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Isaiah 49:14
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord (יהוה Yehovah) hath forsaken me, and my Lord (אדני Adonai) hath forgotten me - But a multitude of MSS. and several ancient editions read יהוה Yehovah in both places.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The prophet, looking back at the period of suffering from the standpoint of the deliverance, exclaims from the midst of this train of thought: Isa 49:14 "Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and the Lord hath forgotten me." The period of suffering which forces out this lamentation still continues. What follows, therefore, applies to the church of the present, i.e., of the captivity. Isa 49:15, Isa 49:16 "Does a woman forget her sucking child, so as not to have compassion upon the child of her womb? Even though mothers should forget, I will not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls stand continually before me." In reply to the complaining church, which knows that her home is in Zion-Jerusalem, and which has been kept so long away from her home, Jehovah sets forth His love, which is as inalienable as a mother's love, yea, far greater than even maternal love. On עוּל, the min in mērachēm is equivalent to ὥστε μή, as in Isa 23:1; Isa 24:10; Isa 33:15, etc. גּם, so far as the actual sense is concerned, is equivalent to גּם־כּי (Ewald, 362, b): "granted that such (mothers) should forget, i.e., disown, their love." The picture of Zion (not merely the name, as Isa 49:16 clearly shows) is drawn in the inside of Jehovah's hands, just as men are accustomed to burn or puncture ornamental figures and mementoes upon the hand, the arm, and the forehead, and to colour the punctures with alhenna or indigo (see Tafel, xii., in vol. ii. pp. 33-35 of Lane's Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians). There is the figure of Zion, unapproachable to every creature, as close to Him as He is to Himself, and facing Him amidst all the emotions of His divine life. There has He the walls of Zion constantly before Him (on neged, see at Isa 1:15; Isa 24:23); and even if for a time they are broken down here below, with Him they have an eternal ideal existence, which must be realized again and again in an increasingly glorious form.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Zion--the literal Israel's complaint, as if God had forsaken her in the Babylonian captivity; also in their dispersion previous to their future restoration; thereby God's mercy shall be called forth (Isa 63:15-19; Psa 77:9-10; Psa 102:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Zion said,.... By way of objection, as some think, to the above prophecies of glorious and comfortable times; she being now in a very disconsolate condition, and could not tell how to take it in, how it should thus be, when the case was with her as it was; though I rather think the words should be rendered, "for Zion had said"; and which is mentioned to show the uncomfortable condition she had been in, and to observe the method the Lord took to comfort her, as he before promises. Reference may be had to the Jews in the times of the Babylonish captivity, mentioned under the name of Zion; because, as Kimchi says, that was the chief city of the kingdom of Israel; who, because of the length of their captivity, might think themselves forsaken and forgotten by the Lord: yet, by Zion is meant the church under the Gospel dispensation, the saints that meet at Mount Zion, the hundred and forty and four thousand, with the Lamb there, Heb 12:22, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me: so the church might be tempted to conclude, during the persecutions under Rome Pagan, and the long reign of antichrist not yet at an end, and because of his oppressions and cruelties; and because of the low and declining state of the interest of Christ, as it now is; few being converted by the ministry of the word; great opposition made to the truths of the Gospel with success; the ordinances of it perverted or neglected; the presence of God in them very little enjoyed; great indifference and lukewarmness among professors of religion, and discord and dissensions in churches. And so it is with particular believers, when they do not enjoy the presence of God as formerly, either in private or in public ordinances; have not had a promise for a long time; nor are favoured with the discoveries of the love of God, or with any visit from him; then they are apt to say they are forsaken by the Lord, though they cannot give up their interest in him, and therefore call him "my Lord".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
49:14 Although the prophet announced cause for rejoicing (49:8-13), the exiles continued to ponder the calamity that came upon them when Babylon invaded the land, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the people of Judah into exile where they felt deserted and forgotten.
Isaiah 49:14
The Servant and Light to the Gentiles
13Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break forth in song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones. 14But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Having No Part Dark
By Zac Poonen74550:30GEN 6:8PSA 37:25ISA 49:14MAT 7:11LUK 11:33JHN 16:8PHP 2:19HEB 3:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father, a revelation brought by Jesus. It highlights how unsatisfied Christian lives may stem from not truly knowing God as a Father. The comparison is drawn between human relationships and God's relationship with us, particularly as a compassionate and loving Father. The need to have a deep understanding of God's goodness, faithfulness, and eagerness to bless us is emphasized, along with the significance of seeking God's kingdom above all else and avoiding self-seeking motives.
The Forgiving Nature of God
By David Wilkerson0God's MercyForgivenessPSA 69:15PSA 130:1PSA 130:4ISA 49:14ISA 54:11David Wilkerson emphasizes the forgiving nature of God, illustrating how even in deep despair, like that experienced by David, one can find hope and restoration through God's mercy. He highlights the struggles believers face when overwhelmed by sin and feelings of unworthiness, often leading to anger and apathy towards God. Yet, through intense prayer and remembrance of God's forgiveness, believers can rise from their depths, knowing that God is always ready to forgive and never abandons them. Wilkerson encourages the faithful to trust in God's love and mercy, reinforcing that true fear of the Lord comes from understanding His willingness to forgive.
