John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 45:24

"Only in Jehovah, it is said of me, is righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come; and all they that were incensed against him shall be put to shame." — Isaiah 45:24 (ASV)

Surely in Jehovah. He shows what is the nature of true faith and of the true worship of God: that is, when we not only acknowledge, or perceive by the understanding, that there is a God, but also feel what He wishes to be toward us. Anyone who is satisfied with a mere knowledge departs very widely from faith, which must invite us to God in such a way that we will feel Him to be in us. In the same way, Paul wishes that Christ should dwell in the hearts of believers through faith (Ephesians 3:17).

Anyone who imagines that God sits idly in heaven will neither humble himself sincerely before Him, nor make an open and sincere profession.

Righteousness and strength. Since these are the two principal parts of our salvation, when believers acknowledge that they receive both of them from God, they ascribe to Him the undivided praise of a happy life, and testify that by nature they do not possess what they acknowledge they owe to His grace. Thus they acknowledge that in themselves they have nothing of either righteousness or strength, but seek them in God alone, so that He may not be defrauded of His right.

To him shall he come. Commentators differ here; but, for my own part, I take a simple view of this passage. I see it as relating to believers who submit themselves to God, which allows us to perceive the nature of the contrast between them and rebels, who obstinately continue to resist God. I explain it this way: “Those who confess that their righteousness is placed in God will approach Him.”

He means that we obtain access to God through faith, so that those who perceive that their righteousness is placed in Him feel that He is present. Indeed, no one, if not reconciled to God, will ever approach Him willingly. On the contrary, all who dread His majesty will flee to the greatest possible distance from Him.

Thus the Prophet applauds the very delightful result of grace, because it will unite to God those who were formerly driven away from Him by their wickedness. This corresponds to what is said by the Psalmist:

Thou art the God that heareth prayer; to thee shall all flesh come (Psalms 65:2).

But all who defy him shall be ashamed. After testifying that God wishes to gather strangers from their dispersion, so that He may bring them into a state of intimate friendship with Himself, He threatens vengeance against despisers. These are those who, being without God and despising God, give free rein to their wicked passions and wallow in the enjoyments of the world.

It is only by faith that we obey God, and so it is by unbelief alone that Isaiah declares His anger to be provoked. He distinguishes all unbelievers by this mark: they are disobedient to God and even challenge Him to a contest. Although they now use the language of triumph, the Prophet declares that they will be clothed with shame and disgrace.