Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Loose the loins of kings "ungird the loins of kings"] See the note on chap. v. 27. Xenophon gives the following list of the nations conquered by Cyrus: the Syrians, Assyrians, Arabians, Cappadocians, both the Phrygians, Lydians, Carians, Phoenicians, Babylonians. He moreover reigned over the Bactrians, Indians, Cilicians, the Sacae Paphlagones, and ldariandyni. - Cyrop., lib. i. p. 4, Edit. Hutchinson, Quarto. All these kingdoms he acknowledges, in his decree for the restoration of the Jews, to have been given to him by JEHOVAH, the God of heaven. Ezra i. 2.
To open before him the two leaved gates, &c. "That I may open before him the valves; and the gates shall not be shut"] The gates of Babylon within the city leading from the streets to the river, were providentially left open, when Cyrus's forces entered the city in the night through the channel of the river, in the general disorder occasioned by the great feast which was then celebrated; otherwise, says Herodotus, i. 191, the Persians would have been shut up in the bed of the river, and taken as in a net, and all destroyed. And the gates of the palace were opened imprudently by the king's orders, to inquire what was the cause of the tumult without; when the two parties under Gobrias and Gadatas rushed in, got possession of the palace, and slew the king. - XENOPH., Cyrop. vii. p. 528.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Here are promises of the influences of the Holy Spirit. (Is. 44:1-8) A exposure of the folly of idolatry. (Is. 44:9-20) Also the deliveranc of God's people. (Is. 44:21-28)
Is. 44:1-8 Israel is here called Jeshurun, which means "the uprigh one." Such only are Israelites indeed, in whom is no guile. Those tha serve God he will own. He will help them over difficulties, and in their services. Water is the emblem of the Holy Spirit; as wate refreshes, cleanses, and makes the earth fruitful, so do his influence the soul. This gift of the Holy Ghost is the great blessing, the plentiful pouring out of which God kept for the latter days. Where God gives his Spirit, he will give all other blessings. Hereby shall be great increase of the church; thus it shall be spread to distan places. Was there any other Rock, or Protector, that could defend them None besides could foretell these things to come, of which God by his prophets gave notice. All was set in order in the Divine predictions as well as in the Divine purposes. Could any other have done so? Wh can compare with Israel's Redeemer and King?
Is. 44:9-20 Image-making is described, to expose the folly of idolaters. Though a man had used part of a log for fuel, he fell dow before an image made of the remainder, praying it to deliver him. Ma greatly dishonours God, when he represents him after the image of man Satan blinds the eyes of unbelievers, causing absurd reasonings i matters of religion. Whether men seek happiness in worldly things, or run into unbelief, superstition, or any false system, they feed of ashes. A heart deceived by pride, love of sin, and departure from God turns men aside from his holy truth and worship. While the affection are depraved, a man holds fast the lie as his best treasure. Are ou hearts set upon the wealth of the world and its pleasures? They wil certainly prove a lie. If we trust to outward professions and doings as if those would save us, we deceive ourselves. Self-suspicion is the first step towards self-deliverance. He that would deliver his soul must question his conscience, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Is. 44:21-28 Return unto me. It is the great concern of those who have backslidden from God, like the Jews of old, to hasten their return to him. The work of redemption wrought for us by Christ, encourages to hope for all blessings from him. Our transgressions and our sins are a a thick cloud between heaven and earth: sins separate between us an God; they threaten a storm of wrath. When God pardons sin, he blot out, he dispels this cloud, this thick cloud, so that the way to heave 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 Israe 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, se 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 it Divine origin. The particular favours God designed for his people i 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. I things wherein men serve themselves, and look no further, God make them do all his pleasure. And a nobler Shepherd than Cyrus does his Father's will, till his work is fully completed _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew כה3541 אמר559 יהוה3068 למשׁיחו4899 לכורשׁ3566 אשׁר834 החזקתי2388 בימינו3225 לרד7286 לפניו6440 גוים1471 ומתני4975 מלכים4428 אפתח6605 לפתח6605 לפניו6440 דלתים1817 ושׁערים8179 לא3808 יסגרו׃5462
