
Text -- Isaiah 54:1-10 (NET)




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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: Isa 54:1 - -- The prophet having largely discoursed of the sufferings of Christ, and of the blessed fruits thereof, and here foreseeing that glorious state of the c...
The prophet having largely discoursed of the sufferings of Christ, and of the blessed fruits thereof, and here foreseeing that glorious state of the church, he breaks forth into this song of triumph. And as the foregoing chapter literally speaks of Christ, so doth this of the church of Christ. This church, consisting at first of the Jews, and afterwards of the Gentiles, had been barren, 'till the coming of Christ.

Wesley: Isa 54:1 - -- The church of the Gentiles, which in the times of the Old Testament was desolate, does now bring forth to God a more numerous posterity than that of t...
The church of the Gentiles, which in the times of the Old Testament was desolate, does now bring forth to God a more numerous posterity than that of the Jews.

Wesley: Isa 54:2 - -- That it may be capable of the Gentiles, who shall flock to thee in great numbers.
That it may be capable of the Gentiles, who shall flock to thee in great numbers.

Wesley: Isa 54:2 - -- That they may be able to support that great weight which the tents thus enlarged, shall be upon them.
That they may be able to support that great weight which the tents thus enlarged, shall be upon them.

Wesley: Isa 54:3 - -- Thou shalt bring forth a multitude of children; for this word is commonly used of any extraordinary propagation of living creatures.
Thou shalt bring forth a multitude of children; for this word is commonly used of any extraordinary propagation of living creatures.

On every side, in all the parts of the world.

Wesley: Isa 54:3 - -- Thy spiritual seed, the church of the New Testament, which is accounted Abraham's seed, or children.
Thy spiritual seed, the church of the New Testament, which is accounted Abraham's seed, or children.

Wesley: Isa 54:4 - -- For the barrenness and widowhood, which once was the matter of thy grief and shame.
For the barrenness and widowhood, which once was the matter of thy grief and shame.

Thou shalt not be upbraided with thy former barrenness in thy youthful state.

Wesley: Isa 54:5 - -- Who hath the sovereign command of all men and creatures, and therefore can subdue the Gentiles to thee, and can make thee to increase and multiply in ...
Who hath the sovereign command of all men and creatures, and therefore can subdue the Gentiles to thee, and can make thee to increase and multiply in so prodigious a measure, even in thine old age, notwithstanding thy barrenness in the days of thy youth, of which he speaks in the foregoing verse.

Wesley: Isa 54:5 - -- The God and father of all nations, whereas formerly he was called only the God of Israel.
The God and father of all nations, whereas formerly he was called only the God of Israel.

Wesley: Isa 54:6 - -- As affectionately as an husband recalls his wife which he married in his youth.
As affectionately as an husband recalls his wife which he married in his youth.

In comparison of God's everlasting kindness.

From all the places where thou art dispersed, from all parts of the world.

With kindness to thee and thy seed through all succeeding generations.

Wesley: Isa 54:9 - -- This covenant of grace and peace made with thee shall be as certain and perpetual as that which I made with Noah, that there should never be another f...
This covenant of grace and peace made with thee shall be as certain and perpetual as that which I made with Noah, that there should never be another flood to drown the world.

Wesley: Isa 54:10 - -- Shall sooner depart from their places than any kindness shall depart from thee.
Shall sooner depart from their places than any kindness shall depart from thee.

Wesley: Isa 54:10 - -- That covenant whereby I have made peace and friendship with thee, and have promised to thee all manner of happiness. God will not cast off his Christi...
That covenant whereby I have made peace and friendship with thee, and have promised to thee all manner of happiness. God will not cast off his Christian church, as he cast off the church of the Jews, the New covenant is established upon better and surer promises than the Old.

Wesley: Isa 54:10 - -- Who doth this not for thine own merits, but merely for his own grace and mercy.
Who doth this not for thine own merits, but merely for his own grace and mercy.

JFB: Isa 54:1 - -- The Jewish Church once forsaken by God, and therefore during that time destitute of spiritual children (Isa 54:6).
The Jewish Church once forsaken by God, and therefore during that time destitute of spiritual children (Isa 54:6).

JFB: Isa 54:1 - -- During the Babylonian exile primarily. Secondarily, and chiefly, during Israel's present dispersion.
During the Babylonian exile primarily. Secondarily, and chiefly, during Israel's present dispersion.

JFB: Isa 54:1 - -- The Gentiles adopted by special grace into the original Church (Isa 54:3; Isa 49:20-21).
The Gentiles adopted by special grace into the original Church (Isa 54:3; Isa 49:20-21).

JFB: Isa 54:1 - -- Than were her spiritual children, when Israel was still a married wife (under the law, before the Babylonian exile), before God put her away [MAURER]....
Than were her spiritual children, when Israel was still a married wife (under the law, before the Babylonian exile), before God put her away [MAURER]. So Paul contrasts the universal Church of the New Testament with the Church of the Old Testament legal dispensation, quoting this very passage (Gal 4:27). But the full accomplishment of it is yet future.

JFB: Isa 54:2 - -- (Isa 49:19-20; Jer 31:31-36, Jer 31:38-39). Thy children shall be so many that thy borders must be extended to contain them.
(Isa 49:19-20; Jer 31:31-36, Jer 31:38-39). Thy children shall be so many that thy borders must be extended to contain them.

The cloth forming the covering of the tent.

JFB: Isa 54:2 - -- The more the tent is enlarged by lengthening the cords by which the cloth covering is fastened to the ground, the more the stakes supporting the tent ...
The more the tent is enlarged by lengthening the cords by which the cloth covering is fastened to the ground, the more the stakes supporting the tent need to be strengthened; the Church is not merely to seek new converts, but to strengthen those she has in the faith. The image is appropriate, as the tabernacle was the symbol of the old Israelitish Church (see on Isa 33:20).

JFB: Isa 54:3 - -- Rather, "burst forth" with increase; thy offspring shall grow, answering to "thy seed" in the parallel clause.
Rather, "burst forth" with increase; thy offspring shall grow, answering to "thy seed" in the parallel clause.

Israel and her children, as distinguished from "the Gentiles."

Israel's unfaithfulness as wife of Jehovah, almost from her earliest history.

JFB: Isa 54:4 - -- Israel's punishment in her consequent dismissal from God and barrenness of spiritual children in Babylon and her present dispersion (Isa 54:1; Isa 49:...
Israel's punishment in her consequent dismissal from God and barrenness of spiritual children in Babylon and her present dispersion (Isa 54:1; Isa 49:21; Jer 3:24-25; Jer 31:19; Hos 2:2-5).

JFB: Isa 54:5 - -- (Isa 62:5; Jer 3:14). That God was Israel's "Maker," both as individuals and as the theocratic kingdom, is the pledge of assurance that He will be her...
(Isa 62:5; Jer 3:14). That God was Israel's "Maker," both as individuals and as the theocratic kingdom, is the pledge of assurance that He will be her Redeemer (Isa 43:1-3). Hebrew, "makers . . . husbands"; plural for singular, to denote excellency.

JFB: Isa 54:5 - -- Not until He manifests Himself as God of Israel shall He appear as God of the whole earth (Psa 102:13, Psa 102:15-16; Zec 14:5, Zec 14:9).
Not until He manifests Himself as God of Israel shall He appear as God of the whole earth (Psa 102:13, Psa 102:15-16; Zec 14:5, Zec 14:9).

That is, recalled: the prophetic past for the future.

JFB: Isa 54:6 - -- Or, "when she was rejected"; one who had been a wife of youth (Eze 16:8, Eze 16:22, Eze 16:60; Jer 2:2) at the time when (thou, or) she was rejected f...

JFB: Isa 54:7 - -- As compared with Israel's coming long prosperity (Isa 26:20; Isa 60:10). So the spiritual Israel (Psa 30:5; 2Co 4:17).

JFB: Isa 54:8 - -- Rather, "In the overflowing of wrath"; as Pro 27:4, Margin, [GESENIUS]. The wrath, though but "for a moment," was overflowing while it lasted.
Rather, "In the overflowing of wrath"; as Pro 27:4, Margin, [GESENIUS]. The wrath, though but "for a moment," was overflowing while it lasted.

JFB: Isa 54:9 - -- I am about to do the same in this instance as in Noah's flood. As I swore then that it should not return (Gen 8:21; Gen 9:11), and I kept that promise...
I am about to do the same in this instance as in Noah's flood. As I swore then that it should not return (Gen 8:21; Gen 9:11), and I kept that promise, so I swear now to My people, and will perform My promise, that there shall be no return of the deluge of My wrath upon them. LOWTH, on insufficient authority, reads (the same will I do now as), "in the days of Noah."
Clarke: Isa 54:1 - -- Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear "Shout for joy, O thou barren, that didst not bear"- The Church of God under the Old Testament, confined wi...
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear "Shout for joy, O thou barren, that didst not bear"- The Church of God under the Old Testament, confined within the narrow bounds of the Jewish nation, and still more so in respect of the very small number of true believers, and which sometimes seemed to be deserted of God her husband, is the barren woman, that did not bear, and was desolate. She is exhorted to rejoice, and to express her joy in the strongest manner, on the reconciliation of her husband, (see Isa 54:6), and on the accession of the Gentiles to her family. The converted Gentiles are all along considered by the prophet as a new accession of adopted children, admitted into the original Church of God, and united with it. See Isa 49:20, Isa 49:21.

