Why is the God of Israel Unmatched by Any Other? ישעיהו מה:יט-כה / Isaiah 45:19-25

Introduction to Isaiah 45:19-25

In Isaiah 45:19-25, the Lord, the God of Israel, emphatically declares His uniqueness and superiority over all the false gods of the nations. He also declares the benefits of serving Him! He begins asking the rhetorical question, “I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.” This statement highlights that God is not hiding or making it difficult for His people to find Him, in fact, there is a list of things that the Lord God declares why He is unmatched by any other. The following list describes a short summary of what is taking place in Isaiah 45:19-25..

Overview of Isaiah 45:19-25

• Open Proclamation: The Lord asserts that He has not spoken in secret or obscurity. Unlike other gods, He does not hide His intentions or make vague promises. His communication is clear and straightforward.
• Seeking in Vain: The Lord challenges the seed of Jacob (Israel) not to seek Him in vain. In other words, seeking Him will not lead to disappointment. Unlike false gods, who remain silent or fail to deliver, the Lord responds to genuine seekers.
• Righteousness and Truth: The Lord speaks righteousness and declares things that are right. His words are trustworthy and aligned with truth. False gods, on the other hand, cannot provide such assurance and their worship is linked to immorality and unrighteousness.
• The Only God: The Lord proclaims that there is no other God beside Him. He stands alone as the just God and the Savior. No other deity can claim this position. He invites all to look to Him for salvation.
• Universal Salvation: The Lord extends His offer of salvation to all the ends of the earth. Whoever looks to Him will be saved. His promise is not limited to a specific group or nation. This again signifies the mercy and grace of God, and highlights Him as the Creator and Lord over all!
• Unwavering Oath: The Lord swears by Himself that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear allegiance to Him. His authority is absolute, and His promises are irrevocable.
• Righteousness and Strength: Those who turn to the Lord find righteousness and strength. Those who oppose Him will be ashamed.
• Justification and Glory: Ultimately, in the Lord, all of Israel will be justified and will find glory. This again highlights the significance of our being grafted into Israel through faith in the Messiah! (Romans 11)

The God of Israel is declaring His unique abilities in these ways according to Isaiah. He is calling out through the prophet Isaiah to not seek the gods of the nations, but to continue to be faithful to Him. Their exile is due to unrepentant sin, and it is the Lord God who brought Babylon to fulfill His words according to the Torah (Devarim / Deuteronomy 28) and how it is only He who can bring them back to the Promised Land of Israel again! We note that the Lord God doesn’t just save Israel, He saves all of those who are willing to repent and seek Him and turn from their idolatry and wicked ways. These are bold statements and claims that God is making. It requires each of us to examine ourselves and look closely at who we are at a fundamental level. This requires humility and not pride and arrogance. We note that if these words of the Scriptures are true, that the Lord God of Israel is the Creator, if He is transcendent, outside of space and time, then He is nothing like the gods of the nations. This argument and calling on our lives, the lives of all peoples, is as radical today, and as distasteful to some, as it was twenty-seven hundred years ago. Note how radically exclusive this message is regarding the God of Israel and His call on our lives! There is only one God, the God of Israel, and One Messiah (Yeshua) and because of this there is only one response that we can have, surrender and worship! This is why we see Isaiah speaking to all of us to accept the salvation of God (Isaiah 45:22-23) and this salvation causes all the world to praise the Lord (Isaiah 45:24-25). Notice how Paul views these concepts according to His Epistles in Romans and Philippians. 

Romans 14:11  
14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (KJV γέγραπται γάρ· ζῶ ἐγώ, λέγει κύριος, ὅτι ἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ θεῷ.)

Philippians 2:9–11  
2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα, ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός.)

Paul sees the Lord God as Isaiah does, He is Lord over all! This is by virtue of His having created everything, and how it is in this uniqueness, and in His reliability, that He is unmatched by any other. The authority of God goes so far as to declare that every knee will bow to Him and declare that He is Lord, and we cannot lie to Him. In Philippians 2:9-11 Paul explains how Yeshua the Messiah has been set and established by God as Lord, and that everyone will one day admit this, especially when He is presented on the last great judgment day! All of these things again declare how the Lord God of Israel is Lord over History and has the power to bring to pass what He has declared. This is why Isaiah can declare that the God of Israel is the only God, and there are no others. The false gods have no power to predict or control events! God declares His promise to save and protect His people, saying, “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.” Notice how Paul is looking to these verses in Isaiah when he was writing his Epistles! These passages demonstrate how it is better to serve the God of Israel because He has the power to save and protect His people, unlike the false gods that cannot fulfill their promises.

Masoretic Text (MSS) on Isaiah 45:19-25

Isaiah goes on saying the following according to Isaiah 45:19-20.

ספר ישעיה פרק מה
יט   לֹא בַסֵּתֶר דִּבַּרְתִּי בִּמְקוֹם אֶרֶץ חשֶׁךְ לֹא אָמַרְתִּי לְזֶרַע יַעֲקֹב תֹּהוּ בַקְּשׁוּנִי אֲנִי יְהֹוָה דֹּבֵר צֶדֶק מַגִּיד מֵישָׁרִים: כ   הִקָּבְצוּ וָבֹאוּ הִתְנַגְּשׁוּ יַחְדָּו פְּלִיטֵי הַגּוֹיִם לֹא יָדְעוּ הַנֹּשְֹאִים אֶת-עֵץ פִּסְלָם וּמִתְפַּלְלִים אֶל-אֵל לֹא יוֹשִׁיעַ: 

Isaiah 45:19 states, “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. (לֹא בַסֵּתֶר דִּבַּרְתִּי בִּמְקוֹם אֶרֶץ חשֶׁךְ לֹא אָמַרְתִּי לְזֶרַע יַעֲקֹב תֹּהוּ בַקְּשׁוּנִי אֲנִי יְהֹוָה דֹּבֵר צֶדֶק מַגִּיד מֵישָׁרִים)” Isaiah 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. (הִקָּבְצוּ וָבֹאוּ הִתְנַגְּשׁוּ יַחְדָּו פְּלִיטֵי הַגּוֹיִם לֹא יָדְעוּ הַנֹּשְֹאִים אֶת-עֵץ פִּסְלָם וּמִתְפַּלְלִים אֶל-אֵל לֹא יוֹשִׁיעַ)”

Cross References for Isaiah 45:19-20: Ge 1:1–10; Ex 20:13–20; Dt 4:29; 30:11; 32:37; 2 Ch 15:2; Ps 17:2; 19:8; 78:34; 115:7; 119:138; Is 40:17; 41:1, 8; 43:9, 12; 44:6–19; 45:23, 25–46:1, 6–7; 48:3–8, 16; 49:4; 63:1; 65:4, 9; 66:19; Je 1:16; 2:28, 31; 10:5; 29:13–14; 31:36; Let Jer 6:1–73; Jn 18:20; Ro 1:22–23; 14:9–15; Php 2:12–21

These verses are very significant from the sense that God does not speak to us in secret or in darkness. This is indicated in the phrase לֹא בַסֵּתֶר דִּבַּרְתִּי (Lo baseter dibarti) “I have not spoken in secret” which emphasizes that God’s communication is open and transparent. We have the Scriptures to learn and understand what it is that God wants in our lives. The phrase בִּמְקוֹם אֶרֶץ חשֶׁךְ (Bimkom eretz choshech) “in a place of darkness,” also indicates that God’s revelation is not closed from us but is accessible. In addition, Isaiah 45:19 states that seeking the God of Israel gives us purpose and meaning in life, לֹא אָמַרְתִּי לְזֶרַע יַעֲקֹב תֹּהוּ (Lo amarti lezerah Ya’akov tohu) “I did not say to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.'” Our God is a God of truth, holiness, and righteousness, that God’s אֲנִי יְהֹוָה דֹּבֵר צֶדֶק (Ani Adonai dover tzedek) “I, the LORD, speak righteousness” this means that God’s words are just and true and can be trusted מַגִּיד מֵישָׁרִים (Maggid meyesharim) “Declaring what is right.” Isaiah 45:19 states that the Lord God reveals His truth to those who seek Him. In the NT text, there are parallels to these verses in passages like Romans 10:9-13, which talks about the importance of confessing Yeshua as Lord and believing in Him for salvation. The verses in Isaiah 45 are used in the NT to show that God’s salvation is available to all people, not just the nation of Israel. These verses in Isaiah 45 are significant because they emphasize the importance of faithfulness and personal rights to liberty and opportunity in the eyes of God. This is illustrated in the declaration that God’s salvation is available to all people, not just a select few. These verses from Isaiah 45:19-20 underscores God’s faithfulness, transparency, and justice and resonate with the NT message of redemption through God’s Servant King Messiah Yeshua. 

