Bible. However, due to sin, humanity has lost the true understanding of worship and the object of their worship. The speaker highlights that although there is a longing for worship in the human heart, it is often misguided, mistaking the beauty of nature or religious rituals for true worship. The sermon encourages listeners to seek God and worship Him in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:24.
Everybody's Sermon
By C.H. Spurgeon3.6K46:17EXO 20:12DEU 32:2PSA 121:1ISA 28:10ISA 45:22HOS 1:6MAT 13:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who sees the oven as a reminder of the coming judgment day. The preacher also encourages sinners to open their eyes and be receptive to the messages that God may put in their path. He urges them to consider the Lord as their Creator and to fear and serve Him. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about how God spoke to the preacher through the barrenness of winter.
Doors of Hope
By A.W. Tozer3.6K40:57HopePSA 51:17ISA 45:22HOS 2:14MAT 7:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the "door of hope" mentioned in the Bible. He begins by discussing the history of mankind as builders and the simplicity of a building, emphasizing that a building always has a wall, floor, roof, and a door. The preacher then shares a personal story of a man who faced bankruptcy and contemplated suicide, but his wife encouraged him to pray and seek God's help. The preacher concludes by referencing the Bible verse in Hosea 2:15, which speaks of God giving the valley of Achor as a door of hope, and how it represents God's provision and restoration for His people.
Where to Look for Life
By Alan Redpath3.6K35:28LifePSA 121:1ISA 45:22MAT 6:33JHN 14:9ACT 4:12ROM 10:132CO 4:18In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was feeling miserable and burdened by his sins. On a cold winter day, the young man decided to attend a Methodist chapel instead of his intended church. The preacher, who was delayed by the weather, began the service and announced his text from Isaiah 45:22, "Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else." The preacher then directly addressed the young man, urging him to look to Jesus for salvation. In a powerful moment, the young man looked deep into his soul and found peace, joy, and a burden lifted from his heart.
How to Lead a Soul to Christ
By Abner Kauffman3.0K46:44Winning SoulsISA 45:22MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians looking to Jesus in their daily lives. He highlights the power of being a consistent and faithful example to others, as it can lead them to Christ. The speaker warns against actions that could ruin one's ability to be used by God in leading others to Him. He urges believers to focus solely on Jesus, who offers salvation and fulfills all expectations. The sermon encourages listeners to be active participants in leading souls to Christ by first experiencing His grace themselves.
Barriers Broken Down
By C.H. Spurgeon2.7K51:48ISA 45:22MAT 6:33JHN 3:36ACT 16:31ROM 10:1ROM 10:32CO 5:21The sermon transcript discusses the blessedness of Jesus Christ, who is described as God's only begotten Son, the Word made flesh. It emphasizes Jesus' sacrifice and salvation for humanity through his death on the cross. The sermon also highlights the ignorance and blindness of people towards the truth of Jesus' sacrifice and the need for faith in him. It concludes with a call to submit to God and make Christ the center of one's life for ultimate victory and safety.
If Any Man Thirst
By Vance Havner2.4K36:04Thirsting For GodEXO 17:6PSA 123:2ISA 12:3ISA 45:22JHN 3:14JHN 4:14JHN 7:37In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of empty religiosity and the lack of true spiritual fulfillment. He uses the analogy of birdwatching to illustrate how some people are constantly seeking new experiences and not fully appreciating what they already have in their faith. The preacher emphasizes the importance of enjoying and appreciating one's current spiritual journey while also continuing to grow in faith. He also highlights the need for genuine encounters with God and warns against engaging in empty religious activities that lack true spiritual substance.
Dvd 33 the Theocratic Kingdom
By Art Katz2.0K1:04:10PSA 83:2PSA 83:18ISA 2:2ISA 9:6ISA 45:6ISA 45:22ZEC 14:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel's restoration and its inseparable connection to the establishment of God's rule on earth through a literal king on the holy hill of Zion. It challenges the church to embrace the scandal of specificity and supernaturalness, urging believers to align theocratic and theocentric perspectives over democratic ideals. The speaker passionately calls for a deep yearning for God's theocratic kingdom and the restoration of Israel as pivotal to the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for the nations.