Clarke: Isa 54:4 - -- For thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth - That is, "The bondage of Egypt: widowhood, the captivity of Babylon."- Secker.
For thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth - That is, "The bondage of Egypt: widowhood, the captivity of Babylon."- Secker.

Clarke: Isa 54:7 - -- For a small moment "In a little anger"- So the Chaldee and Syriac, either reading רגז regaz , for רגע rega ; or understanding the latter wo...

Clarke: Isa 54:8 - -- I hid my face from thee for a moment - The word רגע rega is omitted by the Septuagint, Syriac, and two MSS. of Kennicott’ s, and two of D...
I hid my face from thee for a moment - The word

Clarke: Isa 54:8 - -- Thy Redeemer - גאלך goalech : but for this word three of De Rossi’ s MSS. have מרחמך merachamech , thy commiserator.
Thy Redeemer -

Clarke: Isa 54:9 - -- For this is as the waters of Noah unto me "The same will I do now, as in the days of Noah"- כימי kimey , in one word, in a MS., and some editio...
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me "The same will I do now, as in the days of Noah"-
It is certain that these two words
Calvin: Isa 54:1 - -- 1.Shout After having spoken of the death of Christ, he passes on with good reason to the Church; that we may feel mere deeply in ourselves what is th...
1.Shout After having spoken of the death of Christ, he passes on with good reason to the Church; that we may feel mere deeply in ourselves what is the value and efficacy of his death. We cannot behold it in Christ, if he be viewed by himself; and therefore we must come to his body, which is the Church; because Christ suffered for the Church, and not for himself. And this is the order in our Confession of Faith 61 for, after having professed that we believe in Christ, who suffered and was crucified for us, we add that we believe in the Church, 62 which flowed, as it were, from his side. Accordingly, after having discoursed concerning the death and resurrection and triumph of Christ, he properly comes down to the Church, which ought never to be separated from her Head, that each individual believer may learn by his own experience that Christ has not suffered in vain. And if he had not mentioned this doctrine, believers could not have so well strengthened their hearts by the hope of restoring the Church. This congratulation plainly shows that, when Christ shall come forth as a conqueror over death, he will not merely conquer for himself as an individual, but will, at the same time, breathe life into his body.
Thou barren, that didst not bear He calls the Church “barren,” because no offspring could be expected from her, so long as she groaned under wretched bondage; for if any one had judged of her from her outward condition, he would have concluded that she was very near destruction. And even apart from her external wretchedness, there was nothing pure within; everything was corrupted and defiled by superstitions; for they had degenerated into the idolatrous rites of the Gentiles.
The children of the widow He calls the Church not merely “Barren,” but a “Widow,” though either of them might have taken away the hope of having offspring; but when these two are combined, what else can be looked for than wretched destruction? But against such accumulated distress he bids her be of good courage, because she shall have more children than the married woman.
This passage may be explained in two ways; either as a comparison of the Church with the Gentiles, who flourished like “a married woman,” or as a comparison with that condition in which the Church was before the captivity. Both senses will be perfectly admissible, but I prefer to adopt the more simple view; for I do not think that it is a comparison between two conditions of the Church, but that it is an ordinary form of expression which the Prophet employs in order to denote that this extraordinary fertility of the Church will be at variance with what usually takes place, so that men may not judge of her condition by the ordinary course of nature; because the work of God will be extraordinary and wonderful. And yet I acknowledge that she was at that time in widowhood; for God had long before sent to her by his servants a bill of divorcement, and had actually divorced that nation, by driving it into banishment. But the Prophet declares that this punishment will be temporary, as we shall immediately see more clearly.

Calvin: Isa 54:2 - -- 2.Widen the place of thy tabernacles He continues his argument under other metaphors, and promises that the Lord will not only restore his Church, bu...
2.Widen the place of thy tabernacles He continues his argument under other metaphors, and promises that the Lord will not only restore his Church, but will bestow upon her a condition far more excellent. They who think that the Church is compared in this passage to a synagogue are, in my opinion, mistaken, and only succeed in increasing the obstinacy of the Jews, who perceive that the Prophet’s meaning is tortured. I do indeed acknowledge that these things relate to the kingdom of Christ, and that they were at length fulfilled as soon as the Gospel began to be preached; but it does not therefore follow that the Prophet did not, at the same time, keep his eye upon that period which preceded the coming of Christ.
This prophecy began to be fulfilled under Cyrus, who gave the people liberty to return, and afterwards extended to Christ, in whom it has its full accomplishment. The Church therefore conceived, when the people returned to their native country; for the body of the people was gathered together from which Christ should proceed, in order that the pure worship of God and true religion might again be revived. Hitherto, indeed, this fertility was not visible; for the conception was concealed, as it were, in the mother’s womb, and no outward appearance of it could be seen; but afterwards the people were increased, and after the birth the Church grew from infancy to manhood, till the Gospel was preached. This was the actual youth of the Church; and next follows the age of manhood, down to Christ’s last coming, when all things shall be fully accomplished.
All these things must be taken together, if we wish to learn the Prophet’s real meaning. In this way Zec 2:5 Mal 4:2 and Haggai encouraged the people by the hope of their future condition, when they saw that little progress was made in building the temple; for they promised that “the glory of the latter temple should be greater than the glory of the former.” (Hag 2:9) This was not at all visible, and therefore they extended those promises till Christ; and by hope and confidence in him the people must have been encouraged to build the temple. Consequently, this consolation was common to the Jews who lived under the Law, and to us who see more clearly in Christ this restoration of the Church.
The curtains of thy tents The metaphor is borrowed from tabernacles, which were extensively used in that country. The Church is compared to them, because it has no solid building in the world; for it appears to be wandering and unsettled, in consequence of being necessarily moved from one place to another on account of various changes. But still I am fully persuaded that the Prophet had in his eye that former deliverance (as we have stated to have been customary with the prophets) when, being led through the wilderness, they dwelt in tents for forty years; for which reason they kept a public festival every year by the command of God. (Lev 23:39 43)
It will be objected that the building which is erected by the ministers of the Word is so solid that it ought not to be compared to “tabernacles.” But I reply, this metaphor of “tabernacles” relates rather to the outward aspect of the Church than to its spiritual and (what, may be called) its internal condition; for the actual building of the Church is nothing else than the kingdom of God, which is not fading or similar to tents. Yet the Church does not cease to be conveyed from one place to another; for it has no stable or permanent habitation. In short, its solid firmness is such that it surpasses the best fortified citadels; for, relying on the invincible power of God, it scorns all danger. On the other hand, it resembles “tents,” because earthly wealth, forces, and strength are not its support.

Calvin: Isa 54:3 - -- 3.Because thou shalt be multiplied Now follows the reason why he commanded the cords to be lengthened for enlarging the tents. It is, that a moderate...
3.Because thou shalt be multiplied Now follows the reason why he commanded the cords to be lengthened for enlarging the tents. It is, that a moderate space would not contain a numerous people, whom the Lord will gather into one from every quarter. Now, because Judea was hideous on account of its ruins and desolation, he says that the forsaken cities shall be inhabited.

Calvin: Isa 54:4 - -- 4.Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed Here, as formerly, he strengthens the hearts of believers, and addresses the whole Church; for the calamity...
4.Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed Here, as formerly, he strengthens the hearts of believers, and addresses the whole Church; for the calamity was universal, and the Church appeared to be totally ruined. He bids her be of good cheer, and next assigns the reason; that the issue of her troubles will be such that she “shall not be ashamed;” as if he had said, “Although for a time thou art wretched, yet thy affairs shall be prosperous;” and as it is elsewhere said, “They who hope in the Lord shall not be ashamed.” (Psa 25:3)
Blush not; that is, “cherish good hope, and be confident.” Those men “blush” who are ashamed, and who, being disappointed of their hope, suffer their hearts to be cast down. He next assigns the same reason, “for thou shalt not be exposed to shame.” I consider that here, as formerly,
Yea, thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth This is a confirmation of the former clause. He means the calamities which befell the Church while she was still young, and the remembrance of which will be wholly obliterated by the prosperity which she shall afterwards enjoy. We mentioned a little before, that widowhood is a term used in regard to her, because God had forsaken, and, so to speak, had divorced her.