Isaiah 45:20 states, הִקָּבְצוּ וָבֹאוּ הִתְנַגְּשׁוּ יַחְדָּו פְּלִיטֵי הַגּוֹיִם לֹא יָדְעוּ הַנֹּשְֹאִים אֶת-עֵץ פִּסְלָם וּמִתְפַּלְלִים אֶל-אֵל לֹא יוֹשִׁיעַ “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.” This is a call to both Israel and all the peoples of the world to acknowledge the God of Israel and to join together in the truth and righteousness of God. These things speak to our identity, to be in the Lord God Almighty whose purpose for us is for our good. We are being called to be daily in the Word of God because of the present dangers in this world today! Again Isaiah compares those who serve their idols, do so in darkness and secret, and they serve their gods who cannot save!

Isaiah goes on saying the following according to Isaiah 54:21.

ספר ישעיה פרק מה
כא   הַגִּידוּ וְהַגִּישׁוּ אַף יִוָּעֲצוּ יַחְדָּו מִי הִשְׁמִיעַ זֹאת מִקֶּדֶם מֵאָז הִגִּידָהּ הֲלוֹא אֲנִי יְהֹוָה וְאֵין-עוֹד אֱלֹהִים מִבַּלְעָדַי אֵל-צַדִּיק וּמוֹשִׁיעַ אַיִן זוּלָתִי: 

Isaiah 45:21 states, “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. (הַגִּידוּ וְהַגִּישׁוּ אַף יִוָּעֲצוּ יַחְדָּו מִי הִשְׁמִיעַ זֹאת מִקֶּדֶם מֵאָז הִגִּידָהּ הֲלוֹא אֲנִי יְהֹוָה וְאֵין-עוֹד אֱלֹהִים מִבַּלְעָדַי אֵל-צַדִּיק וּמוֹשִׁיעַ אַיִן זוּלָתִי)”

Cross References for Isaiah 45:21: Ge 1:1–10; Ex 20:13–20; Dt 4:35; 6:4; Ps 3:8; 11:7; 46:10; 93:2; Is 25:9; 41:21–23, 26; 43:3, 9, 11; 44:6–17; 45:5; 46:9–10; 48:3–8, 14; Sir 24:24; Let Jer 6:1–73; Mk 12:32; Ro 14:9–15; Php 2:12–21

Isaiah 54:21 speaks of remembering and declaring the work of God when the text states הַגִּידוּ וְהַגִּישׁוּ אַף יִוָּעֲצוּ יַחְדָּו מִי הִשְׁמִיעַ זֹאת מִקֶּדֶם. This remembering is how we maintain our hope and trust in the God of Israel! We note that Isaiah also states, אֵל-צַדִּיק וּמוֹשִׁיעַ (El-Tzaddik u’Moshia) which translates as “God, the Righteous One and Savior.” The term “Tzaddik” signifies righteousness, and “Moshia” denotes salvation or deliverance, and Isaiah is saying that it is in the God of Israel that we have salvation and righteousness. The NT parallels are found in the following words from the Hebrew text:

• וְאֵין (ve’ein) – and no
• עוֹד (od) – other
• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) – gods
• מִבַּלְעָדַי (mil’aday) – beside me
• אֵל-צַדִּיק (El Tzadik) – righteous god
• וּמוֹשִׁיעַ (u moshi’a) – and savior
• אַיִן (ayin) – is there not
• זוּלָתִי (zulati) – besides

These things speak to the singularity and righteousness of God which are echoed in the NT which again emphasizes how the NT is founded upon the Tanakh understanding of the God of Israel. The NT summarizes these words in the following way:

Romans 3:30  
3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (KJV 30 ⸀εἴπερ εἷς ὁ θεὸς ὃς δικαιώσει περιτομὴν ἐκ πίστεως καὶ ἀκροβυστίαν διὰ τῆς πίστεως*.)

1 Corinthians 8:4  
8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. (KJV 4 Περὶ τῆς βρώσεως οὖν τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων,* οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὐδὲν εἴδωλον ἐν κόσμῳ καὶ ὅτι οὐδεὶς θεὸς ⸆ εἰ μὴ εἷς.)

Galatians 3:20  
3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. (KJV 20 ὁ δὲ μεσίτης ἑνὸς οὐκ ἔστιν, ὁ δὲ θεὸς εἷς ἐστιν.*)

James 2:19  
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (KJV 19 σὺ πιστεύεις ὅτι ⸂εἷς ἐστιν ὁ θεός⸃,* καλῶς ποιεῖς· καὶ τὰ δαιμόνια πιστεύουσιν καὶ φρίσσουσιν.)

Paul writes about God being one (Romans 3:20, 1 Corinthians 8:4, Galatians 3:20), this echos Isaiah’s words וְאֵין-עוֹד אֱלֹהִים מִבַּלְעָדַי and the Torah i.e. Devarim / Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema). Note how this concept of the oneness of God is the most central declaration in Judaism, The Torah states, “שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהֹוָה אֶחָד” (Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad) which emphasizes the absolute unity and uniqueness of God. This is how Paul understands the uniqueness and oneness of God along with James according to James 2:19. In addition to these things, the NT also emphasizes God’s righteousness, salvation, and fulfillment of His promises, echoing the themes found in Isaiah 54:21. These things also remind us of God’s faithfulness and how His faithfulness transcends our circumstances. He transforms lives into abundant living and remains our righteous Savior. The New Testament reinforces these truths through various passages. 

Here in Isaiah 54, we see God’s predictive ability declaring that He will humble Babylon through the man or nation of His choosing. The power of God is not just demonstrated in His ability to bring these things to pass, but also in His ability to predict the future accurately (Isaiah 41:22–23, 41:26–27, 43:9–10, 44:7–8). This is why scholars go to such lengths to dispute the words of Isaiah and make the claim that the text is a product of redactors after the fact, after all of these things had come to pass. Note again how this is a very dangerous approach to the Word of God. (I am not going to try to address the claims of the scholars since this is more of a fruitless effort, we take the words of Isaiah as being written by the prophet Isaiah, and that God has the power to predict and control the future and history!) Here Isaiah 45:21 states, הַגִּידוּ וְהַגִּישׁוּ אַף יִוָּעֲצוּ יַחְדָּו מִי הִשְׁמִיעַ זֹאת מִקֶּדֶם “Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time?” This may be a clear reference to King David and Tehillim / Psalms 2. 

