Isaiah 45:2
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
Original Language Analysis
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֵלֵ֔ךְ
H1980
אֵלֵ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַהֲדוּרִ֖ים
the crooked places
H1921
וַהֲדוּרִ֖ים
the crooked places
Strong's:
H1921
Word #:
4 of 11
to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honor, be high or proud
אֲוַשֵּׁ֑ר
straight
H3474
אֲוַשֵּׁ֑ר
straight
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
5 of 11
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
אֲשַׁבֵּ֔ר
I will break in pieces
H7665
אֲשַׁבֵּ֔ר
I will break in pieces
Strong's:
H7665
Word #:
8 of 11
to burst (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 40:4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.Luke 3:5Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;Psalms 107:16For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.Jeremiah 51:30The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.
Historical Context
Herodotus describes Babylon's famous gates, including the Ishtar Gate with its bronze reinforcements. The city's gates were its pride and supposedly impregnable defense - yet God promised to shatter them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God go before you to straighten crooked paths and break down barriers?
- What seemingly impregnable obstacles has God broken for you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God promises to go before Cyrus personally, making 'crooked places straight' and breaking bronze gates and iron bars. The Hebrew 'hadar' (go before) indicates divine leadership in battle. This specific reference to bronze gates and iron bars matches Babylon's actual fortifications, demonstrating prophetic precision.