Isaiah 49:8

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, In an acceptable {H7522} time {H6256} have I heard {H6030} thee, and in a day {H3117} of salvation {H3444} have I helped {H5826} thee: and I will preserve {H5341} thee, and give {H5414} thee for a covenant {H1285} of the people {H5971}, to establish {H6965} the earth {H776}, to cause to inherit {H5157} the desolate {H8074} heritages {H5159};

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "At the time when I choose, I will answer you; on the day of salvation, I will help you. I have preserved you, and I have appointed you to be the covenant for a people, to restore the land and distribute again its ruined inheritances to their owners,

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances,

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, In an acceptable time have I answered thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:8 is a profound prophetic declaration within the "Servant Songs," where the LORD God affirms His divine appointment and unwavering support for His chosen Servant. It proclaims a divinely ordained "acceptable time" and "day of salvation" in which the Servant is heard, helped, and preserved. Crucially, the Servant is designated as a "covenant of the people," tasked with establishing the earth and restoring desolate inheritances, signaling a comprehensive, global work of redemption and renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the second of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 49:1-13), a distinct literary unit that explores the identity, mission, and suffering of God's chosen Servant. Following the initial call and commissioning of the Servant in [Isaiah 49:1-7](/isaiah/49-1 "Isaiah 49:1-7 - The Servant's Call"), where the Servant expresses a sense of futility ("I have labored in vain"), [Isaiah 49:8](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8 - The LORD's Promise to the Servant") marks a pivotal divine response. The LORD reassures the Servant of His unwavering support and the ultimate success of the mission, expanding its scope beyond merely restoring Israel to being a "light to the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - The Servant as a Light to the Nations")). This promise of help and preservation sets the stage for the Servant's broader redemptive work, which includes gathering the dispersed, reclaiming the land, and bringing comfort to Zion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, addresses the Jewish people during their Babylonian exile or in the immediate post-exilic period. They were a people dispossessed, their land desolate, their temple destroyed, and their national identity threatened. In this context of despair and longing for restoration, the concept of a divinely appointed Servant who would bring deliverance and renewal was immensely significant. The "desolate heritages" mentioned in [Isaiah 49:8](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8 - The LORD's Promise to the Servant") would have resonated deeply with their experience of a ravaged homeland and lost inheritance. The promise of a "covenant of the people" speaks to God's enduring faithfulness to His promises, even when His people had failed to uphold their end of the Mosaic covenant, offering a new basis for relationship and restoration.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 49:8](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8 - The LORD's Promise to the Servant") powerfully articulates several key themes central to Isaiah's prophecy. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan unfolds according to His perfect schedule ("in an acceptable time," "in a day of salvation"). Second, it highlights **God's Unfailing Help and Preservation** for His chosen instrument, assuring the Servant of divine enablement and protection amidst the daunting task. Third, and most profoundly, it introduces the theme of the **Servant as a New Covenant**. This goes beyond merely mediating a covenant; the Servant *is* the embodiment of God's new relationship with humanity, fulfilling the promises of the Old Covenant and establishing a broader, more inclusive one, as anticipated in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Universal Restoration and Inheritance**, indicating that the Servant's work extends beyond Israel to "establish the earth" and reclaim "desolate heritages," pointing to a comprehensive renewal that includes all nations and creation itself, a theme echoed in [Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation's Groaning for Redemption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **acceptable (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** From H7522, meaning "delight, favor, good pleasure, will." This word signifies a time marked by divine grace and approval, a season when God is especially inclined to act favorably and fulfill His purposes. It is not merely a suitable time, but one chosen by God's own benevolent will.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H3444, meaning "deliverance, help, victory, prosperity." This term encompasses a holistic sense of rescue and well-being. The "day of salvation" is a period characterized by God's manifest power to deliver from bondage, bring aid, and secure lasting victory for His people.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, league." This word denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by God, establishing a relationship with specific terms and promises. The Servant being given "for a covenant" implies that the Servant himself embodies and mediates this divine compact, becoming the means by which God's promises are enacted and His relationship with humanity is restored.
