Isaiah 45:11

Isaiah 45:11 says, 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.  I believe this refers to Jesus Christ, our Lord, and His Maker refers to the heavenly Father Who did make the Son to be human. I believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One, even if I don’t understand exactly what this means.  One day, the question will be answered.  God invited them, and us, to ask Him about His creative work, but He didn’t invite them to dispute with Him as Matthew Henry states.  I may not understand everything about God, but He invites me to ask Him anything.

Verse twelve adds, 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.  God says that He created the heavens and the earth by stretching out His hands.  I think this refers back to the example of the potter who shapes the vessel by his hands and not to the fact that God has to use His hands to make anything.  I believe He can just speak things into being or speak them out of being.  Again, one day I will know for sure.

Verse thirteen continues, 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.  This could refer to Cyrus being made righteous by God and freeing the people of Israel to return and rebuild Jerusalem, but I believe it refers to Jesús Christ, the righteous One, Who came to set all the captives of sin free if they will only accept Him as their Savior and Lord.  

Verse fourteen states, 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.  God then said that the people of Egypt and the merchandise of Ethiopia would come to Israel asking for help from their God, who they would acknowledge as the only true God.  Even when being released to return and rebuild Jerusalem, the people of Israel were poor and weak, but God promised them that He would provide for their needs.  When we come to Jesus Christ, we are spiritually poor and weak, but He will provide all that we need to live strong spiritual lives under the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Cyrus was the earthly provider of their needs, but God was the One Who was directing him.  We may have people helping us materially as Christians, but we need to recognize that God is the One ultimately responsible and give the honor and praise to Him. 

Verse fifteen adds, Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.  God was referred to as a God Who hid Himself.  Matthew Henry says this refers to the fact that when people of God turn away from Him, He hides Himself from them.  I believe that it means  when the people of God turn away from Him, they just don’t see Him anymore, but He is still very much present if they only repent and return to Him.  Also, even though God reveals Himself through His creation, the truth of Who He is remains hidden until we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. 

Verse sixteen continues, They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.  God said that those who didn’t see God would go away  ashamed and confounded by the lack of power on the part of their gods.  Even if they don’t do so in this lifetime, there is coming a day when all who refuse to acknowledge God for Who He is, the only God Who exists, are going to go away in shame and confusion over how they could have been so wrong.