 | For this is what the LORD says- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other. |
 | For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. |
 | For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited, "I am the LORD, and there is none else." |
| Isaiah 45:18 |
Commentary
Previously in the chapter, God discloses His plan to use King Cyrus to reestablish the nation of Israel and rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Here, God declares that he is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and He did not create them in vain but for the benefit of humanity. Together, the two themes highlight that God intended the region promised to Abraham to be populated by the Jewish people, despite their current exile in Babylon. And, He will ensure that His intentions come to pass. Christians can also take comfort knowing that God created and redeemed us to participate in His plans of eternal significance on the earth. Therefore, if we surrender our lives to Him, He will ensure we accomplish those purposes.