Tehillim / Psalm 2:1–2  
2:1 Why do the heathen rage, And the people imagine a vain thing? 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, (KJV לָ֭מָּה רָגְשׁ֣וּ גוֹיִ֑ם וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק׃ יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ׀ מַלְכֵי־אֶ֗רֶץ וְרוֹזְנִ֥ים נֽוֹסְדוּ־יָ֑חַד עַל־יְ֝הוָה וְעַל־מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃ נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה אֶת־מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹ וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ׃)

This is part of the prophecy David made about the Servant King Messiah, and it is understandable how this is connected to the Psalm on the nations gathering themselves. We see this happening today as well, how the nations gather themselves together to stand against Israel, God’s people. When one stands against Israel, one is standing against the God of Israel! Note that this does not mean that we must agree with the liberals who have taken over the government. We do not have to agree with the ungodly legislation that is passed, or the woke mental illness that is promoted in government. As faithful people of God, we are to stand for righteousness and holiness. This is who we are who sever אֵל-צַדִּיק “God the righteous One.” This provides the sense of how God does what is right, and He doesn’t force His righteousness on others, we are called to seek His righteousness! Again, we note how significantly different this is from the world religions, even the religion of LGBTQ who want to force their ideologies and ungodliness on everyone, and to have no choice about it. The reason I use the word “religion” is because there are many who literally worship these lifestyle choices and want to normalize these things and target innocent children. This is no better than the ancient middle eastern religions and human sacrifice, and the offering of the innocent children on the altar of their gods, because these ideologies lead to destruction, sorrow, and death! This is why the salvation of God is so important, to transform lives for righteousness and holiness! When God saves and transforms a life, He confirms the righteousness of His Word, just as this title that is given, He is אֵל-צַדִּיק the Righteous God! This is what Isaiah was faced with in regard to the ancient gods of the ancient world. These gods led their people across the world for conquest, to destroy lives without an apparent end. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the power of God, the God of Israel who is outside of this world, He is the Creator and Lord, and He alone is able to stop the forward motion of these ancient gods and their ways that invade the lives of people on the Earth. There is none like our God who is able to overcome these things, and He sent His Servant King Messiah to overcome this world, and to show us the way of truth, righteousness, and holiness! The power of God is found in the Messiah Yeshua, by faith we too can have this power to transform our lives and bring glory to God in the midst of this wicked world. We must seek for the righteousness and holiness of God in His chosen Messiah! This is why the NT text is so notably significant for us, especially for today and the world that we live in!

Isaiah goes on saying the following according to Isaiah 54:22-23.

ספר ישעיה פרק מה
כב   פְּנוּ-אֵלַי וְהִוָּשְׁעוּ כָּל-אַפְסֵי-אָרֶץ כִּי אֲנִי-אֵל וְאֵין עוֹד: כג   בִּי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי יָצָא מִפִּי צְדָקָה דָּבָר וְלֹא יָשׁוּב כִּי-לִי תִּכְרַע כָּל-בֶּרֶךְ תִּשָּׁבַע כָּל-לָשׁוֹן: 

Isaiah 45:22 states, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (פְּנוּ-אֵלַי וְהִוָּשְׁעוּ כָּל-אַפְסֵי-אָרֶץ כִּי אֲנִי-אֵל וְאֵין עוֹד)” Isaiah 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. (בִּי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי יָצָא מִפִּי צְדָקָה דָּבָר וְלֹא יָשׁוּב כִּי-לִי תִּכְרַע כָּל-בֶּרֶךְ תִּשָּׁבַע כָּל-לָשׁוֹן)”

Cross References for Isaiah 45:22-23: Ge 1:1–10; 22:16; 49:10; Ex 20:13–20; Nu 21:8–9; Dt 6:13; 30:11; 2 Ch 20:12; Ps 22:27; 63:11; 65:5; Is 11:9, 12; 14:24; 19:18; 30:15; 43:5–6; 44:6–17, 22; 45:5, 14, 19, 23–24; 48:3–8; 49:6, 12; 52:10; 55:11; 62:8; 65:16; Ho 13:4; Mic 7:7; Zec 12:10; Sir 24:24; Let Jer 6:1–73; Ro 14:9–15; Php 2:10–21; Heb 6:13

Isaiah 45:22-23 speaks of salvation, and of the Word of God proceeding from the mouth of God and doing so for the purpose that every knee will bow, and every tongue swear that the Lord God is Lord and Creator. Isaiah 45:22 states, כָּל-אַפְסֵי-אָרֶץ “all the ends of the earth” which indicates that all men, women, and children are to turn to Him for salvation. This emphasizes that God offers salvation to all, extending repentance and salvation to every nation and every person. Notice how this speaks contrary to the claims of Calvinism. Note the words פְּנוּ-אֵלַי “turn unto me” where פְּנוּ is written as a Qal imperative, so this is a command, which implies that we are to take deliberate action to direct our attention towards God. This is a significant aspect of the Hebrew text as it signifies a turning away from other sources or things that we may rely upon and focus solely upon the God of Israel for everything. The text states כִּי אֲנִי-אֵל וְאֵין עוֹד “because I am God, there is none else” which again underscores that there is only One God, and there are no other deities, this means that there is no other way for salvation, no other deity can provide what the God of Israel can provide. Note how Isaiah says in Isaiah 45:23 בִּי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי “in me I have swore,” which means “By myself I have sworn,” this indicates that there is no higher authority by which God can swear, which highlights His faithfulness and reliability. There are also NT parallels to כִּי-לִי תִּכְרַע כָּל-בֶּרֶךְ תִּשָּׁבַע כָּל-לָשׁוֹן “That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear,” Paul uses these verses in Romans 14:11 and utilizes this from the sense of the Servant King Messiah of God who comes as a representative of God and in the power of God. Paul uses Isaiah to emphasize the Lordship of the Messiah of God. Paul also states according to Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The NT parallels emphasize the importance of acknowledging Yeshua as Lord and Savior, how Yeshua leads us to the Father God in heaven, the God of Israel. This parallels the Isaiah passage which emphasizes the need to turn to God. These verses anticipate a future when all humanity will recognize God’s sovereignty and willingly acknowledge Him and His Messiah Yeshua. We note how the NT passages that refer to Isaiah 45:22-23 speak to the centrality of the Servant King Messiah of God, and of God’s redemptive plan for all peoples. 

Isaiah’s emphasis is that if God is the Creator, then He is also Lord and God over all the world, and all peoples, and so offers the world salvation in His Messiah by turning from sin and seeking the God of Israel. This is what Yeshua taught according to John 3:16-18.

John 3:15–18  
3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐν αὐτῷ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλʼ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλʼ ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος διʼ αὐτοῦ. ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν οὐ κρίνεται· ὁ δὲ μὴ πιστεύων ἤδη κέκριται, ὅτι μὴ πεπίστευκεν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ μονογενοῦς υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ.)

For certain these words speak to what Isaiah is saying according to Isaiah 45:22-23. The God of Israel is the Savior of the entire world for those who would believe. This understanding has been consistent throughout the book of Isaiah beginning with Isaiah chapter 2, which looks forward to the day when all the world will come to Jerusalem to learn the Torah of God. Likewise, Isaiah 66:18–19 speaks of a day when representatives of all nations and tongues will come to Jerusalem to see the glory of God and then go out to the ends of the earth to declare His glory. It is important to note that there are scholars who claim these things are not true, such as Waybray who tries to argue that the ends of the earth do not refer to the peoples of the earth and that the salvation being referred to here is only an acknowledgment of the Lord’s work on Israel’s behalf. The context makes clear that Isaiah is referring to all (the ends of) the earth. Consider the NT according to Romans 14:10-12:

Romans 14:10–12  
14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (KJV Σὺ δὲ τί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; πάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ θεοῦ, γέγραπται γάρ· ζῶ ἐγώ, λέγει κύριος, ὅτι ἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ θεῷ. ἄρα [οὖν] ἕκαστος ἡμῶν περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λόγον δώσει [τῷ θεῷ].)

The point here is that every man and woman will one day give an account to the Lord. We note that all of the Scriptures show continuity, from the beginning to the end. If we take the opinion of some scholars, there would be glaring discrepancies. This is why understanding the Scriptures requires faith! This verse from Romans implies “all of the earth” is who the Lord God of Israel is the judge. Note that these declarations suggest for us what God has spoken will not be retracted. This is what is implied by what Isaiah says in Isaiah 45:22, יָצָא מִפִּי צְדָקָה דָּבָר וְלֹא יָשׁוּב “will go out from my mouth righteous word, and will not return.” The Scriptures insist that what God has said will happen, and that this is the whole concept of special revelation from God. The Scriptures indicate to us how God has revealed Himself to us in a way that we can understand and know Him (Isaiah 40:8, 55:10-11, Hebrews 1:1-2). We either accept or deny what is written in the Scriptures. If we deny what is written in the Scriptures, then we are stating that we have ceased to adhere to the biblical faith. Salvation is only in the way that God has designed it to be, He is our Savior and Lord, and He sent His Messiah so that all peoples can have the opportunity to partake in His Salvation! 

Isaiah goes on saying the following according to Isaiah 45:24-25.