Calvin: Isa 54:5 - -- 5.For thy Maker is thy husband He assigns the reason why she will forget all the distresses and calamities which she formerly endured. It is because ...
5.For thy Maker is thy husband He assigns the reason why she will forget all the distresses and calamities which she formerly endured. It is because God will again receive her into favor; for captivity might be said to be a kind of divorce, as we formerly saw. (Isa 1:1) He now says, “He who created thee shall be thy husband;” for such is the import of the words. He calls himself the “Maker” of his Church, not only because he created the Church as he created other men, but because he condescended to adopt her as his heritage; and this privilege may be regarded as a new life. Although the Jews fell from their dignity, as men are speedily led to revolt, 63 if they are not renewed by the Spirit of strength, yet their spiritual creation was not wholly extinguished, for the remembrance of the covenant remained, and hence also God created them anew.
Whose name is Jehovah of hosts This refers to his power, that we may be permitted to glory in it., seeing that we are his children; for the greater the power of God, and the more honorable his name, so much the greater is our boasting, so long as we are his children and do not boast of an empty title. Now, the Prophet magnifies this kindness of God, that he condescends to have us instead of a wife, that we may be able to glory in his power and strength.
Thy Redeemer He calls himself the “Redeemer,” in order that he may more fully confirm the people in that hope; that, although the former deliverance appeared to be cancelled, because the people were again led into captivity, yet they shall be restored in such a manner as to know that the grace of God is not without effect.
Shall be called The verb,

Calvin: Isa 54:6 - -- 6.For as a woman forsaken He meets a doubt which might arise in the minds of believers amidst so distressing a calamity. It seemed as if the Lord had...
6.For as a woman forsaken He meets a doubt which might arise in the minds of believers amidst so distressing a calamity. It seemed as if the Lord had rejected them, so that they had nothing to look for but destruction. The Prophet therefore reminds them that they ought not to despair, because they have been thus forsaken; for God, according to his mercy, is ready to be reconciled, and is even willing to raise them from the dead. 65
And a wife of youth He employs this expression in order that, by this metaphor, he may more fully confirm their hearts in that hope; for the hearts of young husbands are more easily reconciled than the hearts of older husbands, being attracted, and, as it were, driven forward by youthful age and tender love. In like manner, he shows that God will be easily reconciled. “True, thou wast divorced; but the divorce shall not be of long duration. The Lord will show himself ready to be reconciled, and will even, of his own accord, be the first to invite thee to reconciliation.” 66

Calvin: Isa 54:7 - -- 7.For a little moment I forsook thee The Prophet explains more fully the former statement, and shows what will be the nature of this divorce, namely,...
7.For a little moment I forsook thee The Prophet explains more fully the former statement, and shows what will be the nature of this divorce, namely, that she shall be speedily restored to her former condition. He magnifies the mercy of God, and extenuates the sorrow by which the hearts of believers might be oppressed. It was not enough for believers to expect some revival, if they were not convinced that God’s wrath would be of short duration. We quickly lose courage and faint, if the Lord be not nigh, and if he do not quickly stretch out his hand to us. For this reason Isaiah, after having spoken of restoring the Church, adds that this divorce shall last but “for a moment,” but that his mercy shall be everlasting
When he says that he forsook his people, it is a sort of admission of the fact. 67 We are adopted by God in such a manner that we cannot be rejected by him on account of the treachery of men; for he is faithful, so that he will not cast off or abandon his people. What the Prophet says in this passage must therefore refer to our feelings and to outward appearance, because we seem to be rejected by God when we do not perceive his presence and protection. And it is necessary that we should thus feel God’s wrath, even as a wife divorced by her husband deplores her condition, that we may know that we are justly chastised. But we must also perceive his mercy; and because it is infinite and eternal, we shall find that all afflictions in comparison of it are light and momentary. Whenever, therefore, we are pressed by adversity, we ought to betake ourselves to this consolation. At the same time it ought to be observed, that what was said was actually true as to the whole body of the people, who had been divorced on account of their wickedness; and although God did not receive all of them indiscriminately into favor with him, but only the elect remnant, yet there is nothing absurd or improper in addressing his discourse as if it had been to the same persons. 68

Calvin: Isa 54:8 - -- 8.In a moment of wrath He again repeats and enforces this statement, in order to impress it more deeply on the hearts of believers, that they may not...
8.In a moment of wrath He again repeats and enforces this statement, in order to impress it more deeply on the hearts of believers, that they may not be at all discouraged by adversity, and with good reason; for, amidst that frightful darkness, it was not easy for the captives to behold God’s smiling face. And although the literal sense in which the “wrath” is here said to last but for “a moment” 69 be, that God in due time brought back the captives to their native country, yet we draw from it a general doctrine, that the afflictions of the Church are always momentary, when we raise our eyes to its eternal happiness. We ought to remember what Paul has taught us, (2Co 4:17) that all the afflictions of believers are light and easy to be endured, and are justly considered to be momentary, while they look at the “eternal weight of glory;” for if we do not attend to this comparison, every day will seem to us like a year. There would be no propriety in comparing the seventy years of the captivity of the Jews to “a moment,” if it were not contrasted with the uninterrupted progress of the grace of God.

Calvin: Isa 54:9 - -- 9.For the waters of Noah, or, As the days of Noah. There are two readings of this passage; for if we read it כי מי (ki me), כי (ki) m...
9.For the waters of Noah, or, As the days of Noah. There are two readings of this passage; for if we read it
But I think that this ought to be limited to the period of the Babylonish captivity. He compares that captivity to a deluge, which destroyed the face of the earth; for it appeared as if the Church was utterly ruined. The people had almost entirely passed over to another nation, and had no kingdom and no civil government of their own; they underwent very hard bondage, and thought that their name was wholly extinguished. And at that time was actually fulfilled what the Prophet formerly declared,
“If the Lord had not left to us a seed, we should have been like Sodom and Gomorrah.” (Isa 1:9)
Justly, therefore, does he compare that calamity to “the waters of Noah,” that is, to the deluge; and on this account I rather agree with those who read
This is to me I think that we ought carefully to inquire into the meaning of these words, which are slightly passed over by commentators. He means that this calamity will resemble the deluge; so that, as he was satisfied with a single deluge, and would never again send another, so he is satisfied with this one destruction, so to speak, of the Church, and will never again permit the face of it to be destroyed. Such is therefore the manner in which I think that we ought to explain this passage and apply the metaphor, that the desolation of Judea will be to God like the deluge which happened in “the days of Noah;“ for as he swore at that time that he would never afterwards inflict such punishment on the crimes which stripped the earth of its inhabitants, so he will not again destroy the Church, as he did in the Babylonish captivity. And indeed, whatever might be any confused state of affairs that afterwards followed, still the Church retained some name, and preserved some form, until, at the manifestation of Christ in the flesh, the seed of the Gospel was everywhere scattered, that it might bring sons to God out of all nations. In a word, the Lord promises that henceforth he will restrain his wrath, and will not punish his people with so great severity.
It will be objected, that since that time the Church sustained very grievous calamities; from which it might be concluded, either that this oath failed of its accomplishment, or that this is not the Prophet’s meaning. I reply, the Church did not sustain so grievous a calamity as to have its face altogether destroyed, which happened when the people were carried away into Babylon. For although Antiochus and other tyrants brought upon it dreadful calamities, although afterwards there also happened those apostasies which Paul foretold, (2Th 2:3; 1Ti 4:1,) and everything was defiled by innumerable superstitions, so that the Christian name was nearly buried; yet still there remained some form of a Church, however disfigured, and the building was not in so ruinous a condition that there did not exist some remnants of Christianity above the deluge, so that this oath was in full force.
That I will not be wroth with thee This must not be taken in an absolute, but in a comparative sense. He contrasts this clause with the preceding; for he promises that he will never chastise his people so severely as not to mitigate the severity of the punishment. Although therefore tyrants indulge in wanton and unbridled rage, and Satan employ his utmost efforts in attacking the Church, and the Lord give him a loose rein, in order to punish our ingratitude, yet he will never suffer the Church to be ruined.

Calvin: Isa 54:10 - -- 10.For the mountains shall indeed be moved He confirms the former statement, and declares that sooner shall the whole world be turned upside down, th...
10.For the mountains shall indeed be moved He confirms the former statement, and declares that sooner shall the whole world be turned upside down, than his mercy shall fail. It would be idle to put the question here, how “the mountains shall be moved, or the hills shall shake;” for the comparison is drawn from those things which appear to be strongest and most deeply rooted, in order to show that the foundation of the Church is far more durable. “Mountains” are very strong, and earthquakes do not so frequently take place in them as in plains; and therefore the Lord declares that, although that vast and huge mass of “mountains be moved,” or the heavens fall, yet his covenant shall endure, and his mercy towards the Church shall not fail. In this sense it is said in the Psalm, “The Lord shall reign, the world shall be established.” (Psa 93:1) In another passage it is even said,
“Though the heavens pass away, the Church of God shall remain unshaken.”
(Psa 102:26)
My mercy In the word “mercy,” it ought to be remarked what is the nature of the foundation of the covenant; for we can have no friendship with God: unless he have mercy upon us, and receive us by free grace. 71
The covenant of my peace He calls it “the covenant of peace,” because the Lord offers to us all that belongs to perfect happiness; as the Hebrew writers also, under the word “peace,” include all posterity. Since therefore this covenant contains solid and perfect happiness, it follows that all who are excluded from it are miserable.
Saith Jehovah, who hath compassion on thee By saying that it is he “who hath compassion” on her, he again confirms what was formerly said, that he will be reconciled in no other way, and for no other reason, than because he is compassionate and ready to pardon.
Defender: Isa 54:5 - -- The God of all the earth is also the "Maker" of Israel, as well as her Redeemer. Note that, symbolically, Israel is sometimes pictured as the wife of ...
The God of all the earth is also the "Maker" of Israel, as well as her Redeemer. Note that, symbolically, Israel is sometimes pictured as the wife of Jehovah, just as in the New Testament the church is called the Bride of Christ."

Defender: Isa 54:9 - -- Note that Isaiah here attests to the historical reality of the worldwide Flood and the perpetuity of the Noahic covenant."
Note that Isaiah here attests to the historical reality of the worldwide Flood and the perpetuity of the Noahic covenant."
TSK: Isa 54:1 - -- O barren : Isa 62:4; Son 8:8; Gal 4:27
break : Isa 42:10,Isa 42:11, Isa 44:23, Isa 49:13, Isa 55:12, Isa 55:13; Psa 67:3-5, Psa 98:3-9; Zep 3:14; Zec ...


