NOTES for Isa 45:4

These words are addressed to the Persian king Cyrus, who, having conquered Babylon, released the Jewish captives to their native country; that’s how the Babylonian captivity ended. The only heathen in the Bible called "the anointed", Cyrus fulfilled God's will, without knowing God. But God knew him, and knew "by name", that is all his secret essence. Because the heathen Cyrus is a beloved creature of God, quite as every person is. And here is God's relation towards man who does not know Him: " I have surnamed thee".

God knows us... His Power spreads in our life, without violating our freedom, but also letting nobody out of His salvific right hand. Amazing mercy, of which only the Father is capable.

God respects us... Not only the believers knowing Him, but also the unbelievers.