John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 45:19

"I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I, Jehovah, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right." — Isaiah 45:19 (ASV)

Not in secret have I spoken. He now recalls the people to the doctrine of the Law, because God cannot be comprehended by human faculties. But as He is concealed from carnal reason, so He abundantly reveals Himself and provides the remedy by His word, which supplies what was lacking, so that we may not desire anything more.

If this had not been granted, we would have had no hope and would have lost all courage. Now, He solemnly declares that He does not invite us in vain, even though He delays His assistance. For what He has promised is most certain; and just as He plainly showed to whom we should turn and on whom we should rely, so He will give practical demonstration that the hope of those who relied on His word was not vain or without foundation.

This enables us to see clearly how wicked are the statements of those who say that no certainty can be obtained from the word, and who pretend it is a nose of wax to deter others from reading it. For in this way wicked men blaspheme, because the doctrine of the word itself exposes and refutes their errors. But we reply with David:

Your word, O Lord, is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our paths (Psalms 119:105).

We reply with Isaiah and the rest of the prophets that the Lord has taught nothing obscure, ambiguous, or false. We also reply with Peter:

The prophetic word is more sure, and you do well if you pay attention to it, as to a lamp burning in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in our hearts (2 Peter 1:19).

If these things were said concerning the Law and the prophets, what shall we say of the Gospel, by which the clearest light has been revealed to us? Shall we not say with Paul:

If the Gospel is dark, it is dark to those who are lost, whom Satan, the prince of this world, has blinded? (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4).

Let blind and weak-sighted men therefore accuse themselves when they cannot endure this brightness of the word. But, whatever may be the darkness with which they will endeavor to cloak it, let us adhere firmly and steadfastly to this heavenly light.

Besides, the Prophet appears to allude to the predictions that were uttered from the groves and tripods of the idols. They are uncertain and deceitful, but nothing of this kind can be found in God’s answers, for He speaks openly and utters nothing deceitful or ambiguous.

But experience tells us that Scripture is somewhat dark and hard to understand. This is indeed true, but it should be ascribed to the dullness and slowness of our understanding, and not to Scripture itself. For blind or weak-sighted men have no right to accuse the sun because they cannot look at it.

I have not said in vain to the seed of Jacob, Seek Me. This continues to be a fixed principle: those who show themselves to be submissive and obedient do not spend their labor in vain, because God faithfully performs the role of a teacher toward the poor and little ones.

Now, though all do not advance to the highest degree, yet the labor of those who sincerely seek God will never be unprofitable. By this expression, Seek Me, Isaiah points out the main purpose and use of the Law: to invite men to God. Indeed, their true happiness lies in being united to God, and the sacred bond of union is faith and sincere piety.

In this second clause, He not only asserts that He has spoken clearly and without ambiguity, but declares the certainty and steadfastness of His word. It is as if He had said that He does not promise extensively with an intention to deceive, or amuse hungry people with words, but actually performs what He has promised. This demonstrates the ingratitude of those who, when they are called, do not answer, since God has no other purpose than to make us partakers of all blessings, of which we are otherwise empty and destitute.

I Jehovah speaking righteousness. This is added for explanation, as if He had said that the word by which He draws His elect to Himself is not soiled by any stain of fraud but contains the most perfect holiness. As David says, The words of the Lord are clean, like silver purified in an earthen furnace, seven times refined (Psalms 12:6). Thus, in the word of God we have bright righteousness, which instantly shines into our hearts when the darkness has been removed.