John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 45:13

"I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, saith Jehovah of hosts." — Isaiah 45:13 (ASV)

I have raised him up. Isaiah now continues the subject he introduced at the beginning of the chapter. Having undertaken to soothe their affliction, which was extremely sharp and severe, he holds out the hope of deliverance and extends his hand to them, so that they may look for an absolutely certain redemption. Though you may think you are ruined, the Lord will still protect you from destruction. The reason the previously mentioned reproof was intermingled with this can be readily understood from the event itself; for if Isaiah had not abruptly made this digression, the Jews, in their vehement impatience, would have been hurried into despair.

In righteousness. This means “justly and truly,” and must be understood relatively, for it assigns the reason why God determined to raise up Cyrus: that is, because He is a faithful guardian of His Church and does not disappoint His worshippers. Some explain it as “in justice”—that is, so that He might punish the Babylonians—and others, “that he may reign justly”; but the Prophet intended nothing of this kind. However, in the Scriptures, “righteousness” often signifies fidelity (Psalms 5:8; Psalms 22:31), because the Lord manifests His “righteousness” by fulfilling His promises and defending His servants. The “righteousness” of God shines brightly in displaying exalted and perfect rectitude by saving His people; for although there is no work of God on which a mark of righteousness is not engraved, yet a much clearer and more striking proof is seen in the salvation of the Church. The meaning, therefore, is that He “raised up” Cyrus in order to manifest His “righteousness” in him, whom He has appointed to lead and guide in bringing back His people.

He shall build my city. Jerusalem is meant, which He calls “His city” because He wished that there the remembrance of His name should be preserved, and because He had consecrated it in a special way to Himself. Similarly, God Himself had declared,

Wherever I shall cause my name to be recorded, I will come to you, and will bless you. (Exodus 20:24).

Now, there was no other city which He had appointed for sacrifices and vows, and for calling on His name; and therefore, it is also called The city of God, the holy tabernacle of the Most High, for God is in the midst of her (Psalms 46:4 and Psalm 46:5); and in another place it is said, This is my rest forever and ever (Psalms 132:14). Now, Cyrus did not build this city with his own hand, but by royal edicts forbade anyone from hindering its rebuilding, and also supplied the people with provisions and money (2 Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 1:2; Ezra 6:3).

And shall release my captivity, not for a price, that is, “for nothing.” This was uncommon; for if captives are released by a conqueror, either a price is demanded or harsh conditions are imposed on them, but Cyrus did nothing of that kind. Therefore, it follows that this deliverance took place by the will of God and not by the will of man. The word “captivity” is here used as a collective noun, denoting “captives.”