To his anointed, to Cyrus. The thought of ch. 44 continues without a break (see ch. 44:28). The title “anointed,” Heb. mashiach (Messiah), was applied by the Hebrews to both the high priest (Ex. 30:30) and the king (1 Sam. 24:6). See on Ps. 2:2. Christ (Gr. Christos, “anointed”) was anointed by the Holy Ghost for His work in behalf of fallen man (Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; see on Matt. 1:1). Ancient writers speak of Cyrus as a man of singular nobility and uprightness of character.
The gates. The Greek historian Herodotus relates that on the night of Cyrus’ capture of Babylon the city gates along the Euphrates were not closed. A festival was in progress, and people were to be permitted to cross the river at will.