- Home
- Bible
- Isaiah
- Chapter 45
- Verse 45
Isaiah 45:3
Verse
Context
God Calls Cyrus
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. 4For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one, I call you by name; I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will gave thee the treasures of darkness - Sardes and Babylon, when taken by Cyrus, were the wealthiest cities in the world. Croesus, celebrated beyond all the kings of that age for his riches, gave up his treasures to Cyrus, with an exact account in writing of the whole, containing the particulars with which each wagon was loaded when they were carried away; and they were delivered to Cyrus at the palace of Babylon. - Xenoph. Cyrop. lib. 7 p. 503, 515, 540. Pliny gives the following account of the wealth taken by Cyrus in Asia. Jam Cyrus devicta Asia, pondo 34 millia auri invenerat; praeter vasa aurea, aurumque factum, et in eo folia, ac platanum, vitemque. Qua victoria argenti quingenta millia talentorum reportavit; et craterem Semiramidis, cuius pondus quindecim talents colligebat. Talentum autem Aegyptium pondo lxxx. patere 50 capere Varro tradit. - Nat. Hist. 33:15. "When Cyrus conquered Asia, he found thirty-four thousand pounds weight of gold, besides golden vessels and articles in gold; and leaves, (folia, perhaps solia, bathing vessels, Hol.), a plane, and vine tree, (of gold.) By which victory he carried away fifteen thousand talents of silver; and the cup of Semiramis, the weight of which was fifteen tatents. The Egyptian talent, according to Varro, was eighty pounds." This cup was the crater, or large vessel, out of which they filled the drinking cups at great entertainments. Evidently it could not be a drinking vessel, which, according to what Varro and Pliny say, must have weighed 1, 200 pounds! The gold and silver estimated by weight in this account, being converted into pounds sterling, amount to one hundred and twenty-six millions two hwndred and twenty-four thousand pounds. - Brerewood, De Ponderibus, cap. x. Treasures of darkness may refer to the custom of burying their jewels and money under the ground in their house floors, fearing robbers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
treasures of darkness--that is, hidden in subterranean places; a common Oriental practice. Sorcerers pretended to be able to show where such treasures were to be found; in opposition to their pretensions, God says, He will really give hidden treasures to Cyrus (Jer 50:37; Jer 51:13). PLINY (Natural History,, 33:3) says that Cyrus obtained from the conquest of Asia thirty-four thousand pounds weight of gold, besides golden vases, and five hundred thousand talents of silver, and the goblet of Semiramis, weighing fifteen talents. that thou mayest know--namely, not merely that He was "the God of Israel," but that He was Jehovah, the true God. Ezr 1:1-2 shows that the correspondence of the event with the prediction had the desired effect on Cyrus. which call . . . thy name--so long before designate thee by name (Isa 43:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will give thee treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places,.... What had been laid up in private places, and had not seen the light for many years. The Jewish Rabbins say (f), that Nebuchadnezzar having amassed together all the riches of the world, when he drew near his end, considered with himself to whom he should leave it; and being unwilling to leave it to Evilmerodach, he ordered ships of brass to be built, and filled them with it, and dug a place in Euphrates, and hid them in it, and turned the river upon them; and that day that Cyrus ordered the temple to be built, the Lord revealed them to him: the riches of Croesus king of Lydia, taken by Cyrus, are meant; especially what he found in Babylon, which abounded in riches, Jer 51:13. Pliny (g) says, when he conquered Asia, he brought away thirty four thousand pounds of gold, besides golden vessels, and five hundred thousand talents of silver, and the cup of Semiramis, which weighed fifteen talents. Xenophon (h) makes mention of great riches and treasures which Cyrus received from Armenius, Gobryas, and Croesus: that thou mayest know that I the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel; to call him by name two hundred years, or near it, before he was born, was a proof that he was God omniscient, and knew things before they were, and could call things that were not, as though they were; and this Cyrus was made acquainted with; for, as Josephus (i) says, he read this prophecy in Isaiah concerning him; and all this being exactly fulfilled in him, obliged him to acknowledge him the Lord, to be the Lord God of heaven, and the Lord God of Israel, Ezr 1:2. (f) Vide Abendana in Miclol Yophi in Ioc. (g) Nat. Hist. l. 33. c. 3. (h) Cyropaedia, l. 3. c. 3. l. 5. c. 4. l. 7. c. 14. (i) Antiqu. l. 11. c. 1. sect. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
45:3 so you may know: Cyrus’s victories provided factual proof that the Lord has the power to fulfill his plans, whereas idols and false gods do not (see 41:21-29).
