Who — Was it not my work alone? Raised — Into being and power, stirring up his spirit, and strengthening him to the work. The man — Cyrus. The east — Persia was directly eastward, both from Judea and from Babylon. He was raised up by God in an eminent manner. And although these things were yet to come; yet the prophet speaks of them as if they were already past. And by this instance he pleads his cause against the Gentiles; because this was an evident proof of God's almighty power, and of the vanity of idols, which eminently appeared in the destruction of the Babylonians, who were a people mad upon their idols. Called him — To march after him, and under God's banner against Babylon.
Related Commentaries of Isaiah 41:2
Isaiah 41:2
2 Who raised up the righteousa man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.