Isaiah 45:4
Isaiah 45:4 in Multiple Translations
For 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.
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Because of Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have taken for myself, I have sent for you by name, giving you a name of honour, though you had no knowledge of me.
I call you by name and I have given you a title of honor, for the sake of Jacob my servant, and Israel the one I chose, even though you don't know me.
For Iaakob my seruants sake, and Israel mine elect, I will euen call thee by thy name and name thee, though thou hast not knowen me.
For the sake of my servant Jacob, And of Israel My chosen, I call also thee by thy name, I surname thee, And thou hast not known Me.
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called you by your name. I have given you a title, though you have not known me.
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel my elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me:
For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have made a likeness of thee, and thou hast not known me.
I have summoned you, calling out your name, for the sake of the people of Israel [DOU] whom I have chosen, who serve me. Even though you do not know me, I will give you a title which has great honor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 45:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 45:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְמַ֨עַן֙
עַבְדִּ֣/י
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
בְּחִירִ֑/י
וָ/אֶקְרָ֤א
לְ/ךָ֙
בִּ/שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ
אֲכַנְּ/ךָ֖
וְ/לֹ֥א
יְדַעְתָּֽ/נִי
לְמַ֨עַן֙
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
עַבְדִּ֣/י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Conj | N-proper
בְּחִירִ֑/י
bâchîyr
H972
chosen
Adj | Suff
וָ/אֶקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
בִּ/שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֲכַנְּ/ךָ֖
kânâh
H3655
to flatter
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְדַעְתָּֽ/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 45:4
לְמַ֨עַן֙
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
עַבְדִּ֣/י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Conj | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
בְּחִירִ֑/י
bâchîyr
H972
"chosen"
Adj | Suff
The word means chosen or select, often referring to someone or something preferred by God. It appears in passages like Isaiah 43:20, where God chooses Israel as his special people.
Definition: chosen, choice one, chosen one, elect (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choose, chosen one, elect. See also: 2 Samuel 21:6; Psalms 106:23; Psalms 89:4.
וָ/אֶקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
בִּ/שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֲכַנְּ/ךָ֖
kânâh
H3655
"to flatter"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give a flattering title or surname, often used to praise someone excessively. It appears in books like Isaiah and Job, where it is used to describe false praise. It is often translated as 'give flattering titles' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) to title, surname, be surnamed, give an epithet or cognomen, give a flattering title 1a) (Piel) to call by name, give a title, betitle
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: give flattering titles, surname (himself). See also: Job 32:21; Isaiah 44:5; Isaiah 45:4.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְדַעְתָּֽ/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 45:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 45:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 45:4
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.
5I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, 6so that all may know, from where the sun rises to where it sets, that there is none but Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:8–9 | “But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. |
| 2 | Acts 17:23 | For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you. |
| 3 | Isaiah 44:1 | But now listen, O Jacob My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. |
| 4 | Romans 11:7 | What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, |
| 5 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 6 | Mark 13:20 | If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short. |
| 7 | Romans 9:6 | It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. |
| 8 | Isaiah 43:14 | Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring them all as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice. |
| 9 | Galatians 4:8–9 | Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? |
| 10 | Matthew 24:22 | If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. |
Isaiah 45:4 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 45:4, tells us that God calls people by name, not because they are special or have done anything to deserve it, but because of His love and choice, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8. He gives them a title of honor, showing His favor and esteem, similar to how He honored His servants like Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Even if someone does not know God, He can still call them and use them for His purposes, as seen in the life of Cyrus, who was used by God to fulfill His plan for Israel (Isaiah 44:28). This shows us that God is a personal and loving God who is involved in every detail of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God call someone by name if they have not known Him?
God calls people by name as an act of intimacy and personal connection, even before they have come to know Him, as seen in Isaiah 45:4, similar to how He called Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, showing His sovereign choice and love.
What does it mean to be given a title of honor by God?
Being given a title of honor by God signifies His esteem and favor, as mentioned in Isaiah 45:4, similar to how God honored Jacob, renaming him Israel in Genesis 32:28, indicating a special status and purpose in His plan.
How can God call someone for His purposes if they do not know Him?
God's call is not dependent on our prior knowledge of Him, as seen in Isaiah 45:4 and Isaiah 43:1, where He says He has called us by name, demonstrating His initiative and grace in our lives, even before we acknowledge Him.
Is this verse talking about a specific person or a group of people?
The context of Isaiah 45:4 suggests that God is speaking to an individual, likely Cyrus, a king who did not know the God of Israel, yet was chosen by God to fulfill His purposes, as mentioned in Isaiah 44:28 and Isaiah 45:1, illustrating God's sovereignty over all nations and leaders.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you personally that God calls you by name, even if you feel unknown or unnoticed by others?
