FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
Connection to the wholeThe movement announces comfort, challenges idols, and develops the servant passages and invitations to receive the LORD's provision.
interpretation Isaiah 45:20
KJVAssemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
Read it in context
God's Sovereignty and the Futility of Idols
Start reading at Isaiah 45:1 (Isaiah 45:1 to Isaiah 45:25).
The passage begins with God's address to Cyrus and continues through a declaration of God's unique power and a call to salvation, making the entire chapter a coherent unit.
- 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
- 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:
- 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
- 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.
- 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
- 45:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
- 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
- 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
- 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
- 45:10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?
- 45:11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
- 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
- 45:13 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.
- 45:14 Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.
- 45:15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
- 45:16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
- 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
- 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
- 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
- 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
- 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
- 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
- 45:23 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.
- 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
- 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Isaiah son of Amoz is the named prophet and the traditional author. The New Testament attributes passages from both earlier and later portions to Isaiah; scholars differ about the book's later composition and collection. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; John 12:38; John 12:39. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Isaiah 40:1–48:22): The LORD's people, called Jacob and Israel, are addressed with comfort, correction, and the assurance of His power over idols and empires. Babylon and its rulers are also addressed in judgment. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem are the principal named audience, with messages also concerning Israel and other nations. Later portions address God's people in the horizon of exile, return, and restoration. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 40:1; Isaiah 48:20. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The passage emphasizes the LORD's unique identity as the only God, His sovereignty over all creation and nations, and the utter futility and ignorance of worshipping idols that cannot save. Specifically, Isaiah 45:20 calls upon those who have escaped from the nations to recognize the foolishness of idolaters.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Himself as the one and only God, the Creator of all things, who declares the end from the beginning and acts in history (e.g., through Cyrus). He reveals that there is no other God beside Him and that idols are powerless and those who worship them lack knowledge.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is prophetic discourse, characterized by direct address, declarations of God's sovereignty, rhetorical questions, and a strong contrast between the true God and false idols.
When
- When was it written? Approximately 700 to 680 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The prophecy concerns future events, including the rise of Cyrus (who lived c. 600-530 B.C.) and the deliverance of Israel, as well as a general call to those who would escape from nations in the future. The writing itself occurred c. 740 to 680 B.C. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The events prophesied involve various nations and a future gathering of those who have escaped, but no specific geographical location is given for the call in Isaiah 45:20 itself. The author was located in Jerusalem. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God's Sovereignty and the Futility of Idols (Isaiah 45:1 to Isaiah 45:25). Start reading at Isaiah 45:1. The passage begins with God's address to Cyrus and continues through a declaration of God's unique power and a call to salvation, making the entire chapter a coherent unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Isaiah 45:20 is part of a larger, sustained argument by the LORD for His unique deity and omnipotence, contrasting Himself with the impotence of idols. It follows God's declarations of His sovereignty and His use of Cyrus, and it precedes a universal call to salvation through Him alone. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The passage emphasizes the LORD as the only God and Saviour, who alone can save. This points to the ultimate salvation offered by the one God, which is fully revealed and made accessible to humanity through Jesus Christ, who is the manifestation of the one God's saving power and righteousness. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage calls believers to recognize the sole sovereignty and saving power of the one God. It serves as a reminder to reject any form of idolatry, whether it be physical images or anything else that takes the place of God in one's life, and to trust in Him alone for salvation and guidance. interpretation
Cited: Isaiah 45:1, Isaiah 45:2, Isaiah 45:3, Isaiah 45:4, Isaiah 45:5, Isaiah 45:6, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 45:8, Isaiah 45:9, Isaiah 45:10, Isaiah 45:11, Isaiah 45:12, Isaiah 45:13, Isaiah 45:14, Isaiah 45:15, Isaiah 45:16, Isaiah 45:17, Isaiah 45:18, Isaiah 45:19, Isaiah 45:20, Isaiah 45:21, Isaiah 45:22, Isaiah 45:23, Isaiah 45:24, Isaiah 45:25
Who wrote it, and how we know
Isaiah the prophet
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz and names him throughout. The New Testament quotes both the earlier and later chapters as Isaiah's words.
Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 6:1John 12:38John 12:39
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition holds the whole book to be Isaiah's.
What is debatedMany critical scholars propose a second and third author for chapters 40 and following, based on setting and style. John 12 quoting both sections as Isaiah is a significant argument against that view.
Related passages
- yourselves Isa 41:5-6,21 Isa 43:9
- escaped Isa 4:2 Jer 25:15-29 Jer 50:28 Jer 51:6-9 Eph 2:12,16 Rev 18:3-18
- they Isa 42:17-18 Isa 44:17-20 Isa 46:7 Isa 48:7 1 Kgs 18:26-29 Ps 115:8 Jer 2:27-28 Jer 10:8,14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah 45
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Judah confronted and hope announced
Isaiah 1:1–12:6FocusSin, judgment, and the promised ruler
Connection to the wholeThe opening visions confront Judah's rebellion while joining judgment with promises concerning the remnant and the Davidic ruler.
interpretation Oracles concerning the nations
Isaiah 13:1–23:18FocusThe LORD's judgment beyond Judah
Connection to the wholeThe series addresses surrounding nations and powers, locating Judah's troubles within a wider scene of divine judgment.
interpretation Judgment and deliverance
Isaiah 24:1–27:13FocusThe earth, the people, and renewed worship
Connection to the wholeThe scope widens through visions of judgment, praise, and gathering, linking the LORD's rule with His people's hope.
interpretation Warnings and the way of restoration
Isaiah 28:1–35:10FocusMisplaced trust and promised renewal
Connection to the wholeWarnings against false security and accounts of judgment lead into a vision of restoration and return.
interpretation Hezekiah's crisis
Isaiah 36:1–39:8FocusAssyria, deliverance, and Babylon
Connection to the wholeThe narratives connect trust and deliverance with an announcement concerning Babylon, bridging earlier warnings and later words of comfort.
interpretation FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
Connection to the wholeThe movement announces comfort, challenges idols, and develops the servant passages and invitations to receive the LORD's provision.
interpretation The community and the final hope
Isaiah 56:1–66:24FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.