Isaiah 54:7

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

For a small {H6996} moment {H7281} have I forsaken {H5800} thee; but with great {H1419} mercies {H7356} will I gather {H6908} thee.

"Briefly I abandoned you, but with great compassion I am taking you back.

“For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will bring you back.

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

Commentary

Isaiah 54:7 offers a profound message of hope and divine faithfulness, assuring God's people that any period of His apparent absence or judgment is temporary, paving the way for abundant restoration.

Context of Isaiah 54:7

This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section of the prophet Isaiah's writings primarily addressing the exiled Israelites in Babylon. Chapter 54 specifically speaks to Zion (symbolizing Israel) as a barren woman who will become fruitful, promising a glorious future after a period of desolation and perceived abandonment. The "small moment" refers to the relatively brief but painful period of the Babylonian captivity and the associated divine judgment for Israel's sins, while "gathering" points to their promised return and restoration.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness and Mercy: The verse powerfully contrasts God's temporary "forsaking" with His eternal commitment and "great mercies." It underscores that God's judgment, though real, is always limited in duration and severity, overshadowed by His boundless compassion.
  • Temporary Judgment vs. Lasting Grace: It highlights the brevity of divine wrath in comparison to the everlasting nature of God's love and kindness. This theme is further emphasized in Isaiah 54:8, which echoes this sentiment.
  • Hope and Restoration: For a people experiencing the hardship of exile, this verse was a beacon of hope, promising not just an end to their suffering but a glorious and compassionate re-gathering by God Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "small moment" translates from the Hebrew qetsef, which can mean "wrath" or "indignation." The emphasis here is on the briefness of this period of divine displeasure. In contrast, "great mercies" comes from the Hebrew rachamim gedolim. The word rachamim (mercies) is deeply significant, deriving from the root for "womb," conveying a profound, tender, and compassionate love, akin to a mother's affection for her child. This emphasizes the depth and tenderness of God's promised restoration.

Practical Application

Isaiah 54:7 offers immense comfort for believers facing periods of difficulty, trial, or spiritual barrenness. It reminds us that:

  • God's Presence in Trials: Even when God feels distant or when circumstances are dire, His withdrawal is never permanent. His love and covenant promises endure beyond any temporary hardship.
  • Hope Beyond Despair: This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate suffering to the certainty of God's future grace and restoration. Just as Israel was gathered from exile, so too does God promise to restore and comfort His people (Lamentations 3:31-32).
  • Understanding God's Character: It reveals a God who, though just in His judgments, is ultimately defined by His overwhelming compassion and desire to redeem and gather His beloved.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 30:5

    For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

  • Micah 4:6

    In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;

  • 2 Peter 3:8

    ¶ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

  • Isaiah 26:20

    ¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

  • Isaiah 60:4

    Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side.

  • Deuteronomy 30:3

    That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

  • Isaiah 66:18

    For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.