Isaiah 44 & 45 | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome, Family! We're spending 2024 with the prophet Isaiah. While we claim no expertise, we're excited to sit with you as we both learn at the feet of Jesus. Each month, we offer a calendar that outlines daily exercises (adapted from Jenn Wilkin's Women of the Word Bible study process) to progress through Isaiah. Download September's calendar to begin with us and witness what we uncovered in our weekly "Wolfe Note" postings.

Contents:

1. Different Versions Noting and clarifying differences between KJV & ERV.
2. Annotation My thoughts, connections, clarifications, and questions.
3. Research on Cyrus the Great.
4. Summary An approximately twenty word overview of the chapter.
5. Memorize Why I chose to memorize Isaiah 45:7.
6. Cross References Of Isaiah 45:7.
7. Respond Based on reflections on God's character and my own.

Different Versions

I read Chapter 44 & 45 in the King James Version (KJV) and the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV). The King James Version is a word-for-word translations and the Easy-to-Read Version is a thought-for-thought translation.

Major differences I noticed (*My thoughts alone are in italics and designated with an asterisk.):

• Isaiah 44:7
• Comparisons:
• KJV: (1) And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let (2) them shew unto them.
• ERV: (1) There is no other God like me. If there is, (2) that god should speak now. Let him lay out everything he has done since the time I made these ancient people. Let him show me the signs he gave long ago that prove he knew what would happen in the future.
• Discrepancies: 
1. The KJV add details about what God does compared to the ERV's succinct "There is no other God like me."
2. The ERV defines KJV's "them" as another "god".
• Isaiah 45:4
• Comparisons:
• KJV: For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called (1) thee by thy name: (2) I have surnamed thee, though thou has not known me.
• ERV: I do this for my servant, Jacob. I do it for my chosen people, Israel. (1) Cyrus, I am calling you by name. You don't know me, but (2) I know you.
• Discrepancies: 
1. The ERV defines thee (KJV) as Cyrus.
2. KJV says God "surnames" Cyrus, which the ERV translates as "I know you." Surname suggests a deeper relationship, like adoption or marriage, than knowing, or being familiar with, someone.
• Isaiah 45:8
• Comparisons:
• KJV: (1) Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down (2) righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
• ERV: (1) "May the clouds in the skies above pour (2) goodness on the earth like rain. May the earth open up to let salvation grow. And may goodness grow with that salvation, which I, the Lord, created.
• Discrepancies: 
1. The ERV defines heavens (KJV) as weather - clouds and skies producing rain.
2. KJV uses "righteousness" and ERV uses "goodness".
• Conclusions: 
• Commentators understand this as Isaiah's vision of a new heaven and new earth following captivity. God's law of what is right (righteousness) descends from heaven and man responds kindly to it, blooming in righteousness and showing evidence of their salvation. 
• *While ERV's "goodness" may be easier to grasp it looses the holiness of God's righteousness. The ERV's words help paint a better picture, but substituting clouds and skies for heavens substitutes God for weather.

Annotation

Notes on my process. *Denotes my thoughts alone. ! Denotes a connection. Researched quick answers are in italics. *R Indicates a topic with more extensive notes under the research heading.

