between heaven and earth: sins separate between us and God; they threaten a storm of wrath. When
God pardons sin, he blots out, he dispels this cloud, this thick cloud, so that the way to heaven is
open again. The cloud is scattered by the Sun of righteousness; it is quite gone. The comforts that
flow into the soul when sin is pardoned, are like clear shining after clouds and rain. Let not Israel
be discouraged; nothing is too hard for God: having made all, he can make what use he pleases of
any. Those that learn to know Christ, see all knowledge to be foolishness, in comparison with the
knowledge of him. And his enemies will find their counsels turned into foolishness, and themselves
taken in their craftiness. The exact fulfilling the prophecies of Scripture confirms the truth of the
whole, and proves its Divine origin. The particular favours God designed for his people in captivity,
were foretold here, long before they went into captivity. Very great difficulties would be in the way
of their deliverance; but it is promised that by Divine power they should all be removed. God knew
who should be the Deliverer of his people; and let his church know it, that when they heard such
a name talked of, they might know their redemption drew nigh. It is the greatest honour of the
greatest men, to be employed as instruments of the Divine favour to his people. In things wherein
men serve themselves, and look no further, God makes them do all his pleasure. And a nobler
Shepherd than Cyrus does his Father's will, till his work is fully completed.
Chapter 45
The deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus. (Is. 45:1-4) God calls for obedience to his almighty
power. (Is. 45:5-10) The settlement of his people. (Is. 45:11-19) The conversion of the Gentiles.
(Is. 45:20-25)
Is. 45:1-4 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.
Is. 45:5-10 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