Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 45:1-4

"Thus saith Jehovah to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut: I will go before thee, and make the rough places smooth; I will break in pieces the doors of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron; and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that it is I, Jehovah, who call thee by thy name, even the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant`s sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me." — Isaiah 45:1-4 (ASV)

Cyrus is called God's anointed; he was designed and qualified for his great service by the counsel of God. The gates of Babylon, which led to the river, were left open the night that Cyrus marched his army into the empty channel.

The Lord went before him, giving entrance to the cities he besieged. He also gave him treasures, which had been hidden in secret places.

The true God was an unknown God to Cyrus; yet God foreknew him; He called him by his name. The exact fulfillment of this must have shown Cyrus that Jehovah was the only true God, and that it was for the sake of Israel that he was prospered.

In all the changes of states and kingdoms, God works out the good of His church.