Isaiah 13:3

“I have commanded my sanctified ones, &c.] The Medes and Persians, so called, not because sanctified by the Spirit of God, or made holy persons, through the regenerating and renewing grace of God, or purified by the blood of Christ, and prepared for glory; but because they were set apart in the mind and counsel of God for a special work and service, and were qualified by him with courage and strength to perform it, and therefore said to be his; and this command that was given them was not by a voice from heaven, or in a message by one of his prophets; but by a secret instinct, and, by the power of his providence, stirring them up to engage in such an enterprisef243. I have also called my…”

“sanctified ones--the Median and Persian soldiers solemnly set apart by Me for the destruction of Babylon, not inwardly "sanctified," but designated to fulfil God's holy purpose (Jer 51:27-28; Joe 3:9, Joe 3:11; where the Hebrew for prepare war is "sanctify" war). for mine anger--to execute it. rejoice in my highness--"Those who are made to triumph for My honor" [HORSLEY]. The heathen Medes could not be said to "rejoice in God's highness" MAURER translates, "My haughtily exulting ones" (Zep 3:11); a special characteristic of the Persians [HERODOTUS,1.88]. They rejoiced in their own highness, but it was His that they were unconsciously glorifying.”

“I have commanded - This is the language of God in reference to those who were about to destroy Babylon. “He” claimed the control and direction of all their movements; and though the command was not understood by “them” as coming from him, yet it was by his direction, and in accordance with his plan (compare the notes at Isaiah 10:7; Isaiah 45:5-6). The “command” was not given by the prophets, or by an audible voice; but it was his secret purpose and direction that led them to this enterprise. My sanctified ones - The Medes and Persians; not called ‘sanctified because they were holy, but because they were set apart by the divine intention and purpose to accomplish this. The word ‘sanctify’…”

“Sanctified ones - The Medes and Persians, so called, because they were set apart by God, for this holy work of executing his just vengeance. Mighty ones - Those whom I have made mighty for this work. Highness - Or, as others render it, in my glory, in the doing of that work which tends to the advancement of my glory. Tho' the Medes had no regard to God, but only to their own ends. Isaiah 13:4”

“commanded: Isa 23:11, Isa 44:27, Isa 44:28, Isa 45:4, Isa 45:5; Jer. 50:21-46 mighty ones: Jer 51:20-24; Joe 3:11; Rev 17:12-18 them that: Ezr 1:1-11, 6:1-22, Ezr 7:12-26; Psa 149:2, Psa 149:5-9; Rev 18:4-8, Rev 18:20-24, Rev 19:1-7 Isaiah 13:4”

“"I have summoned my sanctified ones, also called my heroes to my wrath, my proudly rejoicing ones." "To my wrath" is to be explained in accordance with Isa 10:5. To execute His wrath He had summoned His "sanctified ones" (mekuddâshim), i.e., according to Jer 22:7 (compare Jer 51:27-28), those who had already been solemnly consecrated by Him to go into the battle, and had called the heroes whom He had taken into His service, and who were His instruments in this respect, that they rejoiced with the pride of men intoxicated with victory (vid., Zep 1:7, cf., Isa 3:11). עליז is a word peculiarly Isaiah's; and the combination גאוה עליזי is so unusual, that we could hardly expect to find it…”