Isaiah 45:19

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth - not like the pagan oracles which gave their responses from dark caverns, with studied obscurity (). Christ plainly quotes these words, thereby identifying Himself with Yahweh, , "In secret have I said nothing."

I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain - When I commanded you to seek me (Yahweh did so, , "Ask me," etc.), it was not in order that ye might be sent empty away (). Especially in Israel's time of trial, God's interposition, in behalf of Zion hereafter, is expressly stated as about to be the answer to prayer (Isaiah 62:6; Psalms 102:13; ). So in the case of all believers, the spiritual Israel.

I the Lord speak righteousness - what is veracious: not in the equivocal terms of pagan responses, fitly symbolized by the 'dark places' from which they were uttered.

I declare things that are right - true (note, ).