Isaiah 54:8-17

8 I turned away angry for only a moment, but I will show you my love forever." So says the Lord who saves you.
9 "In the time of Noah I promised 1 never again to flood the earth. Now I promise not to be angry with you again; I will not reprimand or punish you.
10 The mountains and hills may crumble, 2 but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." So says the Lord who loves you.
11 The Lord says, 3 "O Jerusalem, you suffering, helpless city, with no one to comfort you, I will rebuild your foundations with precious stones.
12 I will build your towers with rubies, your gates with stones that glow like fire, and the wall around you with jewels.
13 "I myself will teach your people 4 and give them prosperity and peace.
14 Justice and right will make you strong. You will be safe from oppression and terror.
15 Whoever attacks you, does it without my consent; whoever fights against you will fall.
16 "I create the blacksmith, who builds a fire and forges weapons. I also create the soldier, who uses the weapons to kill.
17 But no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory." The Lord has spoken.

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Isaiah 54:8-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 54

As the former chapter is a prophecy of the humiliation and exaltation of Christ, of his sufferings and death, and the glory that should follow; this is a prophecy of that part of his glory which relates to the flourishing estate of his church, as the fruit of his death, and explains and enlarges upon the promise of his having a numerous seed. The prophecy reaches from the death and resurrection of Christ to his second coming; and describes the state of the church during that time, which had been like a barren woman, but now fruitful, which was matter of joy; and would increase, and have yet a more numerous issue, through the conversion and accession of the Gentiles; and therefore is bid not to fear, since she should not bear the shame and reproach of widowhood, Isa 54:1-4, the reason confirming which is, because Christ was her husband, who was her Maker and Redeemer, the God of Israel, and of the whole earth, Isa 54:5, and though she might for some time be under some dark providences, and seem to be forsaken of God, and lie under his displeasure; yet she is assured of the love of God towards her, that it is constant and perpetual; which is illustrated by the oath and covenant of God with Noah, and by its being more immovable than mountains and hills, Isa 54:6-10, and though she would sometimes be in a very afflicted and uncomfortable condition, yet should be raised again to a state of great honour and splendour, of spiritual knowledge, peace, and safety, Isa 54:11-14 and that all her enemies, that gathered together against her, should perish, and all their attempts be unsuccessful, since the Lord was on her side, and would defend her cause, and protect her, Isa 54:15-17.

Cross References 4

  • 1. 54.9Genesis 9.8-17.
  • 2. +254.10Jude 16.15.
  • 3. 54.11, 12Revelation 21.18-21.+O+N+254.11Tobit 13.16, 1_ 7.
  • 4. 54.13John 6.45.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.