Isaiah Chapter 45 · Verse 13
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.
Original Language Analysis
הַעִירֹתִ֣הֽוּ
I have raised him up
H5782
הַעִירֹתִ֣הֽוּ
I have raised him up
Strong's:
H5782
Word #:
2 of 18
to wake (literally or figuratively)
בְצֶ֔דֶק
in righteousness
H6664
בְצֶ֔דֶק
in righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
3 of 18
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּרָכָ֖יו
all his ways
H1870
דְּרָכָ֖יו
all his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲיַשֵּׁ֑ר
and I will direct
H3474
אֲיַשֵּׁ֑ר
and I will direct
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
6 of 18
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עִירִי֙
my city
H5892
עִירִי֙
my city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 18
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְגָלוּתִ֣י
my captives
H1546
וְגָלוּתִ֣י
my captives
Strong's:
H1546
Word #:
10 of 18
captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)
יְשַׁלֵּ֔חַ
and he shall let go
H7971
יְשַׁלֵּ֔חַ
and he shall let go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
11 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 41:2Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.Isaiah 41:25I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.Isaiah 13:17Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.Isaiah 49:25But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
Historical Context
Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4) fulfilled this precisely: he commanded Jerusalem's rebuilding and freed Jewish captives. His motivations appeared political, but God directed his ways for redemptive purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God direct the ways of rulers to accomplish His purposes?
- What does it mean that your redemption was not purchased by human price but by divine grace?
Analysis & Commentary
God explicitly claims to have raised up Cyrus 'in righteousness' and promises to 'direct all his ways.' Cyrus will build God's city and release God's captives - not for price or reward. The Hebrew 'mechir' (price) emphasizes that Israel's release is not a business transaction but divine grace operating through Cyrus.