Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
sake and Israel
H3478
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
sake and Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וָאֶקְרָ֤א
I have even called
H7121
וָאֶקְרָ֤א
I have even called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ
thee by thy name
H8034
בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ
thee by thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֲכַנְּךָ֖
I have surnamed
H3655
אֲכַנְּךָ֖
I have surnamed
Strong's:
H3655
Word #:
9 of 11
to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize
Cross References
Isaiah 44:1Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:Acts 17:23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.Romans 11:7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Historical Context
Cyrus's famous Cylinder (discovered 1879) records his religious tolerance but shows no knowledge of Yahweh. He attributed his success to Marduk. Yet Isaiah reveals the true source of his power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God work through people who don't know Him to accomplish His purposes?
- What comfort comes from knowing God uses even unwitting instruments for His elect's sake?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God explains why He uses Cyrus: 'For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect.' Cyrus is instrument, Israel is purpose. God surnamed Cyrus (gave him a title/designation) though Cyrus 'hast not known me.' The pagan conqueror unknowingly serves the God he doesn't worship - a profound statement of divine sovereignty.