TSK: Isa 54:3 - -- thou shalt : Isa 2:2-4, Isa 11:9-12, Isa 35:1, Isa 35:2, Isa 42:1-12, Isa 43:5, Isa 43:6, Isa 49:12, Isa 60:3-11; Gen 49:10; Psa 72:8-11; Rom 9:25, Ro...
thou shalt : Isa 2:2-4, Isa 11:9-12, Isa 35:1, Isa 35:2, Isa 42:1-12, Isa 43:5, Isa 43:6, Isa 49:12, Isa 60:3-11; Gen 49:10; Psa 72:8-11; Rom 9:25, Rom 9:26, Rom 10:18, Rom 11:12; Col 1:23
and thy : Isa 49:18, Isa 55:5, Isa 60:10-13, Isa 61:5-9

TSK: Isa 54:4 - -- Fear not : Isa 41:10,Isa 41:14, Isa 45:16, Isa 45:17, Isa 61:7; 1Pe 2:6
thou shalt forget : Jer 31:19; Eze 16:22, Eze 16:43, Eze 16:60-63; Hos 3:1-5

TSK: Isa 54:5 - -- thy Maker : Psa 45:10-17; Jer 3:14; Eze 16:8; Hos 2:19, Hos 2:20; Joh 3:29; 2Co 11:2, 2Co 11:3; Eph 5:25-27, Eph 5:32
the Lord : Isa 48:2, Isa 51:15; ...

TSK: Isa 54:6 - -- a woman : Isa 49:14, Isa 62:4; Hos 2:1, Hos 2:2, Hos 2:14, Hos 2:15; Mat 11:28; 2Co 7:6, 2Co 7:9, 2Co 7:10
a wife : Pro 5:18; Ecc 9:9; Mal 2:14

TSK: Isa 54:7 - -- a small : Isa 26:20, Isa 60:10; Psa 30:5; 2Co 4:17; 2Pe 3:8
with : Isa 11:11, Isa 27:12, Isa 40:11, Isa 43:5, Isa 43:6, Isa 56:8, Isa 60:4, Isa 66:18;...

TSK: Isa 54:8 - -- a little : Isa 47:6, Isa 57:16, Isa 57:17; Zec 1:15
I hid : Isa 8:17, Isa 45:15; Psa 13:1, Psa 27:9; Eze 39:23, Eze 39:24
but : Isa 55:3; Psa 103:17; ...

TSK: Isa 54:9 - -- Isa 12:1, Isa 55:11; Gen 8:21, Gen 9:11-16; Psa 104:9; Jer 31:35, Jer 31:36, Jer 33:20-26; Eze 39:20; Heb 6:16-18

TSK: Isa 54:10 - -- the mountains : Isa 51:6, Isa 51:7; Psa 46:2; Mat 5:18, Mat 16:18, Mat 24:35; Rom 11:29; 2Pe 3:10-13
the covenant : Isa 55:3; 2Sa 23:5; Psa 89:33, Psa...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Isa 54:1 - -- Sing, O barren - That is, shout for joy, lift up the voice of exultation and praise. The ‘ barren’ here denotes the church of God un...
Sing, O barren - That is, shout for joy, lift up the voice of exultation and praise. The ‘ barren’ here denotes the church of God under the Old Testament, confined within the narrow limits of the Jewish nation, and still more so in respect to the very small number of true believers, and which seemed sometimes to be deserted of God, her husband (Lowth). It is here represented under the image of a female who had been destitute of children, and who now has occasion to rejoice on the reconciliation of her husband (Isa 54:6; Lowth), and on the accession of the Gentiles to her family. The Chaldee renders it, ‘ Rejoice, O Jerusalem, who hast been as a sterile woman that did not bear.’ The church is often in the Bible compared to a female, and the connection between God and his people is often compared with that between husband and wife (compare Isa 62:5; Ezek. 16; Rev 21:2-9; Rev 22:17).
Thou that didst not bear - Either referring to the fact that the church was confined within the narrow limits of Judea; or that there had been in it a small number of true believers; or addressed to it in Babylon when it was oppressed, and perhaps constantly diminishing in number. I think it probable that it refers to the latter; and that the idea is, that she saw her sons destroyed in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, and that she was not augmented by any accessions while in Babylon, but would have great occasion for rejoicing on her return, and in her future increase under the Messiah by the accession of the Gentiles.
Break forth into singing - (Compare Isa 14:7; Isa 44:23; Isa 49:13).
For more are the children of the desolate - The ‘ desolate’ here refers to Jerusalem, or the church. By the ‘ married woman,’ Rosenmuller supposes the prophet means other nations which flourished and increased like a married woman. Grotius supposes that he means other cities which were inhabited, and that Jerusalem would surpass them all in her prosperity and in numbers. But the phrase seems to have somewhat of a proverbial cast, and probably the idea is that there would be a great increase, a much greater increase than she had any reason to apprehend. As if a promise was made to a barren female that she should have more children than those who were married usually had, so Jerusalem and the church would be greatly enlarged, far beyond what usually occurred among nations. The fulfillment of this is to be looked for in the accession of the Gentiles Isa 54:3. ‘ The conversion of the Gentiles is all along considered by the prophet as a new accession of adopted children, admitted into the original church of God, and united with it’ (Lowth). See the same idea presented at greater length in Isa 49:20-22.

Barnes: Isa 54:2 - -- Enlarge the place of thy tent - The same idea occurs in Isa 49:19-20 (see the notes at that chapter). The curtains of thy habitations. The word...
Enlarge the place of thy tent - The same idea occurs in Isa 49:19-20 (see the notes at that chapter). The curtains of thy habitations. The word ‘ curtain’ does not quite express the sense here. It is commonly with us used to denote the cloth hanging round. a bed or at a window, which may be spread or drawn aside at pleasure, or the hanging in theaters to conceal the stage from the spectators. The word here, however, denotes the canopy or cloth used in a tent; and the idea is, that the boundaries of the church were to be greatly enlarged, in order to accommodate the vast accession from the pagan world.
Spare not - Do not be parsimonious in the provision of the materials for greatly enlarging the tent to dwell in.
Lengthen thy cords - (See the note at Isa 33:20).

Barnes: Isa 54:3 - -- For thou shalt break forth - (See the notes at Isa 49:19-20). And make the desolate cities - (See the notes at Isa 44:26).
For thou shalt break forth - (See the notes at Isa 49:19-20).
And make the desolate cities - (See the notes at Isa 44:26).

Barnes: Isa 54:4 - -- Fear not ... - (See Isa 41:10, note, Isa 41:14, note). Neither shalt thou be confounded - All these words mean substantially the same thi...
Fear not ... - (See Isa 41:10, note, Isa 41:14, note).
Neither shalt thou be confounded - All these words mean substantially the same thing; and the design of the prophet is to affirm, in the strongest possible manner, that the church of God should be abundantly prospered and enlarged. The image of the female that was barren is kept up, and the idea is, that there should be no occasion of the shame which she felt who had no children.
For thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth - In the abundant increase and glory of future times, the circumstances of shame which attended their early history shall be forgotten. The ‘ youth’ of the Jewish people refers doubtless to the bondage of Egypt, and the trials and calamities which came upon them there. So great should be their future prosperity and glory, that all this should be forgotten.
The reproach of thy widowhood - The captivity at Babylon, when they were like a woman bereft of her husband and children (see the notes at Isa 49:21).

Barnes: Isa 54:5 - -- For thy Maker is thine husband - Both these words, ‘ maker’ and ‘ husband,’ in the Hebrew are in the plural number. But t...
For thy Maker is thine husband - Both these words, ‘ maker’ and ‘ husband,’ in the Hebrew are in the plural number. But the form is evidently the pluralis excellentiae - a form denoting majesty and honor (see 1Sa 19:13, 1Sa 19:16; Psa 149:2; Pro 9:10; Pro 30:3; Ecc 12:1; Hos 12:1). Here it refers to ‘ Yahweh of hosts,’ necessarily in the singular, as Yahweh is one Deu 6:4. No argument can be drawn from this phrase to prove that there is a distinction of persons in the Godhead, as the form is so often used evidently with a singular signification. That the words here properly have a singular signification was the evident understanding of the ancient interpreters. Thus Jerome Quia dominabitur tui qui fecit te - ‘ Because he shall rule ever thee who made thee’ So the Septuagint,
And thy Redeemer - (See Notes on Isa 43:1-3.)
The God of the whole earth - He shall no more be regarded as uniquely the God of the Jewish people, but shall be acknowledged as the only true God, the God that rules over all the world. This refers undoubtedly to the times of the gospel, when he should be acknowledged as the God of the Gentiles as well as the Jews (see Rom 3:29).