ספר ישעיה פרק מה
כד   אַךְ בַּיהֹוָה לִי אָמַר צְדָקוֹת וָעֹז עָדָיו יָבוֹא וְיֵבֹשׁוּ כֹּל הַנֶּחֱרִים בּוֹ: כה   בַּיהֹוָה יִצְדְּקוּ וְיִתְהַלְלוּ כָּל-זֶרַע יִשְֹרָאֵל:

Isaiah 45:24 states, “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. (אַךְ בַּיהֹוָה לִי אָמַר צְדָקוֹת וָעֹז עָדָיו יָבוֹא וְיֵבֹשׁוּ כֹּל הַנֶּחֱרִים בּוֹ)” Isaiah 45:25 “In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. (בַּיהֹוָה יִצְדְּקוּ וְיִתְהַלְלוּ כָּל-זֶרַע יִשְֹרָאֵל)”

Cross References for Isaiah 45:24-25: Ge 1:1–10; Ex 20:13–20; Dt 33:29; 1 Ki 8:32; Ps 18:39; Is 4:3; 14:11; 24:23; 26:4; 40:26; 41:11, 16; 44:6–17; 45:8, 17, 19; 48:3–8; 49:4; 53:11; 54:17; 60:19; 63:1; Je 9:23–24; 23:5–6; 33:16; Let Jer 6:1–73; Ro 14:9–15; 1 Co 1:30–31; Php 2:12–21

Here in Isaiah 45:24-25 we note the concepts of self-righteousness and justification is paralleled to those who are הַנֶּחֱרִ֥ים (hot or angry) against the Lord. Then Isaiah concludes that in HaShem will all the seed of Israel be justified and glory. Note that justification and glory is in the Lord, not in self. These are the concepts that are drawn out according to the words צְדָקוֹת (ts’dakot) righteousness or acts of justice, showing the place of the Torah as being by faith and not by self-justification, עֹז (oz) strength, might, or power. Our power comes from the Lord. And נֶחֱרִים (necharim) those who are incensed, opposed, angry with the Lord because they choose to keep their own righteousness outside of faith. The concept of being justified and finding glory in the Lord is echoed in the New Testament. Here are some parallels:

NT Use of Glorying in the Lord God

• Romans 10:11: “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'”
• Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
• Romans 10:16: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?'”
• Romans 14:11: “For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'”

We note how Paul used this concept quite often in the book of Romans. Our righteousness and strength come from the Lord, in the Servant King Messiah our sins are forgiven, which is a gift of God. We glory by acknowledging that it is His righteousness that strengthens us, and that our lives here on earth should reflect His character. And finally, that we should trust in the righteousness and strength of God and seek justification in the Messiah of God, not in our own failed attempts of self-righteousness. Note how these verses emphasize our dependence upon the righteousness of the Messiah and God in heaven. Note how Yeshua describes these things saying the following:

Matthew 11:4–6  
11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (KJV Καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· πορευθέντες ἀπαγγείλατε Ἰωάννῃ ἃ ἀκούετε καὶ βλέπετε· τυφλοὶ ἀναβλέπουσιν καὶ χωλοὶ περιπατοῦσιν, λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται καὶ κωφοὶ ἀκούουσιν, καὶ νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται καὶ πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται· καὶ μακάριός ἐστιν ὃς ἐὰν μὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί.)

Yeshua speaks of not being offended, and parallels what Isaiah says (Isaiah 45:25) in the promise of vindication and glory for Israel in the Servant King Messiah! What we note about these things is that Isaiah is predicting how God will vindicate and justify those who seek Him and His Messiah (both Jew and Gentile). Ultimately the only hope and salvation that we have is in the God of Israel, and arrogance and pride have no place. Just as the nations will bow at the feet of the Messiah, so too will Israel recognize and acknowledge the Messiah who was sent to save us from our sins. The meritorious act is that of trusting in the Lord and confessing that He is Lord and God over all, and to believe in His Messiah Yeshua, for the forgiveness of sin.

Rabbinic Commentary on Isaiah 45:19-25

The Targum Jonathan is an Aramaic and Rabbinic translation of the book of Isaiah and therefore is a valuable resource for continuing to study the book of Isaiah!

תרגום יונתן בן עוזיאל אל ישעיה פרק מה:יט-כה
יט  לָא בְסִתְרָא מַלְלֵית בַּאֲתַר אַרְעָא קָבֵל וְלָא אֲמָרֵית לְזַרְעָא דְבֵית יַעֲקֹב לְרֵיקָנוּ תְּבַעוּ דְחַלְתִּי אֲנָא יְיָ מְמַלֵל קְשׁוֹט מְחַוֵי כֵּיוְנָן: כ  אִתְכְּנִישׁוּ וֶאֱתוּ אִתְקְרָבוּ כַחֲדָא מְשֵׁיזְבֵי עַמְמַיָא לָא יָדְעִין דְנָסְבִין יַת אָעֵי צַלְמֵיהוֹן וּבְעָן מִן דַחֲלָא דְלָא יִפְרוֹק: כא  חַווֹ וְאִתְקְרָבוּ אַף אִתְמְלִיכוּ כַּחֲדָא מִן בְּסַר דָא מִלְקַדְמִין מִבְּכֵן חַוְיָהּ הֲלָא אֲנָא יְיָ וְלֵית עוֹד אֱלָהּ בַּר מִנִי אֱלָהּ דְזַכֵּי וּפָרִיק לֵית אֶלָא אֲנָא: כב  אִתְפְּנוּ לְמֵימְרִי וְאִתְפְּרִיקוּ כָּל דְבִסְיָפֵי אַרְעָא אֲרֵי אֲנָא אֱלָהָא וְלֵית עוֹד: כג  בְּמֵימְרִי קַיְמֵת נְפַק מִן קֳדָמַי בִּזְכוּ פִּתְגָם וְלָא יְבַטֵל אֲרֵי קֳדָמַי תִּכְרַע כָּל בֶּרֶךְ תְּקַיֵם כָּל לִישָׁן: כד  בְּרַם בְּמֵימְרָא דַייָ עֲלֵי אֲמַר לְאַיְתָאָה זַכְוָן וּתְקוֹף בְּמֵימְרֵהּ יוֹדוּן וְיִבְהַתוּן בְּטַעֲוָתְהוֹן כָּל עַמְמַיָא דַהֲווֹ מִתְגָרִין בְּעַמֵהּ: כה  בְּמֵימְרָא דַייָ יִזְכּוּן וְיִשְׁתַּבְּחוּן כָּל זַרְעָא דְיִשְׂרָאֵל:

Targum Jonathan son of Uziel Isaiah 45:19-25
45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of the house of Jacob, Seek me reverently in vain: I the Lord speak the truth, declaring upright things. 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they know nothing that carry about their wooden images, and who pray unto a god who shall not save. 45:21 Tell ye, and draw ye near; yea, 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 whatever besides me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none but I. 45:22 Turn unto my WORD, and be ye saved, all that are at the ends of the earth: for I am the Lord, and there is none else. 45:23 I have sworn by my WORD, the word is gone forth in righteousness from my presence, and shall not fail, That before me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 45:24 Surely, He has promised to bring me righteousness and strength by the WORD of the Lord. In His WORD they shall offer praise, and all the nations that are incensed against His people shall be ashamed. 45:25 In the WORD of the Lord all the seed of Israel shall be justified and glorified. (TgJ)

ספר ישעיה פרק מה יט   לֹא בַסֵּתֶר דִּבַּרְתִּי בִּמְקוֹם אֶרֶץ חשֶׁךְ לֹא אָמַרְתִּי לְזֶרַע יַעֲקֹב תֹּהוּ בַקְּשׁוּנִי אֲנִי יְהֹוָה דֹּבֵר צֶדֶק מַגִּיד מֵישָׁרִים:

לוגוס יט      לָא בְסִתרָא מַלֵילִית בַאְתַר אְרַע קְבַל לָא אְמַרִית לְזַרעָא דְבֵית יַעְקֹב לְרֵיקָנוּ תְבַעוּ דַחלְתִי אְנָא יוי מְמַלֵיל קְשֹוט מְחַוֵי כֵיוָנָן׃

