translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: ISA

label: NET study note

text: The “right hand” is a symbol of activity and strength; the Lord directs Cyrus’ activities and assures his success.


text: This verses affirms that God is ultimately sovereign over his world, including mankind and nations. In accordance with his sovereign will, he can cause wars to cease and peace to predominate (as he was about to do for his exiled people through Cyrus), or he can bring disaster and judgment on nations (as he was about to do to Babylon through Cyrus).


text: Verses 9-10 may allude to the exiles’ criticism that the Lord does not appear to know what he is doing.


text: See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4 .


text: Restored Israel is depicted here in typical ancient Near Eastern fashion as an imperial power that receives riches and slaves as tribute.


text: Israel’s vassals are portrayed as so intimidated and awed that they treat Israel as an intermediary to God or sub-deity.