1. Who We Are (Isaiah 44:1-5)
1. My chosen people, listen.
2. Do not fear. I made you, formed you, and will help you.
1. ! Psalm 139:14 KJV: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
2. ? Jeshurun = Israel, poetically. Actually means "upright one" or "blessed one". - Got Questions
3. I will pour living water on what is parched and My Spirit will dwell in your offspring.
1. ! Isaiah 27:3 KJV: I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. (See the Wolfe Notes on this verse.)
2. ! Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4 ERV: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, a noise came from heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this.
3. ! Matthew 25:34-40 ERV: Then the king will say to the godly people on his right, 'Come, my Father has great blessings for you. The kingdom he promised is no yours. It has been prepared for you since the world was made. It is yours because when I was hungry, you gave me food to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you welcomed me into your home. When I was without clothes, you gave me something to wear. When I was sick, you cared for me. When I was in prison, you came to visit me...The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me."
4. They will be abundant and will know who and whose they are.
2. Who He Is (Isaiah 44:6-8)
1. I am God. There is no one like me.
1. ? "...and his redeemer, the Lord of hosts..." Isaiah 44:6 KJV ? Who is "his" referencing here? ERV replaces "his" with Israel: "The LORD All-Powerful is the one who will set Israel free."
2. ! Isaiah 43:10 ERV: The Lord says, "You people are my witnesses and the servant I chose. I chose you so that you would help people believe me. I chose you so that you would understand that 'I Am He' - I am the true God. There was no God before me, and there will be no God after me.
2. Who else speaks life into existence? Who else plans and it happens? Who else positions people? Who else accurately foretells the future? Show me, if you can.
1. ! Isaiah 14:27 KJV: For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (See cross references.)
2. ! Isaiah 41:21-23 ERV: The Lord, the king of Jacob, says, "Come, present your arguments. Show me your proof. Let your idols come in and tell us what will happen. Idols, tell us what happened in the beginning. We will listen closely so that we can make a decision. Tell us what will happen in the future. What signs did you give in the past to prove that you really are gods. Do something! Do anything, good or bad, so that we can see that you are alive. Then we might fear and respect you.
3. Put away those doubts. Do not fear. You know the truth. You've witnessed it. I alone am God; there is no other.
3. Idols (Isaiah 44:9-17)
1. Those who hope in anything other than Me, hope in vain. They comfort themselves with their own lies and refuse to see or understand the truth. In the end, they will only know shame.
1. ! Psalm 127:1 ERV: If it is not the LORD who builds a house, the builders are wasting their time. If it is not the LORD who watches over the city, the guards are wasting their time.
2. 🎶I've built up my own name / but the walls couldn't stand / I've trusted my own strength / but it was sinking sand / So I put my ruins into Your hands🎵 ("If the Lord Builds the House" performed by Hope Darst
3. ! Proverbs 31:21 KJV: See looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." (See our notes.)
2. Who has experienced this? Think of a time you've hoped in something other than Me and it led you nowhere.
3. Everyone who leads others to hope in things of men will together experience shame.
1. *False doctrine!
4. Because they rely on their own ability, strength, and provision instead of God.
5. Painstakingly, they craft an image that is pleasing to them.
1. ? "...according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house." (Isaiah 44:13 KJV) Is it saying that it couldn't remain in the house unless man found it pleasing to the eye and that's why they were so careful with it? ERV says it "look[s] exactly like a man, and this statue ... does nothing but sit in the house. *So it's more about being useless than beautiful?
2. *We think our labor is worthwhile, but if it's not for God, it's worthless.
6. From God's creation, they choose and refine their materials. They choose what seeds to plant, (*but refuse to recognize that it's God who waters and keeps them.)
1. ! Isaiah 27:3 KJV: "I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." (See cross references.)
2. * Man takes credit for God's work.
3. * They worship what they see, know, and can form as they like.
7. Then, they take from what grew and use it for their own purposes first.
1. *They find comfort and satisfaction in what they see and feel instead of in truth.
8. From what's leftover, after they serve themselves, they fashion a god that they worship. (*But they ignore the one who created it.)
1. *They pray to the remnants of their lust for deliverance.
2. * What they really worship is themselves, their desires: it looks like them and is made out of what comforts and satisfies them.
4. Why They Misunderstand (Isaiah 44:18-20)
1. They don't understand who I am because I shut their eyes and hearts so they won't.
1. Isaiah 6:10 ERV: Confuse them. Make them unable to understand what they hear and see. If you don't do this, they might really look with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their minds. Then they might come back to me and be healed!" (See research on this verse.)
2. They don't even stop to consider the idiocy of their actions: they are trying to make something common, something I created, holy.
3. They keep believing, feeding, and gripping the lie so much that they cannot even think to question its veracity.
1. *He nourishes himself on lifeless ruins. 
2. ? What lies do you see the people in your life gripping? Lies that they believe give them strength, but in the end you know will only disappoint them.
5. But You are Different (Isaiah 44:21-24)
1. I will always remember you, Jacob, my servant. Remember Me!
1. 🎵There's an old wooden cross on top of a hill / There's a grave that's been empty for thousands of years /.../ Flesh and bone / Blood and timber / Bread and wine / We remember🎶 ["Flesh and Bone (We Remember)" performed by Zack Williams]
2. Your slate is clean; return to Me!
1. ! Isaiah 43:25 KJV: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
3. Celebrate, all heaven and earth. Sing! God redeems His chosen.
1. ! Luke 15:7 KJV: I say unto you, that likewise JOY shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
6. You Can Trust Me (Isaiah 44:25-28)
1. I create: you, heaven, and earth.
2. I reveal the truth by frustrating liars, angering diviners, and confusing the "wise".
1. ? "That frustrateth the tokens of liars,..." (Isaiah 44:25 KJV). What does "tokens" mean here? Coins? Ideas?
3. I work for good. Because I am faithful to my servant and do as I am advised, I will rebuild Jerusalem and restore my people.
1. ? My servant = Jesus?
2. ? Messengers = angels?
4. I command the spiritual word and the physical word.
1. ? "That saith to the deep, Be dry,..." (Isaiah 44:27 KJV) Is the deep chaos?
5. I choose people to enact my will for the good of Jerusalem.
1. ? Who is Cyrus and why is he the Lord's shepherd? *R
7. Cyrus' Anointing (Isaiah 45:1-4)
1. Cyrus is God's anointed. Through him, nations will fall.
1. ! Proverbs 21:1 KJV: The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it withersoever he will.
2. God will remove all obstacles in front of him. 
1. ? Are these evil fortresses God removes? *Brass, iron, darkness, and secret are all associated with evil. And it serves to prove that He is God. What better way than power over darkness. From Isaiah 45:2-3 KJV "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: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places..."
2. * If God does this for Cyrus, He'll do it for you.
3. And lay unknown treasures before him. Then, Cyrus will know that God is God.
4. For the good of God's chosen, Cyrus is adopted in.
1. *Surname = giving the family name through adoption or marriage.
2. Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
8. I Am God (Isaiah 45:5-10)
1. Even though you don't know Me, I know you. I am God. The God who strengthens you.
1. ! Proverbs 31:17 KJV She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (See our notes.)
2. I strengthen you so that throughout time and space, everyone will know that I alone am God. There is no other.
3. I am the source of light and darkness, peace and evil.
1. ? If God creates darkness and evil, how is He only good? *Because we cannot know good without knowing what is evil.
2. Job 1:21 ERV: "...'When I was born into this world, I was naked and had nothing. When I die and leave this world, I will be naked and have nothing. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the name of the LORD!'"
4. I cause righteousness and salvation to occur simultaneously. (*Through the blood of Jesus!)
1. * The heavens bring righteousness which is of God. The earth brings salvation which comes through Jesus.
5. Think twice before fighting against Me.
1. ! Isaiah 29:16 KJV: Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?  (See cross references.)
6. Guard against questioning your existence.
9. Prophecy of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba (Isaiah 45:11-16)
1. Ask me about what is coming.
2. I know, for I created all.
3. I direct people to build up my kingdom and to free my people.
1. *Moses as he led the Israelites from Egypt. Cyrus as he frees the Israelites from Babylonian exile. Us as we free people from the bondage of sin.
4. The powerful nations will bow at your feet and recognize Me for how I am: The God of Israel, the Savior, previously unknown to them.
1. ! Isaiah 43:3 ERV: "That's because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine. (See research and cross references for this verse.)
5. They'll be confused and ashamed for they once believed in idols.
1. ! Isaiah 24:23 KJV: Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.
10. But Israel will be Safe (Isaiah 45:17-25)
1. But not you. Not Israel, for I saved you with an eternal salvation.
2. Afterall, I made heaven and earth for you.
3. And I never kept it a secret or misled you. You've been made to find me. and your efforts will not return void.
4. Draw near together.
5. Teach those who have gone astray that their gods are meaningless.
6. I alone am God; there is no other.
7. So look to Me, everyone, for only I can save you.
1. *Salvation was never meant just for the Jews.
8. I promise and I won't take it back: all will come to Me.
1. Isaiah 45:23 KJV: I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
1. * Jesus is the Word (John 1:1). 
2. To Him, every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10)! 
3. The Spirit is seen in the breath that goes out of God's mouth (John 20:22).
2. ? Is Cyrus a typology of Jesus? *R
9. And in Me they will find righteousness and strength. Any who fight against Me will be ashamed.
10. In me, Israel will be justified and will praise me.
1. ? Will only Israel be made right and glory or all of us? See Isaiah 45:22-23.