ספריה יט  לָא בְסִתְרָא מַלְלֵית בַּאֲתַר אַרְעָא קָבֵל וְלָא אֲמָרֵית לְזַרְעָא דְבֵית יַעֲקֹב לְרֵיקָנוּ תְּבַעוּ דְחַלְתִּי אֲנָא יְיָ מְמַלֵל קְשׁוֹט מְחַוֵי כֵּיוְנָן:

Isaiah states the following according to Isaiah 45:19 in the TgJ, יט  לָא בְסִתְרָא מַלְלֵית בַּאֲתַר אַרְעָא קָבֵל וְלָא אֲמָרֵית לְזַרְעָא דְבֵית יַעֲקֹב לְרֵיקָנוּ תְּבַעוּ דְחַלְתִּי אֲנָא יְיָ מְמַלֵל קְשׁוֹט מְחַוֵי כֵּיוְנָן: 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of the house of Jacob, Seek me reverently in vain: I the Lord speak the truth, declaring upright things. (TgJ) Notice how the Targum translation emphasizes the morality of the God of Israel who declares upright things. This is a significant difference from the idol gods of the nations. The verse from Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 45:19 presents an Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, reflecting the interpretive tradition and theological nuances of the Jewish community during the Targum’s composition. In this verse, the Targum also emphasizes God’s openness and truthfulness in communication, contrasting with the secretive oracles of other beliefs. The Aramaic phrase לָא בְסִתְרָא (lo b’sitra) translates to “not in secret,” underscoring the transparency of God’s words to us. God’s words have been spoken to us in public and openly, not from a hidden or secret manner. The phrase “מְמַלֵל קְשׁוֹט” (memallel keshot) means “speaking truth,” highlighting the reliability and honesty of God’s message. Truth is what establishes justice! In addition to this, without truth on how things work, what we have today in technology would not exist if one based one’s belief on a lie, then 1 + 1 = ? any number just as the moral relativists want to believe (i.e. Gender confusion), as opposed to the truth of 1 + 1 = 2. This is a significant difference in the way in the pagan world functions, and even is how the woke liberal ideologies reason that one is correct no matter what the answer is. It is no wonder the education scores for children across the United States keeps dropping in the public schools. Because teachers are not maintaining truth and discipline in all areas of their teaching giving precedence to their liberal nonsense. Note how the teachers in the public schools today want to hide these things from parents too. This parallels the works of the evil one. This also parallels what is written here in the Targum translation, which contrasts with the notion of divine messages being hidden or esoteric. The God of Israel has not hidden His message of truth, justice, and salvation! Notice also in the NT text, John 18:20 reflects a similar theme, where Yeshua spoke of His teachings being delivered openly in synagogues and the temple and not in secret. This aligns with the message of Isaiah 45:19 in the Targum, emphasizing the clear and public nature of divine revelation. Note what the commentator Mei HaShiloach has to say concerning these things.

Mei HaShiloach, Volume I, Deuteronomy, Eikev 4
כי תאמר בלבבך רבים הגוים וכו’ לא תירא מהם וכו’. והנה איך יתכן להזהיר על דבר הנעשה מעצמו בלי רצון האדם לצוות על זה לא תירא והלא הלב מתירא, אך כי מפעולות האדם יוכר את תוך לבו וע”י המצות יתברר עומק לב האדם, כגון אדם שלא ימשול על חברו אף שיכול למשול עליו, מזה ראיה שהוא ירא ה’, ובאם יהדר במצות עד שליש כמאמר חז”ל (בבא קמא ט’:) אז ראיה שהוא אוהב ה’ והוא מעומק לבו ולא על הגוון, וגם כאן הזהיר הש”י להסיר דמיון מלב ישראל, כי באמת נמצא בלב ישראל תקופות, אך צריכים להסיר הדמיון מלבם, כי באמת הש”י לא יחפוץ ביראת הדמיון כמ”ש (ישעיה מ”ה,י”ט) לא אמרתי לזרע יעקב תוהו בקשוני, תוהו היינו יראה של דמיון, וצריך האדם לדעת כי יש מנהיג בעולם, ורוצה שבריותיו יהיו בישוב הדעת ומה שהזהיר כאן לא תירא היינו שלא יראו מגוון, כמו שיתבאר בפסוק וראית סוס ורכב עם רב וכו’ [פרשת שופטים].
“If you say in your hearts, these nations are more powerful than I, how shall I inherit them? Do not fear them, remember well what Hashem your God did to Pharaoh and all of Egypt.” (Devarim, 7:17–18)

How is it possible to warn of something that happens of its own accord without the input of man’s will, and command concerning it, “be not afraid?” Will not the heart fear it anyway (as it is out of our hands)? Yet we find that the contents of a man’s heart are known through his actions, and by means of the mitzvot the depth of his heart will become clear. For example, one who does not rule over his fellow even though it is within his power to do so, from this we see that he fears God. If he adorns the mitzvot “hiddur mitzvah,” to a high degree, as our sages have said (Baba Kama, 9b), this is proof that he loves God from the depth of his heart, and not superficially. Similarly here God warned of the necessity to remove illusion from the heart of Israel. Truly the heart of Israel contains a special power, so it is necessary to remove the illusion from their heart, for in truth God does not desire that we fear anything illusory. This is as it is written (Yesahya, 45:19), “I have not said to the seed of Jacob, ‘seek me in tohu’ [chaos, baseless void].” Tohu means the fear of the illusory, and a man must know that there is a force running the world, and He wants His creations to have a calm mind. That which He warned here, “do not fear them” means not to fear the superficial (the illusions of the surface), as is explained on the verse, “when you see the horse and chariots, a people more powerful than you…” (Mei HaShiloach Parshat Shoftim).

The major conclusion from the commentary Mei HaShiloach is that fear, especially fear of the illusory or superficial, is not a desired state according to God’s will. We note that we are not to be superficial in our understanding of God and application of the Scriptures. This implies that we are to be reading God’s Word daily! We note that when we live our lives according to the Commandments, we get a better understanding of God and His Holy and Righteous ways. The rabbinic literature suggests that true faith and trust in God are demonstrated through actions and adherence to the mitzvot (commandments), which reveal the depth of one’s heart (the truthfulness of one’s intentions). The rabbis emphasize that God’s followers should not fear the seemingly more powerful nations, as this fear is considered an illusion. Instead, they should remember God’s past deeds and have confidence in His continued guidance and support. We are to trust in the power of God to overcome our enemies! 

This teaching relates to Isaiah 45:19, where God declares that He did not speak in secrecy or instruct the descendants of Jacob to seek Him in vain. The verse in Isaiah 45:19 implies that God’s communication is clear, truthful, and meant to guide His people in faithfulness towards righteousness and a calm state of mind, free from the chaos of woke liberal ideologies and baseless fears. God’s word destroys the idolatry of woke liberalism, and this is why they are so bent against the Word of God to keep it out of the hands of our children! These things remind us to take a stand against lies and falsehoods. The Scriptures encourage individuals to focus on what is truly important, which is to be faithful in deed and action and trust in the God of Israel, rather than being swayed by fears or external appearances that may lead one astray. This scripture calls for a life lived in alignment with God’s commandments, with a heart free from illusions, recognizing that God’s guidance is straightforward and aimed at the well-being of His followers. This perspective can lead to a more focused and purposeful life, grounded in spiritual clarity and moral integrity. This approach to faith and life brings great peace and joy! Notice how this again stands in contrast to the lives of those who are in bondage to LGBTQ sinful lifestyles including the chaos of not knowing who one is, or what gender one belongs to! The Evil one wants to confuse and distort one’s perception of reality. The God of Israel on the other hand wants to bring clarity, truth, and righteousness to all who are willing to seek Him and His holy and righteous ways! Note also what the following commentary states with respect to these things. 

