Isaiah 41:2

The righteous man. That is, Cyrus (see on chs. 44:28; 45:1), king of Persia, who destroyed the Babylonian Empire and liberated the Jews (2 Chron. 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:1-4; 5:13-15; 6:3-5). Cyrus was raised up by God “in righteousness,” to build His city and to set His captives free (Isa. 45:13). Cyrus was a type of Christ, who was also called “in righteousness” (ch. 42:6) and whose task it was “to proclaim liberty to the captives” (ch. 61:1, 2). As Cyrus brought judgment upon ancient Babylon, so Christ will bring judgment upon modern spiritual Babylon (Rev. 16:19; 17:1, 5; 18:2, 21). Cyrus was highly honored in ancient times as a man of integrity and courage, and unique among ancient Oriental conquerors for his high personal character and the justice and wisdom of his decrees. It was God who raised up His servant Cyrus and subdued the nations of earth before him (see Isa. 44:28; 45:1-5; see on ch. 41:4, 8).

The first half of ch. 41:2 reads literally, “Who caused to rise up [one] from the east, righteousness [or victory, or vindication] will meet him at his foot.” Isaiah here describes the victorious advance of Cyrus, with one after another of his enemies bowing in submission before him.