Study note

Isaiah 45:1

  • His anointed: This title, usually for David or the Messiah, is used here for Cyrus. Cyrus was anointed because he was chosen for a special mission. No other foreign ruler received this title (compare 1 Samuel 10:1; Romans 13:1).

  • whose right hand I have grasped: The Lord would help Cyrus defeat Babylon (see Isaiah 43:14).