Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Cross-reference
In Isaiah 45:1, Cyrus is called God's anointed and his hand is grasped—the immediate context for this naming and commission.
Isaiah 41:8 also calls Jacob God's servant and chosen, reinforcing the identity of the people for whom Cyrus is called.
Isaiah 41:9 continues the theme of God choosing and calling Israel, emphasizing the special status that motivates God's actions in Isaiah 45:4.
Isaiah 43:14 declares God acts 'for your sake' against Babylon—same motive as calling Cyrus, linking to the historical context.
Isaiah 44:1 directly repeats 'Jacob my servant' and 'Israel whom I have chosen,' echoing the main verse's description.
In Isaiah 44:28, Cyrus is prophesied as God's shepherd who will fulfill His purpose for Jerusalem—the prediction that this verse names him.
Isaiah 43:3 shows God gave nations as ransom for Israel, illustrating the cost of their redemption—the same love that moves God to call Cyrus.
Isaiah 43:4 states Israel is precious and loved, for which God gives people—this love is the reason God calls Cyrus for Israel's sake.
In Romans 9:6, Paul redefines Israel—not all physical descendants are true Israel, contrasting the ethnic Israel addressed here.
Jeremiah 50:17-20 describes God's judgment on Babylon and restoration of Israel, providing the historical backdrop for Cyrus's role.
In Exodus 31:2, God similarly calls Bezalel by name for a specific task, paralleling His calling of Cyrus here.
In Acts 10:3, God calls Cornelius, a Gentile, by name in a vision—parallel to calling Cyrus despite ignorance.
In Romans 11:7, the elect obtained what Israel sought, showing a remnant within Israel, refining the concept of chosenness here.
Psalm 79:6 prays for wrath on nations that do not know God, contrasting with God using Cyrus who does not know Him.
Exodus 19:6 calls Israel a kingdom of priests and holy nation, the identity for which God acts in calling Cyrus.
Exodus 19:5 establishes Israel as God's treasured possession among all nations, the basis for why God calls Cyrus for their sake.
Matthew 24:22 says days are shortened 'for the elect's sake,' mirroring the same principle of God acting for His chosen people.
In Mark 13:20, the same phrase 'for the sake of the elect' echoes God's motive here—shortening days to save His chosen.