Isaiah 45:1
Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
Study Note
Study Note
The address of Yahweh 'to his anointed, to Cyrus' is the only place in the Hebrew Bible where a non-Israelite king receives the title 'mashiach' (anointed one), making this text a profound statement about God's freedom to use pagan rulers as instruments of redemptive purpose. Cyrus of Persia (559-530 BCE) issued his famous edict (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4) permitting Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the temple — a historically verifiable fulfilment of Isaiah's prediction made at least a century before his rise. The theological point is not Cyrus's personal faith but God's sovereign orchestration of history through whomever he chooses — a radically inclusive vision of divine providence. The verse is foundational for Christian theology of common grace and God's governance of nations beyond the boundaries of the covenant community.
Other Translations
Thus saith Jehovah to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:
Thus said Jehovah, To His anointed, to Cyrus, Whose right hand I have laid hold on, To subdue nations before him, Yea, loins of kings I loose, To open before him two-leaved doors, Yea, gates are not shut:
The Lord says to the man of his selection, to Cyrus, whom I have taken by the right hand, putting down nations before him, and taking away the arms of kings; making the doors open before him, so that the ways into the towns may not be shut;
Cross References
And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, …
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of …
He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice …
Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and …
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he …
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee …
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt …