By AC
Objection: According to Isaiah 45:7, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.” (KJV), it appears that God explicitly states He created evil. This can be interpreted as evidence that the God of the Bible is responsible for the existence of evil, thereby suggesting that He is inherently evil since He created it.
Response: The objection being raised is based on a misunderstanding of the verse and how the translators translate the word “rā”. Neither do some readers read the context. Let’s first examine how this word is translated in different Bible versions. By doing so, we can gain a broader understanding of the verse and address the common misconceptions surrounding it.
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To the Christians: “The Bible is a big book and a complex text, which can be challenging for modern readers to fully grasp. As a result, misunderstandings and objections are inevitable. When faced with someone approaching you with hostility and questioning biblical passages, it’s important to recognize that they may be resistant to understanding the true interpretation, regardless of the clarity or accuracy of your explanation. Such individuals might be influenced by hidden agendas or misguided beliefs, intent on sowing discord and division within the Christian community. Their confrontational approach, often rooted in false doctrines or liberal ideologies, can be a tool for causing unnecessary conflict and undermining the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Lord of ALL. Therefore, while it is essential to provide thoughtful and concise answers, it is equally important to discern when to engage and when to preserve the peace and unity of the Christian community.” – AC
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Different Translations
Here is the KJV translation that chooses to use the word evil. In a sense yes this is true that it could be translated this way if you understand the context. However, it has the opposite effect if you haven’t read the context of Isaiah. This is important because, when you take this verse out of its immediate context, you might assume it is discussing the creation of morality. However, it is definitely referring to someone as either good or evil. Leading up to or even after this verse.
- “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” – (KJV)
The word for evil is רַע (ra’), which simply means bad or evil. Here is the strong concordance from Bible hub and Blue Letter Bible.
Blue Letter Bible:
adjective
- bad, evil
- bad, disagreeable, malignant
- bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
- evil, displeasing
- bad (of its kind – land, water, etc)
- bad (of value)
- worse than, worst (comparison)
- sad, unhappy
- evil (hurtful)
- bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)
- bad, evil, wicked (ethically)
- in general, of persons, of thoughts
- deeds, actions
masculine noun
- evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
- evil, distress, adversity
- evil, injury, wrong
- evil (ethical)
feminine noun
- evil, misery, distress, injury
- evil, misery, distress
- evil, injury, wrong
- evil (ethical)
Some translations might translate the word differently, such as calamity, disaster and other words or phrases.
- “The One forming light and creating darkness, Producing peace and creating calamity; I am Yahweh who does all these.” – (LSB)
- “I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.’” – (NKJV)
- “I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.” – (ESV)
- “The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating disaster; I am the LORD who does all these.” – (NASB)
- “I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.” – (NLT)
- “I form light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster; I am the LORD, who does all these things.” – (CSB)
- “I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe, I am the LORD, who do all these things.” – (RSV)
- “I create both light and darkness; I bring both blessing and disaster. I, the LORD, do all these things.” – (GNT)
Examining how different translators render the Hebrew word רַע (ra’) in Isaiah 45:7 can provide valuable insight into its usage and meaning within the broader context of the passage. To fully understand this verse, we must start from the previous chapter and consider the surrounding verses. For this analysis, we will refer to the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) translation. This approach will help clarify the common misunderstandings associated with this verse.
- “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And all My good pleasure he will complete.’ And saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’” – Isaiah 44:28
This passage contains a remarkable prophecy about Cyrus the Persian King, who is mentioned by name. Isaiah’s ministry spanned approximately from 740 to 681 BCE. Meanwhile, Cyrus the Great was born around 600 to 576 BCE, as generally agreed upon by scholars based on historical and archaeological evidence. Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, issuing a decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). The time gap of about 140 to 180 years between Isaiah’s prophecy and Cyrus’s birth underscores the prophetic nature of Isaiah’s writings.
In Isaiah, God refers to Cyrus as His shepherd and the one who will accomplish His will and righteous judgment upon Babylon. This highlights Cyrus’s pivotal role in fulfilling divine purposes. Now, let’s continue reading into the next chapter for further understanding. (The Medes also conquered the Babylonians as well.)
References
- John Bright – “A History of Israel”
- James B. Pritchard – “The Ancient Near East”
- Donald J. Wiseman – “Chronicles of Chaldean Kings”
Context Break Down
- “Thus says Yahweh to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken hold of by his right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings, To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: 2 “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.
In this passage, we see a profound declaration by God, addressing Cyrus, the Persian king, as His anointed. This term, “anointed,” signifies that Cyrus is chosen and consecrated by God for a specific mission. It is highly significant because, traditionally, the term “anointed” (Hebrew: לִמְשִׁיחוֹ֮ lim·šî·ḥōw & root word מָשִׁיחַ, is mashiach) is reserved for priests, prophets, kings of Israel, and King Messiah indicating God’s special favor for Cyrus to complete God’s mission and empowerment.
- “3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, Yahweh, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. 4 For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor Though you have not known Me. 5 I am Yahweh, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, 6 That they may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am Yahweh, and there is no other,” – Isaiah 45:3-6 (LSB)
God will still be with Cyrus even if Cyrus does not know him like he should. God makes it known that he is the only God and there is no other like him and there never will be any other God besides him. He also says this in Isaiah 43:10-13. Everything is in his control and nothing evades his omnipotence.
- 7 The One forming light and creating darkness, Producing peace and creating calamity; I am Yahweh who does all these. 8 “Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it. 9 “Woe to the one who contends with his Maker— An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’ Or the thing you are making say, ‘He has no hands’? 10 Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ Or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor pains?’”
The term “calamity” (or “evil,” as some might interpret it) does not refer to moral or philosophical evil. Rather, Cyrus is depicted as both “light” and “darkness,” “peace” and “calamity,” indicating that he is being used for God’s purposes. On one hand, God uses Cyrus to bring justice to Babylon and to liberate His people, which is a positive outcome. On the other hand, Cyrus serves as a necessary force of calamity against Babylon to execute divine justice, even though he does not recognize YHWH (as stated in verse 4: “…Though you have not known Me”). Through His justice against Babylon, God will make Himself known to others, just as He did with Egypt (verse 6).
- 11 Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me about the things that are to come concerning My sons,
And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands. 12 It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. I stretched out the heavens with My hands, And I commanded all their host. 13 I have awakened him in righteousness, And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and will let My exiles go, Without any payment or reward,” says Yahweh of hosts.
We see Cyrus King of Persia fulfilling this prophecy (more specifically verse 13) in Ezra 1-2 (Specifically Ezra 1:1-2; 2;64-67).
- “12 Hear Me, O Jacob, even Israel [f]whom I called; I am He, I am the first, I am also the last. 13 Also, My hand founded the earth, And My right hand spread out the heavens; When I call to them, they stand together. 14 Assemble, all of you, and hear! Who among them has declared these things? Yahweh loves him; he will carry out His good pleasure on Babylon, And His arm will be against the Chaldeans.” – Isaiah 48:12-14 (LSB)
“…His good pleasure on Babylon, And His arm will be against the Chaldeans.” The pleasure is in reference to Cyrus back in Isaiah 44:28 where it says:
- “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And all My good pleasure he will complete.’ And saying of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘[a]Your foundation will be laid.’” – Isaiah 44:28 (LSB)
In Isaiah 48:12-14, God asserts His sovereignty and power as the Creator of the universe, emphasizing that He is the first and the last. He calls upon Jacob (Israel) to listen and understand His divine plan. The passage indicates that God has chosen someone to carry out His will against Babylon and the Chaldeans.
This individual is identified as Cyrus in Isaiah 44:28, where God refers to Cyrus as “My shepherd” who will fulfill His “good pleasure.” God’s pleasure in Cyrus signifies that Cyrus is an instrument through whom God will execute His divine purposes. Cyrus’s role includes the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the laying of the temple’s foundation, fulfilling God’s promises to His people.
By referring to Cyrus as His shepherd, God shows that He is using Cyrus to guide and protect His people, ultimately bringing about His will. In this context, God’s pleasure is not about emotions but rather about the fulfillment of His plans and the execution of His righteous judgment on Babylon, demonstrating His control over history and nations.
Conclusion
Isaiah 45:7, where God declares, “I create evil,” has often been misunderstood. The Hebrew word translated as “evil” can also mean “calamity” or “disaster.” In this context, it refers to God’s ability to bring about both peace and judgment to fulfill His divine purposes, not moral evil.
God used Cyrus, the Persian king, as an instrument of His will. Cyrus is described as God’s “shepherd” and “anointed,” chosen to liberate the Israelites from Babylonian captivity and facilitate the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This shows that God can use any person or event, even those that seem adverse, to achieve His righteous plans.
Ultimately, the passage underscores God’s sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate all events in history to reveal His power and fulfill His promises to His people. Understanding this helps to clear up misconceptions and highlights the depth and complexity of God’s interaction with the world.