Sovereignty and Salvation
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K49:36JDG 16:202KI 5:10PSA 46:10ISA 45:22MAT 3:11ROM 3:231TI 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and universality of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights the power of a simple act of looking to Jesus for salvation, which can happen in an instant. The preacher challenges the notion that salvation requires complex rituals or intellectual knowledge, stating that God has ordered a simple act of faith to humble us and show His sovereignty. He then directs the listeners to the crucifixion of Jesus, describing the agony and sacrifice He endured for the sake of sinners, inviting them to come and receive forgiveness and redemption through His blood.
Deliverance From Distress
By J. Glyn Owen1.8K53:50DistressPSA 40:1ISA 45:22MAT 9:10MAT 11:28LUK 19:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a song of praise and gratitude in our hearts as believers. He describes the Christian experience as being brought out of a pit of darkness and despair and being set upon a solid foundation in God. The speaker highlights the sad state of many people who are trapped in a life disconnected from God and sinking deeper into despair. However, he encourages listeners to trust in God and experience the transformation of having a new song of praise in their mouths, which can lead others to put their trust in the Lord as well. The sermon draws from the biblical passage in Psalm 40:1-3, where David expresses his gratitude for being rescued by God and having a new song put in his mouth.
Turn or Burn
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K42:03PSA 7:12PSA 51:17ISA 1:18ISA 45:22ISA 55:7MRK 16:16LUK 23:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God will punish sin. He shares a story about a minister who, while walking in a forest, comes across a clearing with a light. To his surprise, he finds a group of people gathered there, listening to an orator. The minister feels compelled to speak but is unsure of what to say. However, before he can speak, a man rises and addresses the crowd, expressing his disagreement with the orator's blasphemies. The sermon highlights the need for individuals to acknowledge God's justice and turn away from sin.
The Work of God in Salvation
By Eryl Davies1.6K1:26:29SalvationISA 45:22MAT 6:33EPH 1:7EPH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Ephesians chapter 1, specifically verses 1-14. He highlights the richness and abundance of God's grace, emphasizing that it is inexhaustible and priceless. The speaker uses the analogy of a swollen river flooding its surroundings to illustrate the superabundance of God's giving. He also discusses the brokenness and imperfection that entered the world due to sin, but emphasizes that God has a cosmic plan and purpose that is working towards a tremendous climax. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a talkative passenger on a long-haul flight, illustrating the importance of taking the initiative to share about oneself in order to be known.
Matthew 11:28
By Carl Armerding1.5K38:36RestISA 45:22MAT 6:33MAT 7:15MAT 11:28MAT 16:2JHN 3:16JHN 4:29In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the current generation for their superficial and theatrical approach to life. He points out that when John the Baptist came with a serious message of repentance, they dismissed him as crazy. The speaker also highlights the importance of submitting to the will of Jesus and emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel message. He references John 3:16 as an example of how God's love and salvation are accessible to all through belief in Jesus.
How Christ Calls to Our Souls
By Peter Masters1.1K38:28ISA 45:22MAT 11:28JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:92CO 5:17EPH 2:81JN 1:9REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the call of God, particularly through Christ, to our souls, using the story of Charles Haddon Spurgeon's conversion as an example. It delves into the significance of looking unto Christ for salvation, highlighting the need to turn away from worldly dependencies and sins to fully rely on Him for forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life.
Our Father
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:15:29PrayerISA 45:22MAT 11:28MAT 18:15MAT 19:12MAT 26:75ACT 4:121JN 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the challenges and responsibilities of being a wife and mother. He describes the exhaustion and difficulties of caring for children, especially when they are sick or crying throughout the night. The preacher then shares a personal story of attending a church service where the minister was absent, and a young man with poor English skills delivered the message. Despite his initial doubts, the preacher is deeply moved by the man's message of salvation through simply looking to Jesus. He compares this experience to birds feasting on worms behind a plow, rejoicing in the newfound knowledge of salvation.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 8
By Harry Ironside62647:00ExpositoryISA 44:28ISA 45:3ISA 45:22ISA 45:25ISA 46:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the foolishness of idolatry and contrasts it with the faithfulness and care of God towards Israel. The message emphasizes how God has sustained and provided for Israel throughout history and promises to continue doing so in the future. The sermon then transitions to the downfall of Babylon, with the preacher reading verses from Isaiah 44 and 45 that mention Cyrus as God's chosen instrument. The preacher uses an illustration of a person facing the possibility of losing their home to highlight the despair and hopelessness that can be experienced, but also the potential for unexpected help and provision from an old friend.