Barnes: Isa 54:6 - -- For the Lord hath called thee - This is designed to confirm and illustrate the sentiment in the previous verse. God there says that he would be...
For the Lord hath called thee - This is designed to confirm and illustrate the sentiment in the previous verse. God there says that he would be a husband to his people. Here he says, that although he had for a time apparently forsaken them, as a husband who had forsaken his wife, and although they were cast down and dejected like a woman who had thus been forsaken, yet he would now restore them to favor.
Hath called thee - That is, will have called thee to himself - referring to the future times when prosperity should be restored to them.
As a woman forsaken - Forsaken by her husband on account of her offence.
And grieved in spirit - Because she was thus forsaken.
And a wife of youth - The Septuagint renders this very strangely, ‘ The Lord hath not called thee as a wife forsaken and disconsolate; nor as a wife that hath been hated from her youth;’ showing conclusively that the translator here did not understand the meaning of the passage, and vainly endeavored to supply a signification by the insertion of thee negatives, and by endeavoring to make a meaning. The idea is that of a wife wedded in youth; a wife toward whom there was early and tender love, though she was afterward rejected. God had loved the Hebrew people as his people in the early days of their history. Yet for their idolatry he had seen occasion afterward to cast them off, and to doom them to a long and painful exile. But he would yet love them with all the former ardor of affection, and would greatly increase and prosper them.
When thou wast refused - Or, that hath been rejected. Lowth, ‘ But afterward rejected.’ It may be rendered, ‘ Although (

Barnes: Isa 54:7 - -- For a small moment - The Chaldee and Syriac render this, ‘ In a little anger.’ Lowth has adopted this, but without sufficient author...
For a small moment - The Chaldee and Syriac render this, ‘ In a little anger.’ Lowth has adopted this, but without sufficient authority. The Hebrew means, ‘ For a little moment;’ a very short time. The reference here is probably to the captivity at Babylon, when they were apparently forsaken by Yahweh. Though to them this appeared long, yet compared with their subsequent prosperity, it was but an instant of time. Though this had probably a primary reference to the captivity then, yet there can be no impropriety in applying it to other similar cases. It contains an important principle; that is, that though God appears to forsake his people, yet it will be comparatively but for a moment. He will remember his covenant, and however long their trials may seem to be, yet compared with the subsequent mercies and the favors which shall result from them, they will seem to be but as the sorrows of the briefest point of duration (compare 2Co 4:17).
But with great mercies - The contrast here is not that of duration but of magnitude. The forsaking was ‘ little,’ the mercies would be ‘ great.’ It would be mercy that they would be recalled at all after all their faults and crimes; and the mercy which would be bestowed in the enlargement of their numbers would be inexpressibly great.
Will I gather thee - Will I collect thee from thy dispersions, and gather thee to myself as my own people.

Barnes: Isa 54:8 - -- In a little wrath - The Syriac renders this, ‘ In great wrath.’ The Vulgate, ‘ In a moment of indignation.’ The Septuagin...
In a little wrath - The Syriac renders this, ‘ In great wrath.’ The Vulgate, ‘ In a moment of indignation.’ The Septuagint, ‘ In a little wrath.’ (Noyes renders it in accordance with the view of Rosenmuller, ‘ In overflowing wrath.’ This variety of interpretation has arisen from the various meanings affixed to the unusual word
I hid my face from thee - This is expressive of displeasure (see the note at Isa 53:3; compare Job 13:24; Job 34:29; Psa 30:7; Psa 44:24; Isa 8:17). Here it refers to the displeasure which he had manifested in the punishment which he brought on them in Babylon.
For a moment - (See the note at Isa 54:7). This stands opposed to the ‘ everlasting kindness’ which he would show to them.
But with everlasting kindness - This is true:
1. Of the church at large under the Messiah. It is the object of the unchanging affection and favor of God.
2. Of each individual Christian. He will make him blessed in an eternal heaven.

Barnes: Isa 54:9 - -- For this is as the waters of Noah unto me - As it was in the time of the flood of waters, so shall it be now. ‘ I then solemnly promised t...
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me - As it was in the time of the flood of waters, so shall it be now. ‘ I then solemnly promised that the waters should not again drown the earth, and I have kept that promise. I now promise with equal solemnity that I will bestow perpetual favor on my true people, and will shed upon them eternal and unchanging blessings.’ ‘ The waters of Noah,’ here mean evidently the flood that came upon the world in his time, and from which he and his family were saved. Lowth, on the authority of one manuscript and of the Vulgate, Syriac, Symmachus, and Theodotion, reads this, ‘ In the days of Noah? But the authority is not sufficient to change the Hebrew text, and the sense is as clear as if it were changed.
As I have sworn - Gen 8:21-22. God appeals to this not only because the oath and promise had been made, but because it had been kept.
That I would not be wroth - The idea seems here to be that no calamities should spread over the whole church, and sweep it away, as the waters swept over the world in the time of Noah, or as desolation swept over Jerusalem and the whole land of Canaan in the time of the exile at Babylon. There would be indeed persecutions and calamities, but the church would be safe amidst all these trials. The period would never arrive when God would forsake the church, and when he would leave it to perish. One has only to recollect how God has guarded the church, even during the most dangerous periods, to see how remarkably this has been fulfilled. His covenant has been as sure as that which was made with Noah, and it will be as secure and firm to the end of time.

Barnes: Isa 54:10 - -- For the mountains shall depart - (See the notes at Isa 51:6). The covenant of my peace - That is, the covenant by which I promise peace a...
For the mountains shall depart - (See the notes at Isa 51:6).
The covenant of my peace - That is, the covenant by which I promise peace and prosperity to thee.
Poole: Isa 54:1 - -- Sing, O barren The prophet having largely discoursed of the sufferings of Christ, and of the blessed fruits or effects thereof, among which one is, ...
Sing, O barren The prophet having largely discoursed of the sufferings of Christ, and of the blessed fruits or effects thereof, among which one is, that he should have a numerous seed that should believe on him, and that when the Jews rejected him, the Gentiles should gladly receive him, and here foreseeing by the Spirit of God that glorious state of the church, he rejoiced in it, as Abraham did upon the like occasion, Joh 8:56 , and breaks forth into this song of triumph. He turneth his speech to the church and spouse of God, or of Christ, as is manifest from the following words, and especially from Isa 54:5 , and from Gal 4:27 , where it is so expounded. And although this chapter is by some understood of the flourishing condition of the Jewish church and state after their return from Babylon, yet the magnificent and glorious promises here following do so vastly exceed their condition at that time, which was full of uncertainties, and distractions, and troubles, as all the histories of those times assure us, and far from that glory and lasting tranquillity which is here assured to her, that it must necessarily be referred to the times of the gospel, in which all that is here said was or will be remarkably fulfilled. And therefore as the foregoing chapter doth directly and literally speak of Christ, so doth this literally speak of the church of Christ, or of the kingdom of the Messiah, of whom the ancient Hebrew doctors understood it. And this church, consisting at first of the Jews, and afterwards of the Gentiles, who were incorporated with them into the same body, he calleth barren , not because it now was so, but because before and until the coming of Christ it had been so; as Simon is called the leper, Mat 26:6 , after he was cured. Now this church of the Jews might well be called, and had been, barren, because the sincere converts brought forth to God by her ministry had been but few among the Jews comparatively, and simply few among the Gentiles.
More are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife: the church or congregation of the Gentiles, which in the times of the Old Testament was desolate, having neither husband nor children, doth now under the gospel bring forth unto God a far more numerous posterity than the church of the Jews, which had been married to God for many ages, until by her apostacy from God, and from her Messiah, she provoked God to put her away, He alludeth here either to the history of Sarah, who was long and naturally barren, but by the supernatural power of God was enabled to bring forth a numberless issue; or to that remarkable passage of God’ s providence concerning Hannah and Peninnah, 1Sa 2:5 , The barren hath born seven, and she that hath many children is waxed feeble .

Poole: Isa 54:2 - -- Enlarge the place of thy tent that it may be capable of the Gentiles, which shall flock to thee in great numbers, and desire to associate themselves ...
Enlarge the place of thy tent that it may be capable of the Gentiles, which shall flock to thee in great numbers, and desire to associate themselves with thee.
Let them those to whom that work belongs, stretch forth. The meaning is, they must and shall be stretched out.
Lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes that they may be able to support that great weight which the tents this enlarged shall be upon them.

Poole: Isa 54:3 - -- Thou shalt break forth thou shalt bring forth a multitude of children; for this word is commonly used of any great and extraordinary propagation of l...
Thou shalt break forth thou shalt bring forth a multitude of children; for this word is commonly used of any great and extraordinary propagation of living creatures, whether beasts or men, Gen 30:30 Exo 1:12 .
On the right hand and on the left on every side, in all the parts of the world.
Thy seed either,
1. Thy spiritual seed, the church of the new testament, which is accounted Abraham’ s seed, or children, Gal 3:7-9,29 . Or,
2. Thy natural seed, Christ and his apostles, and other ministers, who were Jews, by whom this work was first and most eminently done.
Shall inherit the Gentiles shall subdue the Gentile world to the church, and to the obedience of the faith.
The desolate cities those cities and countries which in a spiritual sense were desolate and forsaken by God.

Poole: Isa 54:4 - -- Thou shalt not be ashamed for that barrenness and widowhood, which once was the matter of thy grief and shame, because now thou shalt be delivered fr...
Thou shalt not be ashamed for that barrenness and widowhood, which once was the matter of thy grief and shame, because now thou shalt be delivered from it, and God will own thee for his wife, and beget children of thee; as it is explained in the following words.
Thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth it shall be forgotten both by thee and others: thou shalt not be upbraided with thy former barrenness in thy youthful state, nor confounded and tormented with the remembrance of it; both remembering and forgetting in Scripture use connote or comprehend those affections which naturally and usually follow upon them; so great shall be thy fertility and felicity, that it shall cause thee to forget thy former unfruitfulness and misery, as men commonly do in like cases, as Gen 41:51 Job 11:16 Isa 65:16 Joh 16:21 .
The reproach of thy widowhood that time and state when thou wert like a widow, disconsolate and desolate, forsaken by her husband, and having in a manner no children; which was a great reproach, especially among the Jews.