* **inherit (Hebrew, _nâchal'_):** From H5157, meaning "to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate." This verb, paired with "desolate heritages," speaks to the act of receiving or bestowing a rightful possession. It implies a reversal of loss and dispossession, leading to the re-establishment of rightful ownership and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase is a prophetic formula, emphasizing that the subsequent declaration comes with the full authority and truth of YHWH, the self-existent and eternal God (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). It underscores the divine origin and certainty of the message.
* **"In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee:"**: Here, the LORD addresses the Servant directly, affirming His attentiveness and active support. The phrases "acceptable time" (H6256, _ʻêth_ H7522, _râtsôwn_) and "day of salvation" (H3117, _yôwm_ H3444, _yᵉshûwʻâh_) signify a divinely appointed season of favor and deliverance, chosen by God for the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes. God has not only heard the Servant's plea or mission but has also actively intervened to provide aid (H5826, _ʻâzar_).
* **"and I will preserve thee,"**: This clause promises divine protection and guardianship (H5341, _nâtsar_) for the Servant. Despite the challenges and opposition the Servant may face, God pledges to keep him safe and intact for the successful completion of his mission.
* **"and give thee for a covenant of the people,"**: This is a pivotal declaration. The Servant is not merely a messenger of a covenant, but *is* the covenant (H1285, _bᵉrîyth_) for "the people" (H5971, _ʻam_). This suggests that through the Servant, God establishes a new, living relationship with humanity, fulfilling and superseding previous covenants. The Servant embodies the terms and promises of this divine compact.
* **"to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;"**: These final clauses delineate the comprehensive scope of the Servant's mission. "To establish the earth" (H6965, _qûwm_ H776, _ʼerets_) implies bringing order, justice, and stability to the entire world, not just Israel. "To cause to inherit the desolate heritages" (H5157, _nâchal_ H8074, _shâmêm_ H5159, _nachălâh_) refers to the restoration of what was lost or laid waste—both physically (the land of Israel) and spiritually (the spiritual inheritance of God's people, including the Gentiles). This speaks to a profound reversal of ruin and a comprehensive renewal.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:8 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, signaled by the introductory phrase "Thus saith the LORD," which lends absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement. This establishes the divine origin of the message and its infallible nature. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrasing "In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee," where "acceptable time" and "day of salvation" are synonymous, as are "heard" and "helped," emphasizing the synchronicity of God's favor and active intervention. The phrase "give thee for a covenant of the people" uses **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**, presenting the Servant not just as a mediator but as the very embodiment of the covenant itself, a living testament to God's promises. This elevates the Servant's role beyond that of a prophet to a foundational figure in God's redemptive plan. The imagery of "desolate heritages" evokes **Pathos** and paints a vivid picture of ruin and loss, which is then contrasted with the promise of restoration, creating a sense of hope and anticipation for the comprehensive renewal that the Servant will bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 49:8 stands as a pivotal declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, specifically through His chosen Servant. The theological weight of this verse lies in its emphasis on divine initiative and timing, asserting that God's saving work unfolds not according to human timelines or efforts, but at His perfectly appointed "acceptable time" and "day of salvation." This highlights God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His promises. Furthermore, the concept of the Servant being given "for a covenant of the people" is profoundly significant. It moves beyond the idea of a covenant merely *made* with people to one that is *embodied* in an individual, signifying a new and living way for humanity to enter into relationship with God. This covenant is not limited to Israel but extends to "the people," encompassing all nations, foreshadowing a universal scope of salvation and restoration. The promise to "establish the earth" and "cause to inherit the desolate heritages" points to a comprehensive renewal that addresses not only spiritual desolation but also the brokenness of creation itself, ultimately leading to a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.