Man and God, Chapter 7 Sedeq and S’daqah 463
However, if sedeq is a divine disposition to create with the purpose of the Good in view, then we are led to the conclusion that sedeq, ontologically speaking, is the principle of identity between Being and Value and its efficacious mightiness. We have shown how this identity between Being and Value comes to expression in Isaiah 45:18–19. The understanding of the identity of Being and the Good and the Tohu quality of evil is essential for the appreciation of the biblical idea of redemption and, indeed, of the Messianism of the Hebrew Bible. We may best illustrate our point by discussing a comment of Snaith. This is what he has to say about sedeq as salvation:

The major conclusion in this rabbinic commentary is that the identity between Being (existance) and Value (self worth) is essential for understanding the biblical idea of redemption. Notice how these things speak to the great value and worth of each individual in this world. This means that we are not to be insecure in ourselves, but to realize how much value we are to God. This commentary speaks of the divine attribute of righteousness (sedeq) which gives one great value since this is connected to what is moral and good. This is how Isaiah 45:19 speaks concerning these things, that God has not spoken in secret or tohu (chaos, emptiness, void) and so this emphasizes the love of God in righteousness and truth. The understanding of righteousness is the principle that unites us and underlies the biblical narrative on redemption. This suggests that God’s actions and existence are inherently good and just, and that evil, represented by tohu, is contrary to God’s nature. Remember how we had discussed in a previous study how the pagan religions have their gods coming forth from tohu which represents evil. This provides a lot of context on the idol gods of the nations, and again how tohu certainly does represent evil because of the chaos and confusion that sin brings into one’s life, such as in the gender confusion movement, men thinking they are girls, and women thinking they are boys, utter confusion on who they were created to be! The same can also be said of homosexuality and trans-movement, men and women going after the same sex, is again a form of confusion that is readily demonstrable in the LGBTQ community. According to the Scriptures, God speaks of righteousness and things that are upright, the text implies that God’s communication and actions are transparent and aimed at achieving what is good and of great value in our lives. This challenges the notion of the hidden deity and confusion of the world. Isaiah presents a God whose purpose is the establishment of good and justice in the world. Notice how contrary this is to the way Islam operates who do not want truth and justice, but power, rule, and sin. Note how October 7, 2023, demonstrates these things in Hamas’ rape, murder, torture, and killing of the innocent is of no concern to them. Islam has no sense of what is morally right or correct! This religion feeds the flesh and is a spirituality of the devil! The application of this scripture from Isaiah to our lives involves recognizing and aligning ourselves with this principle of sedeq (righteousness) which is God calling us to live in a way that reflects His righteousness, seeking to embody the values that are in harmony with the essential nature of the God of Israel. This means pursuing justice, acting with integrity, and contributing to the redemption and betterment of the world, following the example set by the Servant King Messiah of God, Yeshua! 

ספר ישעיה פרק מה כ   הִקָּבְצוּ וָבֹאוּ הִתְנַגְּשׁוּ יַחְדָּו פְּלִיטֵי הַגּוֹיִם לֹא יָדְעוּ הַנֹּשְֹאִים אֶת-עֵץ פִּסְלָם וּמִתְפַּלְלִים אֶל-אֵל לֹא יוֹשִׁיעַ: כא   הַגִּידוּ וְהַגִּישׁוּ אַף יִוָּעֲצוּ יַחְדָּו מִי הִשְׁמִיעַ זֹאת מִקֶּדֶם מֵאָז הִגִּידָהּ הֲלוֹא אֲנִי יְהֹוָה וְאֵין-עוֹד אֱלֹהִים מִבַּלְעָדַי אֵל-צַדִּיק וּמוֹשִׁיעַ אַיִן זוּלָתִי: כב   פְּנוּ-אֵלַי וְהִוָּשְׁעוּ כָּל-אַפְסֵי-אָרֶץ כִּי אֲנִי-אֵל וְאֵין עוֹד:

לוגוס כ     אִתכַנַשוּ וְאֵיתֹו אִתקָרַבוּ כַחדָא מְשֵיזְבֵי עַמְמַיָא לָא יָדְעִין דְנָטְלִין יָת אָע צַלמְהֹון וּבָעַן מִן דַחלָא דְלָא יִפרוּק׃ כא     חַוֹו וְאִתקָרַבוּ אַף אִתמְלִיכוּ כַחדָא מַן בַסַר דָא מִלְקַדמִין מִבְכֵין חַויַה הְלָא אְנָא יוי וְלֵית עֹוד אְלָה בָר מִנִי אְלָה דְזַכַי וּפָרִיק לֵית אֵלָא אְנָא׃ כב     אִתפְנֹו לְמֵימְרִי וְאִתפְרִיקוּ כָל דְבִסיָפֵי אַרעָא אְרֵי אְנָא אְלָהָא וְלֵית עֹוד׃

ספריה כ  אִתְכְּנִישׁוּ וֶאֱתוּ אִתְקְרָבוּ כַחֲדָא מְשֵׁיזְבֵי עַמְמַיָא לָא יָדְעִין דְנָסְבִין יַת אָעֵי צַלְמֵיהוֹן וּבְעָן מִן דַחֲלָא דְלָא יִפְרוֹק: כא  חַווֹ וְאִתְקְרָבוּ אַף אִתְמְלִיכוּ כַּחֲדָא מִן בְּסַר דָא מִלְקַדְמִין מִבְּכֵן חַוְיָהּ הֲלָא אֲנָא יְיָ וְלֵית עוֹד אֱלָהּ בַּר מִנִי אֱלָהּ דְזַכֵּי וּפָרִיק לֵית אֶלָא אֲנָא: כב  אִתְפְּנוּ לְמֵימְרִי וְאִתְפְּרִיקוּ כָּל דְבִסְיָפֵי אַרְעָא אֲרֵי אֲנָא אֱלָהָא וְלֵית עוֹד:

Isaiah continues saying the following according to the TgJ on Isaiah 45:20-22, כ  אִתְכְּנִישׁוּ וֶאֱתוּ אִתְקְרָבוּ כַחֲדָא מְשֵׁיזְבֵי עַמְמַיָא לָא יָדְעִין דְנָסְבִין יַת אָעֵי צַלְמֵיהוֹן וּבְעָן מִן דַחֲלָא דְלָא יִפְרוֹק: 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they know nothing that carry about their wooden images, and who pray unto a god who shall not save. כא  חַווֹ וְאִתְקְרָבוּ אַף אִתְמְלִיכוּ כַּחֲדָא מִן בְּסַר דָא מִלְקַדְמִין מִבְּכֵן חַוְיָהּ הֲלָא אֲנָא יְיָ וְלֵית עוֹד אֱלָהּ בַּר מִנִי אֱלָהּ דְזַכֵּי וּפָרִיק לֵית אֶלָא אֲנָא: 45:21 Tell ye, and draw ye near; yea, 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 whatever besides me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none but I. כב  אִתְפְּנוּ לְמֵימְרִי וְאִתְפְּרִיקוּ כָּל דְבִסְיָפֵי אַרְעָא אֲרֵי אֲנָא אֱלָהָא וְלֵית עוֹד: 45:22 Turn unto my WORD, and be ye saved, all that are at the ends of the earth: for I am the Lord, and there is none else. (TgJ) Notice how in Isaiah 45:22 the verse opens saying אִתפְנֹו לְמֵימְרִי “turn to my word” and if we believe what is written in John 1:1-14, this is telling us to turn to Yeshua the Messiah and be saved! The Aramaic translation of Isaiah 45:20-22 in the Targum Jonathan differs slightly from the Hebrew text. The main difference is in the translation of the phrase אֲנִי יְהֹוָה וְאֵין-עוֹד אֱלֹהִים מִבַּלְעָדַי (I am the Lord and there is no God beside Me) as וְלֵית עוֹד אֱלָהּ בַּר מִנִי אֱלָהּ דְזַכֵּי וּפָרִיק לֵית אֶלָא אֲנָא (And there is no Elah beside Me, and there is none besides Me, and there is none like Me).  This translation emphasizes the uniqueness of God and His power to save His people in His Word. The Targum’s emphasis on God’s uniqueness and power can inspire a deeper sense of awe, reverence, and trust in God and His Messiah. These scriptures also encourage believers to seek the Servant King Messiah, His guidance and protection, knowing that He is the One whom God had brought to help and to save! These are the specific NT parallels to the content of these verses on Isaiah 45:20-22. The themes of God’s uniqueness and the importance of seeking His help are present throughout the New Testament text. For example, in John 14:6, Yeshua says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This verse underscores the exclusivity of the Messiah of God as the only way to salvation, echoing the emphasis on God’s uniqueness in Isaiah 45:20-22. The Steinsaltz commentary on Isaiah 45:22 states the following concerning this verse.

