he deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus. (1-4) God calls for
obedience to his almighty power. (5-10) The settlement of his
people. (11-19) The conversion of the Gentiles. (20-25)
Verses 1-4: Cyrus is called God's anointed; he was designed and
qualified for his great service by the counsel of God. The gates
of Babylon which led to the river, were left open the night that
Cyrus marched his army into the empty channel. The Lord went
before him, giving entrance to the cities he besieged. He gave
him also treasures, which had been hidden in secret places. The
true God was to Cyrus an unknown God; yet God foreknew him; he
called him by his name. The exact fulfilment of this must have
shown Cyrus that Jehovah was the only true God, and that it was
for the sake of Israel that he was prospered. In all the changes
of states and kingdoms, God works out the good of his church.
Verses 5-10: There is no God beside Jehovah. There is nothing done
without him. He makes peace, put here for all good; and creates
evil, not the evil of sin, but the evil of punishment. He is the
Author of all that is true, holy, good, or happy; and evil,
error, and misery, came into the world by his permission,
through the wilful apostacy of his creatures, but are restrained
and overruled to his righteous purpose. This doctrine is
applied, for the comfort of those that earnestly longed, yet
quietly waited, for the redemption of Israel. The redemption of
sinners by the Son of God, and the pouring out the Spirit, to
give success to the gospel, are chiefly here intended. We must
not expect salvation without righteousness; together the Lord
hath created them. Let not oppressors oppose God's designs for
his people. Let not the poor oppressed murmur, as if God dealt
unkindly with them. Men are but earthen pots; they are broken
potsherds, and are very much made so by mutual contentions. To
contend with Him is as senseless as for clay to find fault with
the potter. Let us turn God's promises into prayers, beseeching
him that salvation may abound among us, and let us rest assured
that the Judge of all the earth will do right.
Verses 11-19: Believers may ask in prayer for what they need; if for
their good, it will not be withheld. But how common to hear God
called to account for his dealings with man! Cyrus provided for
the returning Jews. Those redeemed by Christ shall be provided
for. The restoration would convince many, and convert some; and
all that truly join the Lord, find his service perfect freedom.
Though God be his people's God and Saviour, yet sometimes he
lays them under his frowns; but let them wait upon the Lord who
hides his face. There is a world without end; and it will be
well or ill with us, according as it shall be with us in that
world. The Lord we serve and trust, is God alone. All that God
has said is plain, satisfactory, and just. As God in his word
calls us to seek him, so he never denied believing prayers, nor
disappointed believing expectations. He gives grace sufficient,
and comfort and satisfaction of soul.
Verses 20-25: The nations are exhorted to draw near to Jehovah. None
besides is able to help; he is the Saviour, who can save without
the assistance of any, but without whom none can save. If the
heart is brought into the obedience of Christ, the knee will
cheerfully obey his commands. To Christ men shall come from
every nation for blessings; all that hate his cause shall be put
to shame, and all believers shall rejoice in him as their Friend
and Portion. All must come to him: may we now come to him as the
Lord our Righteousness, walking according to his commandments.
he deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus. (1-4) God calls for
obedience to his almighty power. (5-10) The settlement of his
people. (11-19) The conversion of the Gentiles. (20-25)