If Isaiah 45:7 claims God creates both light and darkness, does this contradict other passages suggesting evil originates solely from humanity or Satan?

1. Overview of the Passage and Context

Isaiah 45:7 states: “I form light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.” At first glance, it may appear to conflict with passages that attribute evil or sin to humanity (e.g., Genesis 6:5–6) or to Satan as “the father of lies” (John 8:44). This entry will examine the linguistic, thematic, and theological elements to clarify why Isaiah 45:7 does not contradict other scriptures on the origin of evil.

2. Historical and Linguistic Background

When Isaiah’s book was composed, the Hebrew word often translated “darkness” (חוֹשֶׁךְ, ḥôšek) can refer to literal absence of light or, metaphorically, to adversity or judgment. Likewise, the Hebrew term often rendered “calamity” or “disaster” (רָע, raʿ) carries the basic sense of “bad” or “adverse” and may at times be rendered “evil.” However, in many contexts, “raʿ” refers to calamity or adversity rather than moral evil.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, specifically the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa), confirm the consistency of the text in Isaiah, including this verse. Ancient translators (like those producing the Septuagint) typically chose words denoting “affliction” or “calamity” for this term, showing that they understood “raʿ” here as referring primarily to disaster or judgment—fitting God’s role as just Judge rather than author of sin.

3. Theological Significance of God’s Sovereignty

Multiple passages in Scripture affirm God’s ultimate sovereignty over creation (e.g., Psalm 103:19). Isaiah 45:7 underscores that God is in control of both the blessings and the hardships that befall nations and individuals. This does not mean God is the source of sin or moral evil; rather, God holds the power to permit or bring about events that may include discipline, judgment, or sudden calamity for His redemptive purposes.

• Examples in Scripture:

– Amos 3:6: “If a calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?” This highlights God’s permission and orchestration of events, commanding both blessing and discipline.

– 2 Chronicles 7:13–14: God threatens to send drought or plague, but also promises forgiveness and healing to those who repent, demonstrating His sovereignty in both judgment and restoration.

4. Distinction Between Calamity and Moral Evil

Several verses clarify that although God ordains or allows hardships to occur, moral evil arises from human rebellion and satanic influence:

1. James 1:13: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” This verse affirms that God does not instigate moral wrongdoing.

2. 1 John 1:5: “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” The “darkness” God creates (Isaiah 45:7) must be distinguished from moral darkness; the latter cannot be attributed to God’s nature.

3. John 8:44: Jesus exposes the devil as “a murderer from the beginning,” underscoring that Satan, not God, is the originator of lies and moral evil.

Hence, Isaiah 45:7 is not teaching that God authors sin. Rather, He creates and governs realms in which light and darkness (in the sense of peace and disaster) play out according to His will. Scripture consistently presents God as holy, while humanity and Satan are identified as sources of transgression in terms of moral wrongdoing.

5. Harmonizing Isaiah 45:7 with Other Passages

1. God’s Holiness Remains Untarnished: Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the holiness of God is paramount (Leviticus 11:44; Revelation 4:8). The Scripture never suggests God is tainted with evil. Instead, it shows He can use challenging circumstances, even actions of wicked rulers or nations, to accomplish His purposes (e.g., Habakkuk 1:5–7).

2. God’s Judgment vs. Human Guilt: Events leading to calamity or judgment—sometimes described as “the day of the LORD’s wrath” (Zephaniah 1:15)—are portrayed as the righteous consequence of human wickedness. Humanity’s disobedience prompts divine discipline, not an arbitrary creation of moral evil.

3. Scriptural Consistency on Satan’s Role: From Genesis 3 onward, the enemy is depicted as deceiver and tempter. While God remains sovereign, He neither endorses nor creates Satan’s rebellious nature; rather, the devil brought evil upon himself and tempts humanity into sin (Revelation 12:9).

6. Practical and Philosophical Implications

1. Assurance of Divine Control: Believers can find comfort in the idea that no aspect of existence, including calamity or adversity, lies outside God’s power to overrule for ultimate good.

2. Accountability for Sin: Individuals and spiritual entities like Satan are responsible for moral evil. God’s allowance does not absolve humanity or satanic forces of guilt; accountability and judgment stand firmly in place, demonstrated in passages like Romans 14:12: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

3. Encouragement in Trials: For those enduring hardship, Scripture frequently shows that trials and discipline serve redemptive ends (Hebrews 12:10–11). Even if God “creates” a season of darkness (understood as adversity), Romans 8:28 affirms that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

7. Consistent Witness of Manuscripts and Historical Records

Archaeological findings, including preserved manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, continue to show the textual integrity of Isaiah. These scrolls match the Masoretic Text in key doctrinal areas, evidencing the trustworthiness of Isaiah’s words. Early church writers cited Isaiah frequently (e.g., Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho 36–39), demonstrating confidence in its consistent message—not that God is the author of sin, but that He orchestrates history to fulfill His plans.

8. Conclusion of the Matter

Isaiah 45:7 does not contradict passages that show moral evil originates from humanity’s sinful choices and Satan’s rebellion. Rather, the verse emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty: He governs creation in such a way that blessing or calamity can serve His just and redemptive purposes.

Scripture consistently maintains God’s holiness, while attributing moral evil to sinful beings and spiritual forces in rebellion against Him. Isaiah 45:7 simply reminds readers that no dimension of existence—light or darkness, prosperity or adversity—lies outside the rule of the One “who works out everything by the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).