Isaiah 45:3
God Calls Cyrus
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. 4For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one, I call you by name; I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Battling With God
By Alan Redpath4.4K39:03StrugglesPSA 2:8PSA 24:1PSA 110:1ISA 45:1ISA 45:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely powerful, God would deliver His chosen people from their bondage. The preacher references the story of Belshazzar in Daniel chapter 5, where the king was terrified by a writing on the wall, to illustrate the fear that God can instill in the hearts of rulers. The sermon also touches on the topic of wealth and how God rarely entrusts His people with it, instead using it in the hands of others for the good of His own. The preacher concludes by highlighting the promises given to Cyrus, who would be used as God's instrument for the salvation of Israel.
Treasures of Darkness
By Alan Redpath4.1K39:32DarknessPSA 2:8PSA 24:1PSA 46:10PSA 110:1ISA 45:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely powerful, God would deliver His chosen people from their bondage. The preacher references the story of Belshazzar in Daniel chapter 5, where the king was terrified by a writing on the wall, to illustrate the fear that God can instill in the hearts of rulers. The sermon also touches on the topic of wealth and how God rarely entrusts His people with it, instead using it in the hands of others for the good of His own. The preacher concludes by highlighting the promises given to Cyrus, who would be used as God's instrument for the salvation of Israel.
Dark Night of the Soul
By Jim Logan2.2K1:01:37Deep StrugglesPSA 27:8PSA 91:1PSA 119:105PSA 139:1ISA 45:3MAT 6:33GAL 4:6In this sermon, the speaker expresses his love and support for homeschoolers and the unique bond between homeschooling mothers and their children. He advises mothers to be careful not to hold on too tightly when it comes time for their children to leave the nest and pursue their own paths. The speaker also discusses the importance of fulfilling one's life purpose and not regretting old age. He references Galatians 4-6 and emphasizes the need to cry out to God for help and guidance. Additionally, the speaker highlights the limited role of feelings in Christian living and the importance of taking up one's cross. He encourages believers to trust in God even when it seems like He has abandoned them and to be willing to endure the darkness of the soul. The speaker also mentions the concept of God sifting believers like wheat and relates it to the process of removing impurities.
Let Go and Let God
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K14:17Trusting GodGEN 45:16GEN 45:23GEN 45:26PRO 3:5ISA 45:3MAT 6:33ROM 5:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of atomic power and energy, which poses a threat to civilization but also promises abundance for all. He highlights the simple formula E=mc^2 as the key to this discovery. However, he introduces another simple formula, "let go, let gone," which opens the treasury of heaven to those who embrace it. The preacher uses the story of Jacob's disbelief and eventual joy upon learning that his son Joseph was alive to illustrate the importance of letting go and embracing the promises of God.
Spiritual Insights 01 Heb 12:16
By William MacDonald1.4K33:12Spiritual InsightsISA 45:3JHN 11:91CO 2:14HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esau from the book of Hebrews. He emphasizes the danger of sacrificing important values for a moment of physical gratification, using Esau's decision to sell his birthright for a single meal as an example. The preacher warns the audience about the consequences of such choices and highlights the importance of maintaining holiness and grace in one's life. He also references other Bible verses, including Isaiah 45:3 and John 11:9, to further emphasize the need to walk in the light and seek the treasures of God.
Insights
By William MacDonald1.2K31:33Christian LifeEXO 16:14DEU 29:52SA 23:132KI 4:8ISA 45:31CO 10:101PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 Peter 5:7, specifically the phrase "He careth for you." He begins by highlighting examples from the Old Testament where God showed his care for his people, such as providing food, water, and clothing in the wilderness. The preacher then emphasizes that even in the midst of darkness and trials, God can reveal spiritual blessings and diamonds. The sermon also touches on the power of prayer, stating that God answers prayer in various ways and sometimes gives us something better than what we ask for. The preacher concludes by mentioning the unnamed heroes in God's eyes and shares the story of three men who risked their lives to bring David water from the well of Bethlehem.
All You Need
By Lehman Strauss2GEN 22:14PSA 104:24ISA 45:3MAT 5:6MAT 6:32ROM 8:32EPH 3:16PHP 4:19JAS 1:2Lehman Strauss preaches about God's provision throughout history, from providing for Israel in the wilderness to sending His Son for the salvation of mankind. He emphasizes that God's hand of provision is open to His suffering saints, as seen in Philippians 4:19 where Paul assures that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Strauss delves into the importance of understanding God as the Provider, drawing from the Old Testament concept of Jehovah-jireh, the God who provides. He highlights the promise in Philippians 4:19, stressing that God's provision covers all our needs, both material and spiritual, and is given abundantly according to His riches in Christ Jesus.
