Isaiah 45 · Grade 4

God Calls Cyrus by Name

Name Date

Read and Think

Isaiah 45 opens with a surprise. God speaks "to his anointed, to Cyrus," a Persian king. God would open doors for him "and the gates shall not be shut." God had called Cyrus by name "though you have not known me." Why? So that people from east to west would know "there is no one besides me. I am Yahweh, and there is no one else."

Some might complain about God using a foreign king. God answers with a picture: "Woe to him who strives with his Maker— a clay pot among the clay pots of the earth!" Clay doesn't tell the potter what to make. God reminds them, "I have made the earth, and created man on it." Cyrus would "build my city" and free the exiles "not for price nor reward."

God "formed it to be inhabited." He did not speak in secret. Then comes a call to the whole world: "Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other." God swears "that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath." In the New Testament, Philippians 2:10-11 applies this to Jesus.

Show What You Know

Who is called God's anointed in this chapter?
What picture does God use for people who argue with Him?
What would Cyrus do for God's people?
Which New Testament passage applies every knee bowing to Jesus?

Think About It

God used Cyrus even though Cyrus did not know Him. How does that show God is in control of history?
God invites all the ends of the earth to look to Him. How can you help others look to God?

Memory Verse

“Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:22 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for saving all who look to You. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What does anointed mean?
What does verse 7 teach about God?