- How does the idea of being given a title of honor by God impact your self-worth and identity?
- In what ways can you see God's sovereign hand at work in your life, even in times when you did not acknowledge Him?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's plan and purpose for your life, even when the future seems uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name,.... Not so much for the sake of Cyrus, and to do honour to him, was it that he so long before he was born
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
I have even called thee by thy name; I have called thee to this honour, and that by name; not for thy sake, but for Israel’ s sake; therefore do not despise them, thou wilt find them a poor and enslaved people, neither be puffed up into a great opinion of thyself. I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me; I knew and called thee by thy name, when thou didst neither know nor think of me; nay, when thou hadst no being.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant’ s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. Ver. 4. For Jacob my servant’ s sake.] That the enemies of my people being subdued, they may have some breathing while, and liberty to live quietly in their own country. For which purpose also, it was the will of God that this prophecy of Isaiah should be made known to Cyrus, for the good of the Jews, that he might favour them; and so it was, as appeareth by Ezra 1:2, and by Josephus, Antiq., lib. xi. cap. 1. I have even called thee by thy name.] Thy name of honour; for Cyrus signifieth the "sun," saith Plutarch; "Lord," say others, in the Persian; as in Hebrew it seemeth to signify an heir, or possessor. Some derive our word sir from it. Cyrus was at first called Achzadat and Spaco, being the son of Cambyses, a noble Persian, and Mandane, the daughter of Astyages, king of Medes. The name of Cyrus he took when he entered upon the kingdom; and that from Cyrus, a river of Persia, as some hold. I have surnamed thee.] Or, I have entitled thee, scil., My shepherd, mine anointed, &c. Though thou hast not known me,] scil., Savingly.
For albeit he knew the true God in part, and acknowledged him to be great above other gods; yet he forsook not his idols, saith Jerome, and therefore perished miserably by the hands of the Scythians. Nevertheless, others are of the opinion, that he was instructed by Daniel, and brought to a true belief, as was also Darius. H. Stephan. De Cyro fluvio scribit Strabo, lib. xv. Scultet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
(4) For Jacob my servant . . .—The words “servant” and “elect” show that the prophet speaks of the ideal Israel, the true Ecclesia, rather than of the nation as such outwardly, though this also, as including the other, shared in the outward blessings of the election. Essentially, the words declare that the world’s history is ordered with a view to the true Eeclesia.Called thee by thy name.—Either as predicting the actual name of Koresh, or as giving the titles of “Messiah” and “shepherd.” The surname clearly refers to these. Though thou hast not known me.—Better, when thou didst not know me, either as referring to a time prior to the recognition by Cyrus of Jehovah as the God of heaven (Ezra 1:1-2), or, possibly, prior to his birth (comp. Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 1:5).
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:4
4. The remainder of the section announces Jehovah’s purpose in raising up Cyrus, which is twofold: (1) the liberation and exaltation of His Servant Israel (Isaiah 45:4), and (2) that His Godhead may be acknowledged throughout the world (Isaiah 45:6). These two motives are inseparable, since it is only through Israel that the character of Jehovah can be made known to the nations. Hence great as the mission of Cyrus is, he is still but the instrument, while Israel is the goal of the Divine activity (Duhm). I have surnamed thee] i.e. bestowed on thee such honourable appellations as “My Shepherd,” “My Anointed.” See on ch. Isaiah 44:5. though thou hast not known me] Delitzsch and others somewhat strangely take this to mean “before thou hadst being.” But the words present no difficulty in their natural sense, which is that Cyrus entered on his career of conquest ignorant of the true God who made his way prosperous.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant’s sake - (see the note at Isaiah 42:19). The statement here is, that God had raised up Cyrus on account of his own people.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:4
3, 4. Treasures of darkness — Perhaps “darkness” is to offset “riches of secret places” in the parallel member. These treasures were to be taken by Cyrus, or given to him in his various conquests.
Sermons on Isaiah 45:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Protection From Backslidding by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and avoiding backsliding. He highlights three key actions that must be consciously and deliberately done t |
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Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of believers in preparing people for the second coming of Jesus, comparing it to the way John the Baptist prepared for his first co |
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Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 6 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of service and the role of the servant in the Bible. The passages from Isaiah are examined to understand the model servant and th |
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Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 7 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the sharp threshing instrument in the ministry of Jesus. The instrument represents the dividing line between the false and |
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The Crib, the Cross and the Crown by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of conviction of sin in today's preaching. He emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins and for them t |
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Help Is on the Way by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 41:8, where God addresses Israel as His chosen servant. The preacher emphasizes that God has chosen and called His people, and theref |
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(Pdf Book) Walk Before Me by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the profound friendship between God and Abraham, illustrating how God revealed His secrets to Abraham as a reward for his faith and obedience. He highlights |