Treasures of Darkness
By Raymond Golsworthy0JOB 35:10PSA 16:7PSA 27:4ISA 45:3MAT 4:16JHN 14:21ACT 7:55EPH 1:171PE 4:12Raymond Golsworthy preaches about finding treasures in darkness, emphasizing that dark times of trial and testing are opportunities to encounter God's treasures, such as new songs of praise, deeper understanding of spiritual truths, and fresh encounters with Jesus. He highlights how God gives songs in the night, spiritual revelations in darkness, and the presence of Christ in our darkest moments, leading to a richer and more intimate relationship with the Lord.
When We're in the Dark
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 139:12ISA 45:3ROM 8:282CO 4:17HEB 11:1JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding treasures in darkness, drawing a parallel to the delicate art of lace weaving in a darkened room where only the pattern is illuminated. He encourages believers to trust God's unseen hand at work in their lives, even when they are in the midst of confusion and darkness, as the most exquisite work is often done in those challenging times. The message emphasizes the importance of faith, perseverance, and trust in God's ultimate plan, assuring that He will bring beauty and goodness out of every trial and hardship.
God Works in the Dark
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 14:21PSA 30:5PSA 139:12ISA 45:3JHN 11:10Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting message in Exodus 14:21, highlighting how God works in the dark and unseen moments of our lives. Just as God caused the sea to go back 'all that night' for the children of Israel, He continues to work in our lives even when we cannot see or understand His ways. The darkness of the night symbolizes times of struggle, doubt, and uncertainty, but it is during these times that God is actively working to make a way for us.
Learning in the Darkness
By William MacDonald0Spiritual GrowthTreasures in TrialsJOB 35:10ISA 45:3ROM 5:3William MacDonald explores the concept of 'treasures of darkness' as expressed in Isaiah 45:3, emphasizing that spiritual growth and profound lessons often emerge from life's darkest moments. He illustrates that trials and tribulations can lead to unexpected blessings, such as songs of hope and deeper understanding of God and oneself. MacDonald acknowledges that while we may prefer the light, the insights gained during times of sorrow and struggle are invaluable and lasting. He quotes various thinkers to highlight that the darkness, though challenging, can yield rich spiritual rewards that shape our faith and character.
The Secrets of Providence
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 25:14ISA 45:3ROM 8:282CO 4:17HEB 12:11Charles E. Cowman preaches about the secrets of Providence that God's dear children may learn, emphasizing that God's dealings may appear dark and terrible outwardly, but faith allows us to see the hidden meaning and trust in God's goodness. Just like diamonds in rough packages, God's valuable treasures of love, kindness, and wisdom may be hidden within seemingly rough circumstances. By trusting God and accepting what He sends, even in the dark times, we can unravel the secrets of Providence and understand His plans for us.
No Matter the Circumstances
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 139:12PRO 3:5ISA 41:10ISA 45:3JHN 14:26Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about trusting in God's love and faithfulness, even in the midst of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing the assurance that God can bring light out of darkness and make things right. She encourages believers to have faith that God, who knows their needs and circumstances, will guide them through any difficulties they face. Tileston reminds listeners that as faith increases, it will sustain them through sorrows and challenges, offering the presence of the Holy Counselor in times of need.
Eternal Glory Struggles
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 30:5PSA 34:18PSA 56:8ISA 45:3MAT 5:4JHN 16:33ROM 8:18ROM 8:282CO 4:172TI 2:10Charles E. Cowman preaches about enduring trials and sorrows for the sake of God's people, emphasizing that our struggles and sufferings have a purpose in God's greater plan for salvation and eternal glory. He draws parallels to Job's story, highlighting how our darkest days can lead to our greatest growth and significance in God's eyes, shaping us into vessels for His work and deepening our faith and character.
The Darkness of Golgotha
By G. Campbell Morgan0The CrossSpiritual DarknessISA 45:3MAT 4:16MAT 6:23MAT 8:12MAT 27:46LUK 23:46JHN 1:9JHN 19:28JHN 19:30EPH 2:2G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound significance of the three hours of darkness at Golgotha, emphasizing that this period was not merely incidental but central to the crucifixion narrative. He reflects on how this darkness symbolizes the ultimate struggle against evil and the depth of Christ's suffering, revealing a transformation in the hearts of those present. Morgan highlights the psychological shift in the crowd, who moved from mockery to pity, and the significance of Jesus' final words as He emerged from the darkness. He asserts that the darkness represents a spiritual reality that transcends human understanding, ultimately leading to the treasures of forgiveness and redemption that arise from Christ's sacrifice. The sermon concludes with the affirmation that through His suffering, Jesus chose to save humanity rather than Himself.
