Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Isaiah 45:19

Eastern Fathers

Cyril of Alexandria

"I speak righteousness and proclaim truth." Righteousness, as I take it, means the law, for the law is the arbitrator of righteousness. And truth is the discipline of Christ. For there is a form of truth in the law, and the mystery of Christ lies concealed in its shadows, for Moses wrote about this. So, in speaking of righteousness, truth and power are proclaimed along with it, since it is true that the law is a shadow—and yet in it there remains a form of the truth.

Commentary On Isaiah 4:3.45:18-19 ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

I did not speak in secret, in a dark place on the earth. I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I am the Lord, speaking truth, declaring what is right. LXX: I have not spoken in secret, nor in a dark place on the earth. I have not spoken in secret, in a place of a land of darkness: I have not said to the seed of Jacob: Seek me in vain. I am the Lord that speak justice, that declare right things. …

Commentary on Isaiah ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Third, from the manifestation of truth foretold: I have not spoken in secret, as if to say, the things that natural reason prescribes are to be done, or of the preaching of the Christian faith: I have spoken openly to the world (John 18:20); fourth, from the utility of his precepts: I have not said to the seed of Jacob: seek me in vain: in keeping them there is a great reward (Ps 19:11); fifth, from the equity of his precepts: I am the Lord that speak justice, below: I, that speak justice (Isa 63:1).

Commentary on Isaiah ↗