Men of Revival: C. H. Spurgeon
By E.A. Johnston58417:04BiographyNUM 21:8ISA 45:22MAT 26:36LUK 23:33ACT 1:9HEB 1:3In this sermon, a student at Spurgeon's College delivers a powerful message on the armor of God from Ephesians chapter six. The student's eloquence and passion in describing each piece of armor is so vivid that the audience can almost hear the sound of the armor being put on. The sermon culminates with the student proclaiming that with the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, the devil has no power over believers. This revelation leads the great preacher Charles Spurgeon to understand the simplicity of salvation through faith in Christ alone, likening it to the story of the brazen serpent in the Old Testament.
The Divine Response
By J.B. Chapman47509:05Christian Life1KI 18:211KI 18:24PSA 65:2ISA 45:22MAT 6:33ACT 4:12ROM 10:9In this sermon, Dr. J.B. Chapman discusses the story of Elijah and the contest between Baal and Jehovah in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights the importance of the divine response in proving the true God. Chapman also mentions a Hindu professor who converted to Christianity because he found a savior in it. He emphasizes that our standing with God is determined individually by grace, regardless of race, family, or faith. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for true belief and right practice, and the transformative power of encountering the true God.
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
By D.L. Moody7SalvationFaith in ChristEXO 12:13NUM 21:8JOS 20:2ISA 45:22JHN 1:12JHN 3:16ACT 16:31ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:1D.L. Moody passionately addresses the critical question of salvation, emphasizing that conversion is an instantaneous act where one moves from death to life through faith in Christ. He illustrates this with biblical examples, such as Noah's ark and the blood in Goshen, highlighting that it is not our feelings or righteousness that save us, but rather our faith in Christ as the true Ark of salvation. Moody encourages listeners to urgently seek refuge in Christ, likening the act of believing to a soldier receiving a shilling or a slave escaping to freedom. He stresses that salvation is available now, urging everyone to turn to God and look to Jesus for eternal life. The sermon concludes with a call to action, inviting all to believe and be saved immediately.
The Saving of the Soul
By H.J. Vine1ISA 45:22LUK 2:30ACT 4:12EPH 3:17HEB 10:391PE 1:9H.J. Vine preaches on the profound concept of 'the saving of the soul' as mentioned in Hebrews 10:39 and 1 Peter 1:9, emphasizing that soul salvation goes beyond just escaping eternal judgment but includes the present enjoyment of salvation in the soul. The Epistles to the converted Jews reveal the transition from the Old Testament hope of salvation to the fulfillment in Christ, highlighting the importance of faith in receiving this soul-saving salvation.
Look to Me" (Isaiah 45:22)
By Anne Ortlund1JOB 14:1ISA 45:22JHN 6:68HEB 12:2Anne Ortlund emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus for salvation and sanctification, highlighting the tendency to be consumed by our own worries, fears, and shortcomings. She acknowledges the struggle of being meticulous and conscientious, leading to fussiness and obnoxious behavior, but finds peace and joy in repentance and refocusing on Jesus. Ortlund reminds believers to constantly seek salvation from their own struggles and to gaze upon the eternal, triumphant Lord Jesus Christ for answers and guidance in every circumstance of life.