Research

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

Who is Cyrus, and is he a typology of Jesus?

Historical Background (From "Cyrus the Great: King of Persia" at Britannica.com)

• King of Persia. Known as a tolerant and ideal monarch. Also titled the "father of his people".
• Liberator of the Jews from Babylon as chronicled in Ezra 1:1-4.
• Uniquely known for a willingness to learn from conquered people, even worshiping their gods.
• Considered the epitome of a ruler from antiquity, possessing all the great qualities expected.

Typology of Jesus

• Messiah reference - Cyrus was the only heathen king to hold it. - Ellicott
• Uniquely spoken to by God directly, the only heathen king on record. - Pulpit
• Given a unique purpose. As a heathen he would (from Pulpit):
• Acknowledge God as God.
• Help Israel.
• So the WORLD would know God is God. (*Outreach to the Gentiles)
• Called to shepherd God's people. Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11).
• Delivery of Babylon through Cyrus is a "type" of personal deliverance from sin  through Jesus. - Pulpit
• Both restore: Cyrus restored Jerusalem and Jesus all of creation. - Theology of Work
• Points directly to New Testament scripture fulfilled by Jesus (from Mind Renewers):
• John 8:36 ERV: So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.
• Romans 6:6 ERV: We know that our old life was put to death on the cross with Christ. This happened so that our sinful selves would have no power over us. Then we would not be slaves to sin.
• Ephesians 2:8 ERV: I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.

