Isaiah 54:8

KJV

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

KJV (with Strong's)

In a little {H8241} wrath {H7110} I hid {H5641} my face {H6440} from thee for a moment {H7281}; but with everlasting {H5769} kindness {H2617} will I have mercy {H7355} on thee, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} thy Redeemer {H1350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I was angry for a moment and hid my face from you; but with everlasting grace I will have compassion on you," says ADONAI your Redeemer.

Berean Standard Bible

In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer.

American Standard Version

In overflowing wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting lovingkindness will I have mercy on thee, saith Jehovah thy Redeemer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 54:8 delivers a profound message of divine comfort and unwavering covenant faithfulness, assuring God's people that any period of His apparent withdrawal or disciplinary judgment is fleeting, a mere "moment" of "little wrath," which is overwhelmingly eclipsed by His enduring, "everlasting kindness" and boundless mercy, affirmed by the LORD Himself as their faithful Redeemer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Isaiah 54, a chapter of immense hope and restoration following the profound prophecy of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Chapter 54 addresses Jerusalem, personified as a barren and desolate woman, promising her a glorious future of abundant children, expansive dwelling, and unshakable security. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 54:7](/isaiah/54-7 "Isaiah 54:7 - Brief Abandonment, Great Compassion")) introduce the theme of a brief period of divine abandonment contrasted with a return of great compassion, setting the immediate stage for the explicit declaration of temporary wrath versus everlasting kindness in verse 8. This entire chapter serves as a theological bridge, demonstrating the glorious outcomes of the Servant's atoning work—the restoration and expansion of God's covenant people, Israel, after a period of judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical context for Isaiah 54 is the Babylonian exile, a period when the people of Judah experienced the profound consequences of their unfaithfulness, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and their forced removal from the land. During this time, it would have felt as though God had "hid His face" from them, withdrawing His protection and favor. The concept of "wrath" (Hebrew: *qetseph*) would have been deeply felt through the experience of national humiliation and suffering. However, the prophetic message of Isaiah, particularly in chapters 40-66 (often referred to as Second Isaiah), is delivered to a people in exile, offering a message of hope, restoration, and renewed covenant relationship, promising a return to the land and a glorious future that transcends their present suffering. The cultural understanding of a "redeemer" (*go'el*) was deeply rooted in Israelite family law, signifying a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to restore a relative's lost property, redeem them from slavery, or avenge their blood, making God's self-designation as "Redeemer" profoundly comforting.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 54:8 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between divine discipline and enduring mercy**, asserting that God's anger is temporary and purposeful, while His love and compassion are eternal and foundational to His character. This echoes the truth found in [Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night, but Joy Comes in the Morning") that "His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for life." Secondly, the verse underscores God's **unwavering covenant faithfulness** (*hesed*), emphasizing that His "everlasting kindness" is not merely an emotion but a steadfast commitment rooted in His covenant promises, a theme central to the Old Testament understanding of God's relationship with Israel (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")). Finally, the title "the LORD thy Redeemer" (Yahweh Go'el) emphasizes God's active and personal role as the **Kinsman-Redeemer**, who intervenes to deliver His people from bondage, restore their inheritance, and uphold His promises, demonstrating His intimate involvement in their salvation and restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrath (Hebrew, _qetseph'_):** From the root meaning "to chip off" or "splinter," this word metaphorically refers to an outburst of anger or indignation. In Isaiah 54:8, it denotes a temporary, limited expression of divine displeasure, akin to a brief, intense burst rather than an enduring state of fury. The preceding word "little" (Hebrew, *shetseph*) further emphasizes its brevity and limited scope, contrasting sharply with the boundless nature of God's kindness.
* **kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is a profound theological term, often translated as "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," or "mercy." It describes God's faithful, loyal, and benevolent love, particularly within the context of His covenant relationship. It is not merely an emotion but an active commitment that endures despite human failings. When paired with "everlasting" (*ʻôwlâm*), it signifies an eternal, unchanging, and boundless demonstration of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This term carries significant legal and familial weight in ancient Israel. The *go'el* was the nearest kinsman who had the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a distressed relative—to buy back property, redeem a person from slavery, or avenge a wrongful death. When God is called "the LORD thy Redeemer," it emphasizes His active, personal, and covenantal commitment to deliver His people from bondage (e.g., exile, sin), restore their inheritance, and protect their well-being, acting as their ultimate Kinsman.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment;":** This clause describes a period of divine discipline or perceived abandonment. The "little wrath" (Hebrew: *shetseph qetseph*) indicates that God's anger is neither absolute nor prolonged. The idiom "hid my face" (Hebrew: *çâthar pânîym*) signifies a withdrawal of God's favor, protection, or manifest presence, which for Israel often meant experiencing judgment or exile. The phrase "for a moment" (Hebrew: *regaʻ*) further underscores the brevity and temporary nature of this disciplinary phase, emphasizing that it is not God's ultimate or enduring disposition towards His people.
* **"but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.":** This clause presents a powerful contrast and the ultimate divine promise. The conjunction "but" signals a dramatic shift from temporary wrath to eternal grace. "Everlasting kindness" (Hebrew: *ʻôwlâm chêçêd*) highlights the eternal, unchanging, and covenantal nature of God's loyal love. The declaration "will I have mercy on thee" (Hebrew: *râcham*) emphasizes God's deep compassion and tender affection, akin to a parent's love for a child. The concluding affirmation, "saith the LORD thy Redeemer" (Hebrew: *Yᵉhôvâh gâʼal*), serves as a divine guarantee. It is the self-existent, eternal God who makes this promise, and He does so in His capacity as the Kinsman-Redeemer, assuring His people that He is personally committed to their deliverance, restoration, and ultimate well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 54:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of hope and divine faithfulness. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the "little wrath" and "momentary" hiding of God's face against "everlasting kindness" and enduring mercy. This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the fleeting nature of divine discipline versus the eternal nature of God's love. **Anthropomorphism** is also present in the phrase "I hid my face," attributing human-like actions and expressions to God to convey His withdrawal of favor in a relatable way. Furthermore, the chapter employs **Personification**, addressing Jerusalem as a barren woman, which extends to the people of Israel as the recipient of God's wrath and subsequent mercy. The use of the title "the LORD thy Redeemer" functions as a powerful **Title/Epithet**, encapsulating God's covenant role and character, assuring the audience of His active and personal commitment to their restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 54:8 stands as a cornerstone for understanding God's character, revealing a divine tension between justice and mercy, where mercy ultimately triumphs and endures eternally. It teaches that while God, in His holiness, must address sin and unfaithfulness, His disciplinary actions are always limited in scope and duration, serving a redemptive purpose. His ultimate disposition towards His covenant people is one of boundless, "everlasting kindness" (*hesed*), a steadfast love that never fails. This verse underscores the profound truth that God's covenant promises are immutable, and His identity as "Redeemer" signifies His active commitment to restore, deliver, and bring His people into a state of flourishing, even after periods of severe judgment. It provides immense comfort, assuring believers that even in times of perceived divine absence or hardship, God's underlying intention is always rooted in His eternal compassion and faithfulness.