One King, One Lord
By C.H. Spurgeon1Hope in ChristGod's SovereigntyPSA 22:28ISA 45:22ZEC 14:9PHP 2:10REV 11:15C.H. Spurgeon proclaims the certainty of God's future reign as the one true King over all the earth, emphasizing that despite the current state of rebellion and diverse beliefs, there will come a day when all will acknowledge Jehovah as the sole Lord. He reassures believers that this promise is not a mere fantasy but a declaration from the infallible Word of God, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their work and faith as they await the fulfillment of this glorious prospect. Spurgeon encourages a hopeful anticipation for the coming kingdom, where Jesus will be crowned and God's glory will fill the earth.
"Jesus Stood in the Midst of Them"
By A.W. Tozer0The Presence of ChristSalvation for AllISA 45:22MAT 11:28LUK 24:36JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:13PHP 4:7COL 1:17HEB 13:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Jesus stands in the midst of humanity, offering peace and salvation to all, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds. He critiques the burdens of self-medication through religious rituals, asserting that true healing comes solely from a personal relationship with Christ, who is the center of all existence. Tozer illustrates that Jesus is accessible to everyone, transcending geography, time, culture, and age, making Him the universal source of hope and peace. He encourages believers to recognize that their connection to Jesus is what truly matters in life, and that He is present in every experience we face. Ultimately, Tozer's message is one of assurance that Jesus is always near, ready to provide comfort and salvation to those who seek Him.
The Hope of the Cast-Down Soul
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 23:10PSA 34:19PSA 42:5PSA 43:5ISA 41:10ISA 45:22MAT 11:28JHN 6:37HEB 6:192PE 1:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the tender and affectionate way David addresses his soul, questioning why it is cast down and disturbed, and encourages it to hope in God. He delves into the various causes that lead God's people to be cast down, such as guilt of sin, unceasing conflict between nature and grace, hiding of God's countenance, temptations, and afflictions. Philpot emphasizes the importance of finding hope in God, which can spring from invitations in God's word, past testimonies, and a sight of scriptural evidence raised up by the Spirit of God in the heart, ultimately providing relief and support in times of despair.
Saving Souls From Death
By George Kulp0ISA 45:22EZK 18:20JHN 3:16George Kulp preaches about the importance of repentance and turning to God for salvation, emphasizing God's desire for all to live and be saved. He highlights the need for Divine strength from the Holy Spirit to pray effectively and scripturally, urging believers to seek God's touch upon their wills and affections for fervent prayer. Through examples of spiritual discernment and impactful encounters, Mr. Kulp illustrates the power of God's grace in transforming lives and leading souls to salvation. Despite facing severe trials and illness, Mr. Kulp continued to labor for the Lord, witnessing conversions and experiencing God's work in various places.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Look unto me, and be ye saved, etc. - This verse and the following contain a plain prediction of the universal spread of the knowledge of God through Christ; and so the Targum appears to have understood it; see Rom 14:11; Phi 2:10. The reading of the Targum is remarkable, viz., אתפנו למימרי ithpeno lemeymri, look to my Word, ὁ Λογος, the Lord Jesus.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
It is in accordance with this holy loving will that the cry is published in Isa 45:22 : "Turn unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth; for I am God, and none else." The first imperative is hortatory, the second promising (cf., Isa 36:16 and Isa 8:9): Jehovah desires both, viz., the conversion of all men to Himself; and through this their salvation, ad this His gracious will, which extends to all mankind, will not rest till its object has been fully accomplished. Isa 45:23 "By myself have I sworn, a word has gone out of a mouth of righteousness, and will not return, That to me every knee shall bend, every tongue swear." Swearing by Himself (see Gen 22:16), God pledges what He swears with His own life (compare Rom 14:11, "as I live"). Parallel to נשׁבּעתּי בּי is the clause ישׁוּב ולא דּבר צדק מפּי יצא. Here Rosenmller connects דבר צדקה together as if with a hyphen, in the sense of a truth-word (Jerome, justitiae verbum). But this is grammatically impossible, since it would require צדקה דּבר; moreover, it is opposed both to the accents, and to the dagesh in the Daleth. Hitzig's rendering is a better one: "Truth (lxx δικαιοσύνη), a word that does not return," - the latter being taken as an explanatory permutative; but in that case we should require לא for ולא, and tsedâqâh is not used in the sense of truth anywhere else (compare