Isaiah 54:8

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Isaiah 54:8 (KJV) offers a profound declaration of God's enduring compassion and faithfulness, contrasting a brief period of divine displeasure with an eternal promise of mercy and restoration.

Context

This verse is part of Isaiah Chapter 54, a chapter of comfort and hope addressed to Jerusalem, personified as a barren woman who is promised numerous children and a glorious future. Following the intense prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, chapter 54 shifts to the glorious results of the Servant's work—the restoration and expansion of God's covenant people. The "little wrath" mentioned here refers to the temporary period of judgment, primarily the Babylonian exile, during which God seemed to have withdrawn His favor from His people due to their unfaithfulness. However, this period of discipline was always intended to be temporary, leading to a greater, everlasting display of God's love.

Key Themes

  • Temporary Discipline vs. Eternal Mercy: The verse powerfully illustrates God's character, showing that His anger is fleeting ("for a moment") while His mercy and kindness are eternal. This provides immense comfort to those undergoing trials or feeling distant from God.
  • God's Unchanging Kindness: Despite human failing, God's promise of "everlasting kindness" (Hebrew: chesed olam – covenant love, steadfast faithfulness) assures His people of His unwavering commitment. This echoes the concept of God's mercies being new every morning.
  • The LORD as Redeemer: Calling Himself "the LORD thy Redeemer" (Hebrew: Yahweh Go'el) emphasizes God's role as the Kinsman-Redeemer who delivers His people from bondage, restores their inheritance, and upholds His covenant promises. This title underscores His active involvement in their salvation and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hid my face" is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, signifying God's withdrawal of favor, protection, or presence, often associated with judgment or a period of perceived abandonment. The contrast with "everlasting kindness" is crucial. "Everlasting kindness" (chesed olam) highlights the eternal and covenantal nature of God's love and faithfulness, a love that is not merely emotional but rooted in His unchanging character and promises. The term "Redeemer" (Go'el) is a significant legal and familial term, referring to a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to redeem a relative from slavery, debt, or avenge their blood, underscoring God's personal and intimate commitment to His people's well-being.

Practical Application

Isaiah 54:8 offers profound hope and assurance for believers today. It reminds us that even during difficult times, when God's presence might feel distant or His discipline heavy, His ultimate intention is always rooted in His eternal love and mercy. Any period of "wrath" or correction is temporary and purposeful, designed to lead to greater restoration and intimacy with Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's unfailing compassion, knowing that His promises of kindness and redemption (Jeremiah 29:11) will always prevail over temporary hardship. It is a powerful reminder that God is always our faithful Redeemer, committed to bringing us into His everlasting kindness.

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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.