*Conclusions: Cyrus was a Persian king that God used to free Israel from Babylon and to rebuild the temple. He is remembered as the epitome of great leadership in ancient times because of his benevolence towards and willingness to learn from the conquered people. Cyrus is undeniably a type of Jesus. While not Jesus, many attributes of Cyrus' life and accomplishments point to our ultimate Messiah, Jesus.

Summary

You are mine. You know I alone am God. I will send someone to deliver you. Righteousness will reign.

Memorize

I chose to memorize Isaiah 45:7.

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

This verse reminds me that God is in control. Always. Even when I don't feel it, even when I don't see it, even when I don't believe it, He is in control. ("Way Maker" performed by Sinach)

Cross References

*Thoughts that are mine alone are marked with an asterisk and italicized.

Of  Isaiah 45:7.

I form the light, 

• Genesis 1:3-5 KJV: And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
• Isaiah 42:16 ERV: Then I will lead the blind along a path they never knew. I will change darkness into light for them. I will make the rough ground smooth. I will do these things for them; I will not abandon my people.
• John 1:5 KJV: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

...and create darkness:...

• Jeremiah 13:16 KJV: Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.
• Psalm 105:28 KJV: He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.
• Exodus 10:21-23 ERV: Then the Lord told Moses, "Raise your hand into the air and darkness will cover Egypt. It will be so dark you can feel it!" So Moses raised his hand into the air and a cloud of darkness covered Egypt. The darkness stayed in Egypt for three days. None of the people could see each other, and no one got up to go any place for three days. But there was light in all the places where the Israelites lived.

...I make peace...

• Romans 5:1 KJV: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
• Ephesians 2:14-16 ERV: Christ is the reason we are now at peace. He made us Jews and you who are not Jews one people. We were separated by a wall of hate that stood between us, but Christ broke down that wall. By giving his own body, Christ ended the law with its many commands and rules. His purpose was to make the two groups become one in him. By doing this he would make peace. Through the cross Christ ended the hate between the two groups. And after they became one body, he wanted to bring them both back to God. He did this with his death on the cross.
• Isaiah 26:3 KJV: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

...and create evil...

• Jeremiah 51:20 KJV: Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;
• Isaiah 47:11 ERV: "But disaster is coming you way. You don't know when it will happen, but disaster is coming. And there is nothing you can do to stop it.
• Amos 3:6 KJV: Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

...I the Lord do all these things. 

• Job 2:10 ERV: Job answered, "You sound like one of those fools on the street corner! How can we accept all the good things that God gives us and not accept the problems?" So even after all that happened to Job, he did not sin. He did not accuse God of doing anything wrong.
• Job 34:29 KJV: When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only.
• Psalm 75:7: ERV: God is the judge. He decides who will be important. He lifts one person up and brings another down.

*Conclusion: God knows that only light drives away darkness and that it is only in times of darkness that we search for the light. So, sometimes, we must undergo darkness and evil so that we learn to stay in the light and fix our minds on Him where we will know perfect peace. He alone knows our every need and He knows the path we each must take to rest in His loving arms. We must trust Him. In the light, in the dark, when afflicted by evil, and when we experience His peace - we must trust Him. I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise will continually be on My lips. - Psalm 34:1

Respond

1. God claims me. I am His. I can watch for ways He blesses me, take time to sense His presence, rest knowing that I belong (even when no one else wants me) and am forgiven (even when others cannot).
2. God is God. I am not, neither is anyone or anything else. I can trust Him! He is always in control. When my reality is shaken, scary, hopeless, overblown, or shattered - His is not.
3. God's promises are true. I sometimes doubt them. When doubt creeps in, I must believe that what He says will happen, will happen: Every knee will bow; He will save me; There is no one else.

Father, You are God alone. For that I am grateful. You alone are full of mercy: You forgive all my sins. You alone are faithful: You draw me back when I wander. You alone are love: You choose me even when no one else would. You alone are holy: You bring righteousness and salvation. Thank You! I can trust You even in the darkest valley. You alone are worthy.

Learning with You,

Are you ready for Isaiah 46 & 47?

Sample these related posts:

To locate the Isaiah study guide for September.

To review notes on Isaiah 43.

To remember, you're never alone.

To remember Him through communion.

To think about trust.

 

Interested in more faith-related blogs? Then you're looking for Faith Food. At Faith Food, you'll find links to all our faith-related blogs and a short description of each.

*Image Credit: Milky Way by EvgeniT at Pixabay.