* [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:8 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to action for believers today. It assures us that God operates on His perfect timeline, and His "acceptable time" for our salvation has indeed arrived through Jesus Christ. We are living in the "day of salvation," a season of unparalleled divine favor and opportunity to experience God's help and preservation. This truth should inspire deep trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak or His plans unfold slowly. It reminds us that our hope is not in human efforts but in God's unfailing commitment to His Servant and His redemptive purposes. Furthermore, recognizing the universal scope of the Servant's mission—to establish the earth and restore desolate heritages—challenges us to participate in God's ongoing work of bringing healing, justice, and spiritual inheritance to a broken world. As followers of the Servant, we are called to embody His mission, extending grace, hope, and the good news of salvation to those who are spiritually desolate, reflecting God's comprehensive plan for renewal in our own lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "acceptable time" and "day of salvation" impact your patience and trust in His timing for your personal circumstances or for global events?**
* **In what ways can you, as a follower of the Servant, participate in "establishing the earth" and helping others "inherit desolate heritages" in your sphere of influence?**
* **Considering the Servant is given "for a covenant of the people," how does this deepen your understanding of your relationship with God and your role in His redemptive plan for all humanity?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "acceptable time" and "day of salvation" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "acceptable time" (Hebrew: *'et ratson*) and "day of salvation" (Hebrew: *yom yeshu'ah*) refer to a divinely appointed period marked by God's special favor, grace, and active intervention for deliverance. It's not a time chosen by human will but ordained by God's sovereign pleasure. For the original audience, it pointed to a future moment of restoration and help for the Servant and, through him, for Israel. In the New Testament, as quoted in [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation"), this verse is applied to the present age of the gospel, signifying that the time for salvation through Jesus Christ has arrived and is available to all who believe.

**How can the Servant be "a covenant of the people"? Does this replace the Mosaic Covenant?**

Answer: The phrase "give thee for a covenant of the people" is highly significant. It means the Servant himself embodies and mediates God's new relationship with humanity. Rather than merely delivering a set of laws or terms, the Servant *is* the living means by which God's promises are fulfilled and a new, intimate relationship is established. This concept anticipates the New Covenant prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It doesn't replace the Mosaic Covenant in a destructive way, but rather fulfills and transcends it, establishing a more profound, internal, and universal covenant relationship, accessible to both Jews and Gentiles.

**What does it mean to "establish the earth" and "cause to inherit the desolate heritages"?**

Answer: These phrases describe the comprehensive scope of the Servant's redemptive work. "To establish the earth" implies bringing order, stability, justice, and righteousness to the entire world, not just a specific nation or land. It speaks to a cosmic restoration, a renewal of creation itself. "To cause to inherit the desolate heritages" refers to the reversal of all that has been lost, ruined, or laid waste. This includes the physical land of Israel that was desolate during the exile, but also, more broadly, the spiritual inheritance lost through sin and rebellion. It signifies bringing people back into their rightful possession and flourishing, offering hope for those who are dispossessed, marginalized, or spiritually barren, and pointing towards the ultimate restoration of all things in God's kingdom, as described in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, God's perfect Servant. The "acceptable time" and "day of salvation" spoken of by Isaiah are precisely the era inaugurated by Christ's first coming, as affirmed by the Apostle Paul in [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation"), where he directly quotes this verse to underscore the present availability of God's saving grace through the gospel. Jesus, the one whom the Father always heard and helped, was preserved through His earthly ministry, even through the cross, to accomplish His redemptive mission. Most significantly, Jesus is not merely a mediator of a covenant, but He *is* the "covenant of the people," the living embodiment of God's new and eternal covenant. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He established this New Covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")), making reconciliation with God possible for all humanity, both Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). His work extends beyond spiritual salvation to "establish the earth," initiating the renewal of all creation and bringing about the ultimate restoration of "desolate heritages," as He reclaims what was lost to sin and prepares for the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Isaiah 49:8 beautifully encapsulates the comprehensive, global, and eternally significant work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

Isaiah 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Psalms 69:13

¶ But as for me, my prayer [is] unto thee, O LORD, [in] an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

Isaiah 61:4

¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;