Isaiah 13:3
I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.
Original Language Analysis
לִמְקֻדָּשָׁ֑י
my sanctified ones
H6942
לִמְקֻדָּשָׁ֑י
my sanctified ones
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
3 of 9
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
גַּ֣ם
H1571
גַּ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
קָרָ֤אתִי
I have also called
H7121
קָרָ֤אתִי
I have also called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לְאַפִּ֔י
for mine anger
H639
לְאַפִּ֔י
for mine anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Historical Context
Medes and Persians, though pagan, were God's 'sanctified' instruments against Babylon. Isaiah 45:1-4 explicitly names Cyrus as God's 'anointed' who doesn't know Him yet fulfills His purposes. These 'mighty ones' executed divine judgment while pursuing their own imperial ambitions. Throughout history, God sets apart nations and leaders for specific roles in His redemptive plan, whether they acknowledge Him or not.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God 'sanctify' unbelieving people or nations for His purposes?
- What does this teach about the difference between being used by God and being saved by God?
- How should we respond when God uses unlikely or even hostile instruments for His plans?
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Analysis & Commentary
God has 'sanctified' (set apart) and 'called' His mighty ones—the Medo-Persian army—for His anger. They are His warriors who rejoice in His highness, though unwittingly. This reveals that God sanctifies even pagan armies for specific purposes. Being 'sanctified' here means set apart for divine use, not moral purification. God can consecrate any instrument for His purposes. This demonstrates comprehensive sovereignty—even God's 'mighty ones' in judgment are His appointed agents.