Steinsaltz on Isaiah 45:22
Therefore, turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is no other. There is no other source of salvation. My divinity is independent of nationality and location; one may not turn to idols even in the most isolated corner of the earth.

Steinsaltz emphasizes the idea that God is the only source of salvation, as stated in the verse “for I am God and there is no other.” This highlights the belief in monotheism and the exclusive power of God to save and redeem those who seek Him. There is a clear denunciation of idol worship, asserting that this command against Idolatry is not confined to any specific location on earth, and thus, turning to idols is futile, even in the remotest places of the earth. This highlights God’s sovereignty and transcendence over human categories such as nationality and location, pointing to the Creator God who exists and is not limited to a geography, ethnicity, or nationality. All men, women, and children are accountable to the God of Israel regardless of where they are located on earth, or their heritage, i.e. the people from which they come! Note also how Steinsaltz’s commentary warns against turning to idols highlights the importance of avoiding idolatry and maintaining a strong connection with the God of Israel, regardless of one’s location or circumstances. This also directs us to understand God’s plan for salvation, how His salvation is available to all the ends of the earth, indicating a sense of both Jew and Gentile in Jewish theology. This is consistent with Paul’s understanding of the Scriptures and God’s plan for salvation, and that God’s saving power is not limited to a specific group or location but is available to all who seek Him. Note also this is why the Jerusalem counsel advised the gentile believers to avoid idolatry and food sacrificed to idols (see Acts 15). These things again are consistent with all of Scripture! 

ספר ישעיה פרק מה כג   בִּי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי יָצָא מִפִּי צְדָקָה דָּבָר וְלֹא יָשׁוּב כִּי-לִי תִּכְרַע כָּל-בֶּרֶךְ תִּשָּׁבַע כָּל-לָשׁוֹן: כד   אַךְ בַּיהֹוָה לִי אָמַר צְדָקוֹת וָעֹז עָדָיו יָבוֹא וְיֵבֹשׁוּ כֹּל הַנֶּחֱרִים בּוֹ: כה   בַּיהֹוָה יִצְדְּקוּ וְיִתְהַלְלוּ כָּל-זֶרַע יִשְֹרָאֵל:

לוגוס כג     בְמֵימְרִי קַיֵימִית נְפַק מִן קֳדָמַי בְזָכוּ פִתגָם וְלָא יִבטַל אְרֵי קֳדָמַי תִכרַע כָל בַרַך תְקַיֵים כָל לִישָן׃ כד     בְרַם בְמֵימְרָא דַיוי עְלַי אְמַר לְאֵיתָאָה זָכְוָון וּתקֹוף בְמֵימְרֵיה יֹודֹון וְיִבַהתוּן בְטָעְוָתְהֹון כָל עַמְמַיָא דַהְוֹו מִתגָרַן בְעַמֵיה׃ כה     בְמֵימְרָא דַיוי יִזכֹון וְיִשתַבְחוּן כָל זַרעָא דְיִשׂרָאָל׃

ספריה כג  בְּמֵימְרִי קַיְמֵת נְפַק מִן קֳדָמַי בִּזְכוּ פִּתְגָם וְלָא יְבַטֵל אֲרֵי קֳדָמַי תִּכְרַע כָּל בֶּרֶךְ תְּקַיֵם כָּל לִישָׁן: כד  בְּרַם בְּמֵימְרָא דַייָ עֲלֵי אֲמַר לְאַיְתָאָה זַכְוָן וּתְקוֹף בְּמֵימְרֵהּ יוֹדוּן וְיִבְהַתוּן בְּטַעֲוָתְהוֹן כָּל עַמְמַיָא דַהֲווֹ מִתְגָרִין בְּעַמֵהּ: כה  בְּמֵימְרָא דַייָ יִזְכּוּן וְיִשְׁתַּבְּחוּן כָּל זַרְעָא דְיִשְׂרָאֵל:

Isaiah goes on saying the following according to the TgJ on Isaiah 45:23-25, כג  בְּמֵימְרִי קַיְמֵת נְפַק מִן קֳדָמַי בִּזְכוּ פִּתְגָם וְלָא יְבַטֵל אֲרֵי קֳדָמַי תִּכְרַע כָּל בֶּרֶךְ תְּקַיֵם כָּל לִישָׁן: 45:23 I have sworn by my WORD, the word is gone forth in righteousness from my presence, and shall not fail, That before me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. כד  בְּרַם בְּמֵימְרָא דַייָ עֲלֵי אֲמַר לְאַיְתָאָה זַכְוָן וּתְקוֹף בְּמֵימְרֵהּ יוֹדוּן וְיִבְהַתוּן בְּטַעֲוָתְהוֹן כָּל עַמְמַיָא דַהֲווֹ מִתְגָרִין בְּעַמֵהּ: 45:24 Surely, He has promised to bring me righteousness and strength by the WORD of the Lord. In His WORD they shall offer praise, and all the nations that are incensed against His people shall be ashamed. כה  בְּמֵימְרָא דַייָ יִזְכּוּן וְיִשְׁתַּבְּחוּן כָּל זַרְעָא דְיִשְׂרָאֵל:45:25 In the WORD of the Lord all the seed of Israel shall be justified and glorified. (TgJ) The interesting features from the Aramaic text for example, the phrase בְּמֵימְרִי קַיְמֵת (b’meimri qayamet) can be understood as “by My word it is established,” highlights the power and authority of God’s word where God says in the MSS בִּי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי “in me I swear/declare” meaning that God in Himself swears. This aligns with the Hebrew bible’s emphasis on the irrevocable nature of God’s declarations. The TgJ use of מֵימְרָא דַייָ (memra d’Adonai), which translates to “the word of the Lord,” which also reflects a theological concept where “memra” is often used to personify God’s word, indicating a divine agency in creation and revelation. We note how John takes this same approach in His description of Yeshua according to John 1:1-14. In the MSS on Isaiah 45:23, the Hebrew word for “all” is כָּל, is translated in Aramaic using כָּל בֶּרֶךְ תְּקַיֵם which translates to “all who bless will be blessed.” This change in translation emphasizes the importance of blessing and gratitude in our lives. In verse 45:24, the Hebrew word for “swallow up” is בָּא, while the Aramaic translation uses וּתְקוֹף means “and take refuge.” This change in translation emphasizes the idea of seeking refuge and protection in God. Overall, the differences in translation can affect the interpretation and application by providing a more explicit connection between God’s word and action, reinforcing the idea that God’s promises are certain and will come to pass. This can encourage faith and trust in God’s word and its relevance to our lives.

In terms of New Testament parallels, the concept of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing is echoed in Philippians 2:10-11, where it is applied to Yeshua the Servant King Messiah, suggesting a continuity of God’s plan from the Hebrew Bible through the New Testament. We also see the idea of all nations coming to the knowledge of God being echoed in the NT, as seen in Romans 15:9, which quotes Isaiah 11:10 and states that the Gentiles will glorify God for his mercy. Secondly, the idea of blessing and salvation being extended to all nations is also found in the NT, as seen in Revelation 7:9, which describes a vision of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue (language) worshiping God. Finally, the idea of all people being established in God is reflected in the NT emphasis on the importance of faith in the Servant King Messiah Yeshua for salvation, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that it is by grace that we are saved through faith, not by works. Overall, the NT parallels to the Aramaic translation on Isaiah 45:23-25 emphasize the universal nature of God’s salvation, that the salvation of God in His Messiah is offered to all peoples, and is calling all peoples to repentance, faith, and faithfulness to the God of Israel and His Messiah! 

Rashi also has the following to say concerning Isaiah 45:23. 