The Secret of the Lord Is With Them That Fear Him
By A.B. Simpson0God's ProvidenceFaith in TrialsPSA 25:14PSA 119:71PRO 3:5ISA 45:3MAT 7:7ROM 8:282CO 4:7PHP 4:19JAS 1:21PE 1:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God's providence often appears dark and challenging, yet it holds deeper secrets for those who fear Him. He illustrates that just as diamonds are hidden in rough packages, God's blessings may be concealed in difficult circumstances. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's goodness, recognizing that valuable treasures of love and wisdom are often found within seemingly unappealing situations. By looking beyond the surface, we can uncover the hidden meanings of God's dealings with us. Ultimately, faith allows us to appreciate the richness of God's providence, even when it is wrapped in trials.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will gave thee the treasures of darkness - Sardes and Babylon, when taken by Cyrus, were the wealthiest cities in the world. Croesus, celebrated beyond all the kings of that age for his riches, gave up his treasures to Cyrus, with an exact account in writing of the whole, containing the particulars with which each wagon was loaded when they were carried away; and they were delivered to Cyrus at the palace of Babylon. - Xenoph. Cyrop. lib. 7 p. 503, 515, 540. Pliny gives the following account of the wealth taken by Cyrus in Asia. Jam Cyrus devicta Asia, pondo 34 millia auri invenerat; praeter vasa aurea, aurumque factum, et in eo folia, ac platanum, vitemque. Qua victoria argenti quingenta millia talentorum reportavit; et craterem Semiramidis, cuius pondus quindecim talents colligebat. Talentum autem Aegyptium pondo lxxx. patere 50 capere Varro tradit. - Nat. Hist. 33:15. "When Cyrus conquered Asia, he found thirty-four thousand pounds weight of gold, besides golden vessels and articles in gold; and leaves, (folia, perhaps solia, bathing vessels, Hol.), a plane, and vine tree, (of gold.) By which victory he carried away fifteen thousand talents of silver; and the cup of Semiramis, the weight of which was fifteen tatents. The Egyptian talent, according to Varro, was eighty pounds." This cup was the crater, or large vessel, out of which they filled the drinking cups at great entertainments. Evidently it could not be a drinking vessel, which, according to what Varro and Pliny say, must have weighed 1, 200 pounds! The gold and silver estimated by weight in this account, being converted into pounds sterling, amount to one hundred and twenty-six millions two hwndred and twenty-four thousand pounds. - Brerewood, De Ponderibus, cap. x. Treasures of darkness may refer to the custom of burying their jewels and money under the ground in their house floors, fearing robbers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
treasures of darkness--that is, hidden in subterranean places; a common Oriental practice. Sorcerers pretended to be able to show where such treasures were to be found; in opposition to their pretensions, God says, He will really give hidden treasures to Cyrus (Jer 50:37; Jer 51:13). PLINY (Natural History,, 33:3) says that Cyrus obtained from the conquest of Asia thirty-four thousand pounds weight of gold, besides golden vases, and five hundred thousand talents of silver, and the goblet of Semiramis, weighing fifteen talents. that thou mayest know--namely, not merely that He was "the God of Israel," but that He was Jehovah, the true God. Ezr 1:1-2 shows that the correspondence of the event with the prediction had the desired effect on Cyrus. which call . . . thy name--so long before designate thee by name (Isa 43:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will give thee treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places,.... What had been laid up in private places, and had not seen the light for many years. The Jewish Rabbins say (f), that Nebuchadnezzar having amassed together all the riches of the world, when he drew near his end, considered with himself to whom he should leave it; and being unwilling to leave it to Evilmerodach, he ordered ships of brass to be built, and filled them with it, and dug a place in Euphrates, and hid them in it, and turned the river upon them; and that day that Cyrus ordered the temple to be built, the Lord revealed them to him: the riches of Croesus king of Lydia, taken by Cyrus, are meant; especially what he found in Babylon, which abounded in riches, Jer 51:13. Pliny (g) says, when he conquered Asia, he brought away thirty four thousand pounds of gold, besides golden vessels, and five hundred thousand talents of silver, and the cup of Semiramis, which weighed fifteen talents. Xenophon (h) makes mention of great riches and treasures which Cyrus received from Armenius, Gobryas, and Croesus: that thou mayest know that I the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel; to call him by name two hundred years, or near it, before he was born, was a proof that he was God omniscient, and knew things before they were, and could call things that were not, as though they were; and this Cyrus was made acquainted with; for, as Josephus (i) says, he read this prophecy in Isaiah concerning him; and all this being exactly fulfilled in him, obliged him to acknowledge him the Lord, to be the Lord God of heaven, and the Lord God of Israel, Ezr 1:2. (f) Vide Abendana in Miclol Yophi in Ioc. (g) Nat. Hist. l. 33. c. 3. (h) Cyropaedia, l. 3. c. 3. l. 5. c. 4. l. 7. c. 14. (i) Antiqu. l. 11. c. 1. sect. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
45:3 so you may know: Cyrus’s victories provided factual proof that the Lord has the power to fulfill his plans, whereas idols and false gods do not (see 41:21-29).