Poole: Isa 54:5 - -- Thy Maker he who made thee out of nothing, and therefore can easily fulfil all these promises, how unlikely soever they seem to be; and he who made t...
Thy Maker he who made thee out of nothing, and therefore can easily fulfil all these promises, how unlikely soever they seem to be; and he who made thee a people, and, which is far more and better, his people, and therefore will not easily nor utterly forsake thee.
Is thine husband he will own thee for his spouse, and will do the part of a husband to thee.
The Lord of hosts who hath the sovereign command of all men and creatures, and therefore can subdue the Gentiles to thee, and can make thee to increase and multiply in so prodigious a measure, even in thine old age, notwithstanding thy barrenness in the days of thy youth, of which he speaketh in the foregoing verse.
The God of the whole earth the God and Father of all nations; whereas formerly he was called only
the God of Israel and the Gentiles had no special relation to him, nor interest in his covenant and favour, as was observed, Psa 147:19,20 , and elsewhere.

Poole: Isa 54:6 - -- The Lord hath called thee to return and come again to him. As a woman forsaken ; when thou wast like a woman forsaken. Or, as a husband recalleth hi...
The Lord hath called thee to return and come again to him. As a woman forsaken ; when thou wast like a woman forsaken. Or, as a husband recalleth his wife. Forsaken by her husband, who hath given her a bill of divorce.
Grieved in spirit for the loss of her husband’ s flavour and society, and for the reproach attending upon it.
And a wife of youth or, and as (which note of similitude is supplied here by the LXX. and Chaldee interpreters, and is easily understood out of the foregoing clause, in which it is expressed) a wife of youth , i.e. as readily and affectionately as a husband recalleth his wife which no married in her and his own youth, of whom see on Pro 5:18 , whom though he might through a sudden and violent passion put away, yet he soon repents of it, and his affections work towards her, and he invites her to return to him.
When thou wast refused when thou wast in a desolate estate, and hadst been for some time rejected by me, then I recalled thee. Or, although thou wast refused , or dismissed , or despised by me, and that justly; yet I had mercy upon thee, and freely offered reconciliation to thee. Saith thy God; who will again be, and still show himself to be, thy God, and will renew his covenant with thee.

Poole: Isa 54:7 - -- For a small moment for the space of some few years, as seventy years in Babylon, and some such intervals, which may well be called a small moment in ...
For a small moment for the space of some few years, as seventy years in Babylon, and some such intervals, which may well be called a small moment in comparison of God’ s everlasting kindness mentioned in the next verse.
Forsaken thee withdrawn my favour and help from thee, and left thee in thine enemies’ hands.
With great mercies such as are most precious and sweet for quality, as is here said, and such as are of long continuance, as is said in the following verse,
will I gather thee from all the places where thou art dispersed, from all the parts of the world.

Poole: Isa 54:8 - -- I hid my face I removed the means and pledges of my presence and kindness.
With everlasting kindness with kindness to thee and thy seed through all...
I hid my face I removed the means and pledges of my presence and kindness.
With everlasting kindness with kindness to thee and thy seed through all succeeding generations, here and unto all eternity.

Poole: Isa 54:9 - -- This is as the waters of Noah unto me this covenant of grace and peace made with thee shall be as certain and perpetual as that which I made with Noa...
This is as the waters of Noah unto me this covenant of grace and peace made with thee shall be as certain and perpetual as that which I made with Noah, that there should never be another flood of waters to drown the world; of which see Gen 9:11 .
Would not be wroth with thee to wit, so as I have been, or so as to forsake thee utterly.

Poole: Isa 54:10 - -- The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed which hath been verified in some mountains and hills, that by earthquakes, or otherwise, have be...
The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed which hath been verified in some mountains and hills, that by earthquakes, or otherwise, have been removed from their places. But these kind of absolute expressions are ofttimes comparatively understood, of which See Poole "Isa 51:6" ; and so the sense is, The mountains shall sooner depart from their places, than my kindness shall depart from thee. As when it is said absolutely, I desired mercy, and not sacrifice , it is meant comparatively, I desired mercy more than sacrifice, as it is explained in the following clause.
The covenant of my peace that covenant whereby I have made peace and friendship with thee, and have promised unto thee all manner of happiness, which frequently comes under the name of peace in Scripture. The sense of the place is, that God will not cast off his Christian church, as he did cast off the church of the Jews; and that the new covenant is established upon better and surer promises than the old, as is observed, Heb 8:6,7 , &c., and elsewhere.
That hath mercy on thee who doth thus with thee not for thine own merits, but merely for his own grace and mercy.
Haydock: Isa 54:1 - -- Bulwarks. Hebrew, windows of crystal; (Ezechiel xxvii. 1[].; Calmet) Protestants, "of agate." (Haydock) ---
All this is allegorical, like the rede...
Bulwarks. Hebrew, windows of crystal; (Ezechiel xxvii. 1[].; Calmet) Protestants, "of agate." (Haydock) ---
All this is allegorical, like the redemption of the new Jerusalem, Apocalypse. xxi.

Haydock: Isa 54:1 - -- Barren Jews in captivity, or Church of the Gentiles, to which alone the expressions can be applied. (Calmet) ---
The Gentiles were before unfruitfu...
Barren Jews in captivity, or Church of the Gentiles, to which alone the expressions can be applied. (Calmet) ---
The Gentiles were before unfruitful, as the Jews will be till towards the latter times. (Worthington)

Haydock: Isa 54:2 - -- Stakes, to receive so great a family. All the Israelites did not return, and it does not appear that many embraced their religion, as they have done...
Stakes, to receive so great a family. All the Israelites did not return, and it does not appear that many embraced their religion, as they have done that of Christ.

Haydock: Isa 54:3 - -- Left. To the north and south. Jerusalem increased. But what was it compared with the Christians establishment!
Left. To the north and south. Jerusalem increased. But what was it compared with the Christians establishment!

Widowhood. Thy former excesses shall be forgotten. (Calmet)

Haydock: Isa 54:5 - -- Thee. Hebrew, " Bohalaic (Haydock) shall be your Baalim," or husband, who was styled Lord, 1 Peter iii. 6. Perhaps he may allude to the two wi...
Thee. Hebrew, " Bohalaic (Haydock) shall be your Baalim," or husband, who was styled Lord, 1 Peter iii. 6. Perhaps he may allude to the two wives, the synagogues and the Church, or to the idols, which should be adored no more.

Haydock: Isa 54:6 - -- Youth. This enhances her fault. God is pleased to overlook it, in the captives (chap. l. 1.) and Gentiles.
Youth. This enhances her fault. God is pleased to overlook it, in the captives (chap. l. 1.) and Gentiles.

Haydock: Isa 54:9 - -- Earth. Giving him the rainbow for a sign. My covenant with the Church is equally irrevocable: she is founded on a rock, Matthew xvi. 18. (Calmet) ...
Earth. Giving him the rainbow for a sign. My covenant with the Church is equally irrevocable: she is founded on a rock, Matthew xvi. 18. (Calmet) ---
Christ will no more abandon her than he will drown the world. Some mountains shall be moved out of their place, but she shall not. (Worthington)
Gill: Isa 54:1 - -- Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear,.... The Targum interprets this of Jerusalem, paraphrasing the words thus,
"sing praise, O Jerusalem, whic...
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear,.... The Targum interprets this of Jerusalem, paraphrasing the words thus,
"sing praise, O Jerusalem, which was as a barren woman that bears not;''
and so the apostle applies the words of the text to the Jerusalem above, the mother of us all, the then present Gospel church, Gal 4:26, which, at the first setting of it up, in the times of Christ, during his life and at the time of his death, and before the day of Pentecost, was like a barren woman; the number of converts were very small; few believed the report of the Gospel, professed Christ, and submitted to his ordinances; the names of the disciples were but a hundred and twenty. Though some understand this of the Jewish church, under the Old Testament dispensation, whose members were not many, and whose proselytes from the Gentiles were but few; and others of the Gentile world, before the coming of Christ, and the preaching of the Gospel in it; but the former sense is to be preferred, having the suffrage of the apostle:
break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child; among whom there were few instances of conversion, scarce any begotten and born again of incorruptible seed by the word of God, and no signs thereof; but now it being otherwise, and multitudes being converted both in Judea and in the Gentile world, the church and its members are called upon to express their joy aloud in songs of praise, setting forth the glory of efficacious grace, in the regeneration of men; for as this is matter of joy to the angels of heaven, so to the saints on earth:
for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord; more souls were born again, and added to the church after the death of Christ, when she was in a desolate condition, like a woman deprived of her husband, and in a widowhood state, then there were while Christ was here on earth, personally present with his people, and preaching the Gospel himself unto men; three thousand were converted under one sermon, and great numbers afterwards were added, so that the church at Jerusalem was in a much more flourishing condition after the death of Christ than before; more fruitful when it was become like a widow than when the bridegroom was with her; and the church of Christ still increased yet more and more afterwards, as the following verses predict. The Targum is,
"more shall be the children of Jerusalem than the children of the habitable city.''
The edition of it, in the king of Spain's Bible, has it,
"than the children of Rome;''
and so it is quoted by R. Elias h, and by Buxtorf i. The Jews understand this prophecy of their deliverance from their present condition by the Messiah; and of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the prosperity of it.