Rashi on Isaiah 45:24 Parts 1-3
אך בה’ לי אמר. המקרא זה מסורס וכן פתרונו אך לי בה’ אמר צדקות ועוז אע”פ שכל הגוים ישתחוו לפניו אך לי לבדי כנסת ישראל בה’ הובטח לי צדקות ועוז ולא יבאו מכחישי תורה לחלל כבודי:
But to me did He say by the Lord Heb. אַךְ בַה’ לִי אָמַר [lit. but by the Lord to me He said]. This verse is inverted, and thus is its interpretation: But to me did He say by the Lord righteousness and strength. Although all the nations shall prostrate themselves before Him [correct reading according to Warsaw edition, K’li Paz, and mss.], but to me alone, the congregation of Israel, has been promised by the Lord righteousness and strength, and other nations shall not be included in my glory.
עדיו יבוא ויבשו וגו’. כל הנחרים בהקב”ה יבואו עדיו להתחרט על מה שעשו בחייהם ויבושו:
to Him shall come and be ashamed etc. All who were incensed against the Holy One, blessed be He, shall come to Him to regret what they did in their lifetimes and be ashamed.
הנחרים. המתגרים:
all who are incensed Heb. כֹּל הַנֶּחֱרִים בּוֹ, all who are incensed.

Rashi provides an interpretation of Isaiah 45:24 in three parts. He discusses Righteousness and Strength by explaining that this verse is inverted and should be understood as God promising righteousness and strength to Israel alone, even though all the nations would prostrate before Him. The difficulty is that there must be a fundamental change in the lives of the nations for God to give righteousness and strength to gentiles. This fundamental change is to be transformed within, to turn from idolatry, and to seek the God of Israel and His righteousness. These things were promised to Israel, receiving righteousness and strength in the Torah, but this was not extended to the nations in the Torah. Here in Isaiah, he prophecies that ultimately God will cause this blessing to fall upon the nations as well. The first part is to recognize that sin for what it is in one’s life, and to regret one’s actions, and perform Teshuvah. The recognition of sin is the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and need for forgiveness. Rashi speaks of incensed individuals which refers to those who challenge or oppose God. Rashi clarifies that it speaks about individuals who are defiant against God. Rashi’s commentary emphasizes the unique relationship between God and Israel, and as Isaiah states the eventual recognition of God’s authority by those who oppose Him, and the consequences of defiance. The one who turns from sin and turns to the God of Israel and to walk in His holy and righteous ways, there is great joy in doing these things and in the realization that the Lord God in heaven has forgiven our sins. This is what the commentary Olat Reiyah states concerning these verses from Isaiah.

Olat Reiyah, Essays on Prayer, Paths of Action in Prayer 11
יא “אלא מתוך שמחה של מצוה” (שם.). המצוה היא יוצאת ג”כ לפעל לחוץ לנפש העושה אותה. אמנם השמחה היא הרגשת שלמות הפנימית של הנפש הישרה בהיותה מרגשת יושר מהלכה וטובו. והתפלה, בהיותה הפרי המובחר של הזמן (ע’ כוזרי מאמר ג’ סי’ ד’) וההשלמה הנפשית הפנימית היא תכלית לה, ראוי שתתגלה בעונג החיים הפינמיים השלמים, בשמחה של מצוה. “ת”ר המתפלל צריך שיכוין את לבו לשמים. אבא שאול אומר סימן לדבר תכין לבם תקשיב אזנך” (שם). יש כונה פרטית, שהיא כונת פירוש המלות והענינים, ויש כונת כללית, שהיא כונת הלב בגדולת השי”ת ורממות הנפש הראויה לה ע”י האורה באור ד’, ששעת התפלה מסוגלת אליה. זהו שלמדנו כאן, שלבד כונת המלות והענינים הפרטיות צריך לכוין לבו לשמים ברממות השי”ת, לפי מה שתוכל נפשו שאת, וע”י זכרון השי”ת וגדולתו תתרומם הנפש לשלמות תכלית התפלה, וממילא היא סגולה להתקבלות התפלה. ועל זה אמר אבא שאול סימן לדבר תכין לבם, שע”י זכרון השי”ת מתכונן לבם לצדק ולמישרים, וכדברי רבנו יונה בשערי תשובה (שער ב’ סי’ א’, ושער ג’ סכ”ז) על פסוק “בד’ יצדקו ויתהללו כל זרע ישראל”, שזכרון השי”ת מביא שזרע ישראל יהיו צדיקים ומהוללים, כי ע”י זכרון השי”ת מתרוממת נפשם לכל מדה טובה ולכל כשרון מעשה וחכמת לב. וכן השי”ת הוא המכין לבם, במה שמתרומם לבם לגדולות וע”י זכרון השי”ת ועוזו, וע”י זה תקשיב אזנך, והוא סימן לדבר שמלבד הכונה הפרטית, שהיא ודאי עיקרית, צריכה ודאי כונה כללית, שהיא מצוינת בשם “יכין לבו לשמים”, והיא מועלת להתקבלות התפלה.
…rather while immersed in the joy of mitzvah. [ibid.]
A mitzva comes to realization also outside of the soul of the one who performs it. In truth, joy is the sensation of inner wholeness which the upright soul feels in the rightness of her path and its goodness. And, in that prayer is the choice fruit of time (see Kuzari 3:5) and its purpose inner soul perfection, it is fitting that it reveal itself through the pleasure of a whole inner life, through the joy of mitzvah.
Our Sages teach – one who prays must direct his heart toward heaven. Abba Shaul says a sign for this is “You will prepare (tachin) their heart, You will cause your ear to hear.” (Tehillim 10:17) [ibid.]
There is particular kavana, which is alignment with the meaning of the words and ideas of prayer. There is all-inclusive kavana, which is an alignment of the heart with the greatness of G–d and the soul’s elevation suitable to her illumination by the light of G–d, for which the hour of prayer is uniquely favorable. This is what we learn here, that aside from aligning with the words and ideas in their particularity, one must direct align their heart with heaven and the loftiness of G–d to the extent that their soul can bear. And through this remembering of G–d and His greatness, the soul is lifted up to the wholeness of prayer’s purpose, which of necessity aids its acceptance. And Abba Shaul said that this is what ‘prepare their hearts’ means – that through remembering G–d, their hearts are prepared for justice (see Yishayahu 45:19) and rectitude. Like the words of Rabbenu Yonah on the verse “It is through the Lord that all the offspring of Israel have vindication and glory.” (Yishayahu 45:25) There he says that through recalling G–d, the seed of Israel becomes righteous and praiseworthy, because through this recollection their soul is lifted up to every good trait, to every practical capability and heart’s wisdom. And so G–d is the One Who prepares their hearts, because their hearts are lifted up to great things through the remembering of Him and His might. And through this ‘You will cause Your ear to hear.’ This teaches that aside from the particular kavana, that is absolutely primary, the all-inclusive kavana is certainly required. This type of kavana is indicated by ‘prepare (tachin) his heart to heaven,’ it aids the acceptance of prayer.

The commentary from Olat Reiyah offers insights into the nature of mitzvot (commandments) and prayer. The major conclusions drawn from the text are that a mitzvah extends beyond the individual’s soul, suggesting that the mitzvot have a tangible influence on the world. True joy is described as the feeling of completeness an upright soul experiences when following a righteous path, indicating that spiritual fulfillment is linked to moral living. Prayer is considered the highest use of time and is expressed through the joy one feels in living a life aligned with God’s Word. It’s taught that one must direct their heart towards heaven during prayer, implying a need for emotional and spiritual focus on speaking with God. The act of remembering God’s greatness prepares the heart for justice and righteousness, leading to a state where one is prepared to live one’s life for the Lord. Keeping God’s commands also enables the Lord God to hear our prayers (Tehillim / Psalms 66:18) and prayer is coupled with obedience in the power of God to work in the lives of His people. The commentary states that “G–d is the One Who prepares their hearts” and this is a significant observation since it is the Lord God who is working in one’s life to change them from the inside out. This is consistent with what we are reading in the book of Isaiah concerning the nations and note how this is consistent with what we read about in the NT text concerning faith in the Servant King Messiah Yeshua! These things emphasize the importance of our intentions and having faith and being faithful. The same things that Isaiah is speaking of back in his day, are the same things that we need in our lives today! It is clear how timeliness the scriptures are and how the Word of God is “timeless” in its application for our lives no matter where we are in the history of mankind!