tsaddı̄q, however, in Isa 41:26). On the other hand, צדקה might be equivalent to בצדקה "in righteousness;" cf., Isa 42:25, חמה = בּהמה), if it were not incomparably more natural to connect together צדקה מפי as a genitive construction; though not in the sense in which הגבורה מפי is used in post-biblical writings - namely, as equivalent to "out of the mouth of God" (see Buxtorf, Lex. Chald. Col. 385) - but rather in this way, that the mouth of God is described attributively as regulated in its words by His holy will (as "speaking righteousness, Isa 45:19). A word has gone forth from this mouth of righteousness; and after it has once gone forth, it does not return without accomplishing its object (Isa 55:11). What follows is not so much a promising prediction (that every knee will bend to me), as a definitive declaration of will (that it shall or must bend to me). According to Isa 19:18; Isa 44:5, "to me" is to be regarded as carried forward, and so to be supplied after "shall swear" (the Septuagint rendering, ὀμεῖται @85 τὸν Θεόν, is false; that of Paul in Rom 14:11, ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ, is correct; and in this case, as in others also, the Cod. Al. of the Sept. has been corrected from the New Testament quotations).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Look . . . and be ye saved--The second imperative expresses the result which will follow obedience to the first (Gen 42:18); ye shall be saved (Joh 3:14-15). Num 21:9 : "If a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass he lived." What so simple as a look? Not do something, but look to the Saviour (Act 16:30-31). Believers look by faith, the eye of the soul. The look is that of one turning (see Margin) to God, as at once "Just and the Saviour" (Isa 45:21), that is, the look of conversion (Psa 22:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Look unto me,.... And not to idols, nor to any creature, nor to the works of your hands; to your own righteousness and doings; to your wounds; to your tears and humiliations; to your own hearts and frames; to your graces and the exercise of them; all must be looked off of, and Christ only looked unto by a direct act of faith, for righteousness, for pardon, for all supplies of grace, and for glory and eternal happiness. He is to be looked unto as the Son of God, whose glory is the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world; as the only Mediator between God and man; as the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners; and considered in all his offices and relations: under all circumstances he is to be looked to; when in the dark, look to him for light; when dead and lifeless, look to him for life; when weak, look to him for strength; when sick, look to him for healing; when hungry, look to him for food; and when disconsolate, look to him for comfort; for none ever look to him and are ashamed or disappointed, they have what they look for; and as it is profitable, so pleasant to look to Jesus, and he himself is well pleased with it; and therefore here encourages to it, adding, and be ye saved; or, "ye shall be saved" (e): Christ is set up in the Gospel, and the ministration of it to be looked at, that men may be saved by him; and it is the will of God, not only that men should look to him, but that whosoever sees him, and believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life: the ministers of the Gospel are appointed to show men the way of salvation by Christ, and to assure them that he that believes in him shall be saved; and saints in all ages have looked unto him, and have been saved by him; and therefore this may be taken for a sure and certain thing, that such that look to Christ, as the Israelites did to the brasen serpent, the type of him, shall be saved, Joh 3:14, all the ends of the earth; all that live at the furthest part of the earth; Christ has a people there, the Father has given him for his possession, and which are the purchase of his blood, and for whose sins he became the propitiation; and to these he sends his Gospel and his ministers, to find them out, and publish salvation to them, and to assure them, that however distant they are, both as to place and state, yet through looking to him by faith they shall be saved, even though they are the worst and vilest of sinners: for I am God, and there is none else; and so mighty to save, able to save to the uttermost, all that come to him, and to God by him, be they where they will; since he is truly God, there is virtue enough in his blood to pardon sin, and cleanse from it; and in his righteousness to justify from all sin; and in his sacrifice to expiate it; and therefore sensible sinners may safely look to him, and venture their souls on him. The Targum is, "look unto my Word, and be ye saved, &c.'' (e) "salvi eritis", V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
45:22 Let all the world look to me: All humanity needs to seek the Lord, the true God who created all things, while he may be found (55:6). • In God there is salvation, the only hope for all of humanity (45:8).