Gill: Isa 54:2 - -- Enlarge the place of thy tent,.... To which the church is compared, because of its uncertain and movable condition, being sometimes in one place, and ...
Enlarge the place of thy tent,.... To which the church is compared, because of its uncertain and movable condition, being sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another; and because of its outward meanness and weakness, as well as its small extent; but now it is signified that it should be enlarged, and room be made for an accession of in habitants to it; or, in other words, that the Gospel church state should not be confined to Jerusalem, but should take place in other parts of Judea, and in Galilee, and in Samaria; hence we read of churches in those places, Act 9:31,
and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation; alluding to the curtains of which tents or tabernacles were made, which used to be stretched out on poles or stakes, in order to make more room, and hold more people. This may respect the spreading of the Gospel by the apostles, who may be here meant, and the success of it, especially among the Gentiles; who may be said to stretch out the curtains of the tent, the church, when, according to their commission, they went and preached the Gospel to every creature. First they travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching to the Jews only; but when they wholly rejected the Gospel, they turned to the Gentiles, and went everywhere preaching the word, Act 11:19, and their ministry was blessed to the conversion of multitudes, and Gospel churches were set up in all parts of the world. The Apostle Paul was an eminent instrument of stretching these curtains, who went from Jerusalem, round about to Illyricum, fully preaching the Gospel of Christ, Rom 15:19,
spare not: any cost or pains, to spread the Gospel, enlarge the interest of Christ, and increase his church and people; as did not the apostles of Christ, who may be supposed to be the persons here addressed:
lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; the curtains being stretched out, it was necessary the cords, to which they were fastened, should be lengthened, that they might reach further, and take in a greater compass; and the wider the tent is made by such means, the stronger should be the staves, and the more surely should they be drove and fixed in the earth, to hold the cords with the curtains bound unto them; all which express the enlargement of the church in the Gentile world, by means of the Gospel ministry and discipline. The Targum is,
"multiply the people of thy camp, and strengthen the governors.''

Gill: Isa 54:3 - -- For thou shall break forth on the right hand and on the left,.... To the south, and to the north, as the Targum, like an inundation of water, that bre...
For thou shall break forth on the right hand and on the left,.... To the south, and to the north, as the Targum, like an inundation of water, that breaks through and overflows the banks of the river, and spreads itself in the adjacent countries; or like a warehouse overstocked with goods, bursts the walls in which they are pent up; or rather as infants break forth from the womb at the time of birth, as Pharez did, from whence he had his name, Gen 38:29 see Hos 13:13, or as, when a country is become exceeding numerous, the inhabitants break out, and go forth beyond their borders, and seek new settlements, the place of their abode being too small for them; so it shall be in the latter day, through the vast number of converts that will be made; see Isa 49:19,
and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles; where formerly only Heathens lived, there the Gospel of Christ shall be carried by his apostles and other ministers; and being succeeded to the conversion of many souls, through the power of divine grace accompanying it, a spiritual seed, the seed of the church, shall take place, and dwell there; this was true in the first ages of Christianity, more especially in Constantine's time; and will be more fully accomplished in the latter day, when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought in:
and make the desolate cities to be inhabited: such cities as were destitute of the knowledge of Christ and his salvation, and of all divine and spiritual things, shall now be inhabited by spiritual men, such as believe in Christ, and profess his name; such cities as Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, Thessalonica, and many others.

Gill: Isa 54:4 - -- Fear not,.... The fulfilment of these things; however unlikely and unpromising they might seem, yet God was able to perform them; and therefore way sh...
Fear not,.... The fulfilment of these things; however unlikely and unpromising they might seem, yet God was able to perform them; and therefore way should not be given to a fearful, distrustful, and unbelieving heart:
for thou shall not be ashamed; as men are, when disappointed of what they have been hoping for and expecting; but so it should not be with the church, she should not be ashamed of her hope, faith, and confidence; for there would be a performance of all that the Lord had spoken: nor should she be ashamed of her barrenness, which should cease; and of the fewness of her children or converts, which would be many; and of the straitness of the place of her tent or habitation, which would now be enlarged:
neither be thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame; other words made use of to express the same thing, and for the further confirmation of it, that she needed not, and that she should not be put to the blush, or to shame and confusion, on the above accounts:
for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth; by which may be meant either the small number of converts at the first preaching of the Gospel; or more especially that there were so few of the wise and learned, the rich and noble, that embraced it, with which the first Christians were greatly upbraided; or those persecutions which attended them the three first centuries, which, being now at an end, shall be forgotten:
and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more; which signifies much the same as before, the seeming desolate estate of the church upon the death of Christ; when she seemed to be deprived of her husband, and forsaken by him, and left as a widow, and without children, barren and unfruitful; which was reckoned reproachful with the Jews, Luk 1:25.

Gill: Isa 54:5 - -- For thy Maker is thine Husband,.... That is, Christ, the Husband of the church, and of every true believer; who secretly betrothed them to himself in...
For thy Maker is thine Husband,.... That is, Christ, the Husband of the church, and of every true believer; who secretly betrothed them to himself in eternity, having asked him of his father; and, being given to him, openly espouses them in conversion, one by one, as a chaste virgin; which he will do more publicly in a body at the last day, when the marriage of the Lamb will be come, when he will appear as the bridegroom of his people; and to which character he acts up, by loving them with a love of complacency and delight, most affectionately and constantly; by sympathizing with them in all their troubles; by nourishing and cherishing them as his own flesh, and interesting them in all he is and has. It is, in the Hebrew text k "thy Makers, thy Husbands", Father, Son, and Spirit; though the relation of a husband is more peculiar to Christ; and the words are a reason of the church's fruitfulness, and why she need not fear the performance of what was promised her; and which is wonderful and amazing; he who stands in such a near and endearing relation to his church and people, is the "Maker" of all things, yea, their Maker, both as creatures, and as new creatures:
the Lord of hosts is his name; of armies above and below, in heaven, and in earth; how great therefore must this their Husband be! to what honour and dignity are they advanced! how safe must they be under his protection! nor need they fear any enemy:
thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; he who is the church's Husband is her Redeemer; and who so fit as he to redeem her from sin, Satan, and the law, and every enemy; who is of the same nature with her, so dearly loves her, and so able to save her? for which he is also abundantly qualified, being holy in both his natures, in his person and offices, in his birth, life, and death; for this seems greatly to respect him as man, as he was a descendant of the Israelitish nation, and of the seed of Abraham:
the God of the whole earth shall he be called: not of Israel only, but of all the nations of the world, of the Gentiles as well as of the Jews; the earth was made by him; the world and all that are in it are his: he is the Governor among the nations; and in the latter day will appear to be the King over all the earth, and will be owned as such; so great and illustrious a Person is the church's Husband. These words are applied by the Jews to the times of the Messiah l.

Gill: Isa 54:6 - -- For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,.... That has lost her husband by death, is solitary upon it, is like one fors...
For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,.... That has lost her husband by death, is solitary upon it, is like one forsaken, and mourns for the loss of him; or is forsaken by a living husband, rejected by him, having a bill of divorce from him, and so she grieves at his unkindness to her, and the reproach cast upon her; as such an one was the church when it was first constituted, when the members of which it consisted were called out of the world by the grace of God, and formed into a church state; almost as soon as ever they were thus embodied together, Christ was taken from them by death, and they were left alone, and filled with grief and trouble: the apostles and first preachers of the Gospel were persecuted from place to place, and all of them lost their lives for the cause in which they were engaged; and the church endured grievous persecutions during the three first centuries, when she seemed to be forsaken of God, and was greatly oppressed and grieved in spirit. Some understand this of the Gentiles, and of their state and condition when called, as described in Eph 2:10, but rather it may be interpreted of the Jews, now cut off and forsaken; and who, when they come to be sensible of their case, will be grieved and mourn, even when they shall be called and converted in the latter day; but I think the first sense is best:
and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God; or, "and as a wife of youth m"; whom a man marries in his youth, and she a young woman herself, which makes it the more grievous to be despised, refused, and forsaken, or to seem to be so. The words may be rendered thus, "and", or "but, a wife of youth thou art, though thou wast despised" n, or "refused, saith thy God"; that is, though thou hast been seemingly despised and cast off, my providential dispensations towards thee may be so interpreted by thyself and others; yet I am thy God, thy Maker, Redeemer, and Husband, and thou art as dear to me as the wife of a man's youth, for whom he has the most passionate love; and which agrees with what follows.

Gill: Isa 54:7 - -- For a small moment have I forsaken thee,.... The people of God seem to be forsaken by him when he hides his face from them, as it is afterwards explai...
For a small moment have I forsaken thee,.... The people of God seem to be forsaken by him when he hides his face from them, as it is afterwards explained; when they are in distress, and he does not immediately appear for them; when they are afflicted in body and mind, though these afflictions are but for a moment; nor are they really forsaken, not as to things temporal or spiritual; God never forsakes the work of his own hands, nor his people, at least for ever, or so as that they shall perish. Some interpret this of the seventy years' captivity of the Jews in Babylon, which was but a very short time; others of the times of ignorance in the Gentile world before the coming of Christ, which God winked at, when he overlooked them, and took no notice of them; but I choose to understand it of the time and state of the Christian church, during the ten persecutions of Rome Pagan, when it seemed to be forsaken of God, and to be triumphed over by her enemies:
but with great mercies will I gather thee; they had been scattered about by persecution, but now should be gathered together in bodies, and have their public assemblies, and worship God openly, none making them afraid; which was fulfilled in Constantine's time, when Paganism was abolished, and Christianity established throughout the Roman empire; when public places for Christian worship were opened everywhere, the Gospel was freely preached, and multitudes were gathered by effectual calling, and brought into the Gospel church, which was now in a very flourishing condition; for this is not to be understood of the gathering of the captive Jews from Babylon, nor of the calling of the Gentiles by the ministry of the apostles, nor of the restoration and conversion of the Jews in the latter day, though this is more eligible than the former, and much less of the gathering of the saints at the last day.