* [Psalm 103:8-11](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-11 - The Lord is Merciful")
* [Lamentations 3:31-32](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31-32 - God's Compassion Never Fails")
* [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - Everlasting Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 54:8 offers profound solace and a robust foundation for faith, particularly when life's trials make God's presence feel distant or His discipline heavy. It calls us to remember that any "wrath" or correction we experience from God is "little" and "for a moment," designed not to destroy but to refine and restore. This truth allows us to endure hardship with hope, knowing that behind every challenge lies God's "everlasting kindness" and His unwavering commitment to us as our Redeemer. It encourages us to trust in His character, which is defined by enduring love and mercy, rather than by fleeting displeasure. For those who feel abandoned or are wrestling with past failures, this verse is a powerful reminder that God's redemptive work is ongoing, His compassion is boundless, and His promises of restoration are eternal. We are invited to lean into His steadfast love, assured that His ultimate desire is to draw us into deeper intimacy and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced a "hiding of God's face" or a period of perceived divine discipline?**
* **How does the promise of "everlasting kindness" reframe your understanding of those difficult seasons?**
* **What practical steps can you take to lean into God's mercy and trust in His redemptive character, even when circumstances are challenging?**
* **How does knowing God as your "Redeemer" impact your sense of security and belonging in His covenant?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly get angry, and what does "little wrath" mean?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible clearly teaches that God expresses wrath (e.g., [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). However, His wrath is not like human anger; it is a righteous, holy indignation against sin and injustice. In Isaiah 54:8, "little wrath" (Hebrew: *shetseph qetseph*) signifies that God's anger, especially towards His covenant people, is limited in scope, duration, and intensity. It is a temporary, corrective measure, designed to bring about repentance and restoration, rather than a consuming, eternal fury. It is always overshadowed by His greater, everlasting kindness and mercy.

**How is God our "Redeemer," and what does that imply for us today?**

Answer: The title "Redeemer" (Hebrew: *Go'el*) in the Old Testament refers to a kinsman who had the legal and familial responsibility to restore a relative's lost freedom, property, or honor. When God calls Himself "the LORD thy Redeemer," it implies His personal, active, and covenantal commitment to deliver His people from all forms of bondage—whether from exile, sin, or spiritual death. For believers today, this means God is actively involved in our salvation and restoration. He has paid the ultimate price to redeem us from the slavery of sin and death through Christ, restoring our relationship with Him and securing our eternal inheritance. It assures us of His unwavering commitment to our well-being and ultimate salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 54:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "little wrath" endured by Israel, culminating in the Babylonian exile, foreshadows the far greater wrath against sin that was poured out upon the Suffering Servant, Jesus, on the cross. In His crucifixion, Christ bore the full weight of divine judgment, allowing God to "hide His face" from Him for a moment, so that God would never have to hide His face from us again. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, God's "everlasting kindness" and mercy are extended to all who believe. Jesus is the ultimate "Redeemer" (*Go'el*), the Kinsman who, being fully God and fully man, had the right and ability to buy us back from the slavery of sin and death (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). His work on the cross inaugurated the New Covenant, a covenant of "everlasting kindness" that is not subject to the fleeting wrath of temporary discipline but is secured by His eternal sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, the promise of mercy in Isaiah 54:8 is not merely a historical comfort to Israel but a glorious reality for all humanity, made possible through the Lamb of God, our eternal Redeemer.

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

Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ezekiel 39:23

¶ And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.

Ezekiel 39:24

According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Isaiah 60:10

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

Zechariah 1:15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.