The Meaning of Isaiah 45:15 Explained

Isaiah 45:15

KJV: Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

YLT: Surely Thou art a God hiding Thyself, God of Israel -- Saviour!

Darby: Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. ...

ASV: Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Verily  thou [art] a God  that hidest  thyself, O God  of Israel,  the Saviour. 

What does Isaiah 45:15 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The nations that will come to God, or perhaps Isaiah himself or Israel, observed that God hides His acts of salvation so they are not obviously apparent. They become clear to those who carefully observe what He has done, and whom God enlightens, but they do not inevitably impress every single individual. One might say the same thing about Jesus" claims. They could have been clearer, but to those who really considered them, and whose eyes God opened, they were clear. This is essentially a testimony to God"s transcendence (cf. Romans 11:33).

Context Summary

Isaiah 45:14-25 - A Call To The Ends Of The Earth
As the prophet reviews God's method of delivering His people-so unexpected and so wonderful-he cannot restrain the ejaculation: Thou art a God that hidest thyself! "Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill, He treasures up His bright designs and works His sovereign will." You do not see how God is going to save you; but most certainly His Angel will redeem you from all evil.
God contrasts Himself with idols, Isaiah 45:20. We can never seek His face in vain. They that trust in man or their own devices are doomed to disappointment; but faith and prayer make all the difference. He is "a just God and a Savior." This is the wonderful combination that the Cross reveals. See Romans 3:26; 1 John 1:9. Look to Him and be saved. Even if you dwell in a far land or at the ends of the earth, and even if you can only look toward Him with failing sight, remember that "there is life in a look." Dare to say, "In the Lord have I righteousness and strength." You have none of your own! Your strength is weakness! Your righteousness is full of flaws! Look to Him; boast in Him; and men shall come to you for your secret. [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 45

1  God calls Cyrus for his church's sake
5  By his omnipotence he challenges obedience
20  He convinces the idols of vanity by his saving power

What do the individual words in Isaiah 45:15 mean?

Truly You [are] God who hide Yourself God of Israel the Savior
אָכֵ֕ן אַתָּ֖ה אֵ֣ל מִסְתַּתֵּ֑ר אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מוֹשִֽׁיעַ

אָכֵ֕ן  Truly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: אָכֵן 
Sense: surely, truly, indeed.
אַתָּ֖ה  You  [are] 
Parse: Pronoun, second person masculine singular
Root: אַתְּ 
Sense: you (second pers.
אֵ֣ל  God 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: אֵל 
Sense: god, god-like one, mighty one.
מִסְתַּתֵּ֑ר  who  hide  Yourself 
Parse: Verb, Hitpael, Participle, masculine singular
Root: סָתַר  
Sense: to hide, conceal.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י  God 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural construct
Root: אֱלֹהִים  
Sense: (plural).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל  of  Israel 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יִשְׂרָאֵל  
Sense: the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel.
מוֹשִֽׁיעַ  the  Savior 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Participle, masculine singular
Root: יָשַׁע 
Sense: to save, be saved, be delivered.