Gill: Isa 54:8 - -- In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment,.... This signifies much the same as before, when God hides his face from his people, withdraws...
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment,.... This signifies much the same as before, when God hides his face from his people, withdraws his gracious presence, and does not grant the discoveries of his love; or they are under the frowns of his providence, and have not the smiles of his face and the light of his countenance as formerly, then they think they are forsaken by him; though all this is but for a moment, a small period of time; and though it seems to be in "wrath", it is but "little wrath"; and this wrath is no other than the displeasure of a loving and tender hearted father. The Syriac version renders it, "great wrath"; and so Schultens o thinks the word signifies "overflowing wrath" p, and the vehemency of it; to which agrees R. Menachem q, who interprets it, "the heat of wrath"; so the Lord's suffering such a scene of bloody persecutions to attend his church in the first ages of Christianity might seem to be:
but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer; all the dealings of God with his people, however dark and dismal they be, whatever appearances there are in them of wrath and displeasure, they are all agreeable to, and do not contradict, his everlasting love; and sooner or later he will make it manifest, he has mercy in store for his people, which he does and will exercise towards them; this mercy flows from his love and kindness to them, which kindness is everlasting, and continues in and through all states and conditions into which they come; the consideration of which is very comfortable and encouraging, and of which they may be assured from the relation the Lord stands in to them as their Redeemer; for, having redeemed them at the expense of his blood, he will effectually gather them by grace in calling, and will never lose them, or suffer them to perish here or hereafter.

Gill: Isa 54:9 - -- For this is as the waters of Noah unto me,.... Some copies, as Kimchi and Ben Melech observe, read these two words, כי מי, as one, thus, כימי,...
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me,.... Some copies, as Kimchi and Ben Melech observe, read these two words,
for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; he gave his word for it, which is as firm as his oath; he made a covenant with Noah, and confirmed it by a rainbow, that the waters should no more go over the earth as they had, and that the world should be no more destroyed by a flood, Gen 9:9,
so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee; for though the Lord's people are by nature children of wrath, as others, he has not appointed them to it, nor will he suffer it to fall upon them, but saves them from it through the righteousness of Christ, who has borne it for them; and though he rebukes by his Spirit, by his word and ministers, and by his providences, yet not in wrath, but in love; and of this he has given the strongest assurances; he has not only said it, but swore to it in covenant, Psa 89:3. The Jews r refer this prophecy to the times of the Messiah.

Gill: Isa 54:10 - -- For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,.... As sometimes by earthquakes, and as they will at the last day, when the earth shall be d...
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,.... As sometimes by earthquakes, and as they will at the last day, when the earth shall be dissolved, and all in it, things the most solid, firm, and durable: it may be understood comparatively; sooner shall these depart and be removed than the kindness and covenant of God: it may be interpreted figuratively of revolutions in kingdoms and states, and particularly of the abolition of Paganism in the times of Constantine; and which is expressed in much such language; "the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places", Rev 6:14. Kimchi observes, that mountains and hills may be interpreted of the kings of the nations; with this compare Rev 6:15,
but my kindness shall not depart from thee; the love of God to his people is an everlasting love; it always continues; it never did, nor never will depart, notwithstanding their fall in Adam, their depraved state by nature, their actual sins and transgressions, their many revoltings and backslidings; though the Lord may hide his face from them, and afflict them, still he loves them; whatever departs from them, his kindness shall not; though riches may flee away from them, friends stand aloof off from them, health may be taken away, and life itself, yet the love of God is always the same; and so, whatever providences may attend his church and interest in any period of time, he has the same paternal care for it, and kindness for his people, as ever:
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed; the covenant of grace made with Christ and his people in him from everlasting, so called, because peace is a considerable article of it; even that peace which was upon the heart and thought of God from everlasting; the scheme of which was drawn by him; all things relating to it were settled in this covenant, as that Christ should be the Maker of it, and that it should be made by his blood; besides, peace includes all the blessings of grace which that covenant is stored with; and the covenant is the spring and source of all peace, spiritual and eternal: moreover, as this refers to Gospel times, the new covenant is here meant, and the publication of it, in which the Gospel of peace, or peace by Jesus Christ, is preached unto men; to which may be added, that one part, at least, of the sense of the passage, may be, that notwithstanding all the troubles and exercises the church of Christ should meet with from Rome Pagan or Papal, yet the promise and covenant of God, that it should enjoy peace and prosperity in the latter day, should never be made void, but should have its sure and certain accomplishment:
saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee; for all springs from the mercy of God, and not the merits of men; and therefore the fulfilment of the covenant and promises may be depended upon.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes


NET Notes: Isa 54:4 Another option is to translate, “the disgrace of our widowhood” (so NRSV). However, the following context (vv. 6-7) refers to Zion’s...






Geneva Bible: Isa 54:1 Sing, O ( a ) barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] th...

Geneva Bible: Isa 54:2 ( c ) Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them extend the curtains of thy habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
(...

Geneva Bible: Isa 54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy ( d ) ...

Geneva Bible: Isa 54:5 For thy ( f ) Maker [is] thy husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole ( g ) earth shall...

Geneva Bible: Isa 54:6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a ( h ) wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.
( h ) As a...

Geneva Bible: Isa 54:9 For this [is as] the ( i ) waters of Noah to me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more overflow the earth; so have I sworn that ...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Isa 54:1-17
TSK Synopsis: Isa 54:1-17 - --1 The prophet, for the comfort of the Gentiles, prophesies the amplitude of their church;4 their safety;6 their certain deliverance out of affliction;...
Maclaren -> Isa 54:10
Maclaren: Isa 54:10 - --The Passing And The Permanent
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the...
MHCC -> Isa 54:1-5; Isa 54:6-10
MHCC: Isa 54:1-5 - --Observe the low state of religion in the world, for a long time before Christianity was brought in. But by preaching the gospel, multitudes were conve...

MHCC: Isa 54:6-10 - --As God is slow to anger, so he is swift to show mercy. And how sweet the returns of mercy would be, when God should come and comfort them! He will hav...
Matthew Henry -> Isa 54:1-5; Isa 54:6-10
Matthew Henry: Isa 54:1-5 - -- If we apply this to the state of the Jews after their return out of captivity, it is a prophecy of the increase of their nation after they were sett...

Matthew Henry: Isa 54:6-10 - -- The seasonable succour and relief which God sent to his captives in Babylon, when they had a discharge from their bondage there, are here foretold, ...
Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:1 - --
After the "Servant of God"has expiated the sin of His people by the sacrifice of Himself, and Israel has acknowledged its fault in connection with t...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:2 - --
With this prospect before her, even her dwelling-place would need enlarging. "Enlarge the space of thy tent, and let them stretch out the curtains ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:3 - --
The reason why the tent is to be so large and strong is given in Isa 54:3 : "For thou wilt break forth on the right and on the left; and thy seed w...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:4 - --
The encouraging promise is continued in Isa 54:4 : "Fear not, for thou wilt not be put to shame; and bid defiance to reproach, for thou wilt not bl...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:5 - --
It was no real widowhood, however, but only an apparent one (Jer 51:5), for the husband of Jerusalem was living still, "For thy husband is thy Crea...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:6 - --
And this relation He now renews. "For Jehovah calleth thee as a wife forsaken and burdened with sorrow, and as a wife of youth, when once she is de...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:7-8 - --
Thus does Jehovah's displeasure towards Jerusalem pass quickly away; and all the more intense is the manifestation of love which follows His merely ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:9 - --
The ground of this "everlasting kindness"is given in Isa 54:9 : "For it is now as at the waters of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah shoul...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 54:10 - --
"For the mountains may depart, and the hills may shake; my grace will not depart from thee, and my covenant of peace will not shake, saith Jehovah ...
Constable -> Isa 40:1--55:13; Isa 49:1--55:13; Isa 52:13--54:1; Isa 54:1--55:13; Isa 54:1-17; Isa 54:1-10
Constable: Isa 40:1--55:13 - --IV. Israel's calling in the world chs. 40--55
This part of Isaiah picks up a theme from chapters 1-39 and develo...

Constable: Isa 49:1--55:13 - --B. God's atonement for Israel chs. 49-55
In the previous section (chs. 40-48), Isaiah revealed that God ...

Constable: Isa 52:13--54:1 - --2. Announcement of salvation 52:13-53:12
The second segment of the section in Isaiah dealing wit...

Constable: Isa 54:1--55:13 - --3. Invitation to salvation chs. 54-55
This section of Isaiah's prophecy joyfully announces Yahwe...

Constable: Isa 54:1-17 - --Yahweh's everlasting love ch. 54
The theme of this segment is God's love for His people....
