Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 45:1

1. THus saith the LORD to his anointed , to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden , to subdue nations before him: and I will loose the loyns of kings to open before him the two leaved gates , and the gates shall not be shut.

i. e. His King, whom God hath designed, and separated, and fitted, in all respects, for his Work and Service; in which, and such like Respects, divers Persons are said to be Anointed, who never had any material Oyl poured upon them, as the King of Tyrus, Ezek. 28. 14. and Christ, Isa. 61. 1. and Zerubbabel, Zech. 4. 14. and Christians, 2 Cor. 1. 21. 1 Ioh. 2. 27. And they are thus called by way of allusion to the practice of the Iews, whose Kings were frequently Anointed, 1 Sam. 10. 1. and 16. 13. &c.

Or, Strengthned: whom I will powerfully assist, teaching his Hands to War, as the Phrase is, Psal. 18. 34. supporting and directing his right Hand to strike home.

The Babylonians, and those other Nations which were Confederate with them, and fought for them, as may be gathered from Ier. 51. 9.

I will weaken them, for a Mans strength consists much in his Loyns, and receiveth some advantage by the girding of his Loyns: Or, I will take away their Girdle, which was about their Loyns; to wit, their Power and Authority, whereof that was an Ensign, of which, see on Iob. 12. 18. Isa. 22. 21.

The great and magnificent Gates of their Cities and Palaces, which shall be opened to him as Conqueror.

Marginal references: Or, strengthened.; Dan. 5. 6.