Wonders Shown to the Dead
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 8:14PSA 42:11PSA 88:10ISA 49:14LAM 3:57EZK 16:6ROM 15:4J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of Heman in Psalms 88, highlighting the deep soul struggles and the rare absence of hope in this particular Psalm. Unlike other Psalms, Heman's cry lacks the usual notes of faith and confidence, revealing a profound darkness and despair. The sermon delves into the paradox of finding hope and faith in the midst of spiritual distress, emphasizing the need for God's miraculous intervention in the soul's deadness and the wonders of His loving-kindness even in the grave of internal corruption. It explores the manifestation of God's faithfulness in times of destruction and forgetfulness, challenging listeners to seek a deeper, heart-transforming experience of God's righteousness and mercy.
Suffering and Consolation
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 23:4ISA 49:14LUK 23:42JHN 8:11JHN 16:332CO 1:5PHP 3:10HEB 11:241PE 4:12Thomas Bradbury preaches about the sufferings of Christ and how they abound in believers, leading to consolation through Christ. He emphasizes that from the time of Adam's sin, trials and tribulations have been part of the journey for God's chosen ones. The sermon delves into the physical, mental, and spiritual sufferings of Christ, highlighting His endurance and sacrifice for the salvation of His people. Bradbury encourages believers to find comfort in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, knowing that their consolation also abounds through Him.
The Lord's People His Portion
By Charles Finney0God's LoveValue of BelieversDEU 32:9ISA 49:14JER 31:3MAL 3:17Charles Finney emphasizes that God's people are His treasured possession, highlighting the profound love and regard God has for them as expressed in Scripture. He explains that God's love is not capricious but based on good reasons, such as their faith, sincerity, and the sacrifices He has made for them. Finney illustrates that God's people are valuable to Him, not only for their steadfastness in trials but also for their potential for growth and holiness. He encourages believers to recognize their worth in God's eyes, which can help combat feelings of guilt and unworthiness. Ultimately, Finney calls for a deeper understanding of God's love, urging both the faithful and the wayward to return to Him, knowing they are cherished as His own.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord (יהוה Yehovah) hath forsaken me, and my Lord (אדני Adonai) hath forgotten me - But a multitude of MSS. and several ancient editions read יהוה Yehovah in both places.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The prophet, looking back at the period of suffering from the standpoint of the deliverance, exclaims from the midst of this train of thought: Isa 49:14 "Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and the Lord hath forgotten me." The period of suffering which forces out this lamentation still continues. What follows, therefore, applies to the church of the present, i.e., of the captivity. Isa 49:15, Isa 49:16 "Does a woman forget her sucking child, so as not to have compassion upon the child of her womb? Even though mothers should forget, I will not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls stand continually before me." In reply to the complaining church, which knows that her home is in Zion-Jerusalem, and which has been kept so long away from her home, Jehovah sets forth His love, which is as inalienable as a mother's love, yea, far greater than even maternal love. On עוּל, the min in mērachēm is equivalent to ὥστε μή, as in Isa 23:1; Isa 24:10; Isa 33:15, etc. גּם, so far as the actual sense is concerned, is equivalent to גּם־כּי (Ewald, 362, b): "granted that such (mothers) should forget, i.e., disown, their love." The picture of Zion (not merely the name, as Isa 49:16 clearly shows) is drawn in the inside of Jehovah's hands, just as men are accustomed to burn or puncture ornamental figures and mementoes upon the hand, the arm, and the forehead, and to colour the punctures with alhenna or indigo (see Tafel, xii., in vol. ii. pp. 33-35 of Lane's Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians). There is the figure of Zion, unapproachable to every creature, as close to Him as He is to Himself, and facing Him amidst all the emotions of His divine life. There has He the walls of Zion constantly before Him (on neged, see at Isa 1:15; Isa 24:23); and even if for a time they are broken down here below, with Him they have an eternal ideal existence, which must be realized again and again in an increasingly glorious form.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Zion--the literal Israel's complaint, as if God had forsaken her in the Babylonian captivity; also in their dispersion previous to their future restoration; thereby God's mercy shall be called forth (Isa 63:15-19; Psa 77:9-10; Psa 102:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Zion said,.... By way of objection, as some think, to the above prophecies of glorious and comfortable times; she being now in a very disconsolate condition, and could not tell how to take it in, how it should thus be, when the case was with her as it was; though I rather think the words should be rendered, "for Zion had said"; and which is mentioned to show the uncomfortable condition she had been in, and to observe the method the Lord took to comfort her, as he before promises. Reference may be had to the Jews in the times of the Babylonish captivity, mentioned under the name of Zion; because, as Kimchi says, that was the chief city of the kingdom of Israel; who, because of the length of their captivity, might think themselves forsaken and forgotten by the Lord: yet, by Zion is meant the church under the Gospel dispensation, the saints that meet at Mount Zion, the hundred and forty and four thousand, with the Lamb there, Heb 12:22, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me: so the church might be tempted to conclude, during the persecutions under Rome Pagan, and the long reign of antichrist not yet at an end, and because of his oppressions and cruelties; and because of the low and declining state of the interest of Christ, as it now is; few being converted by the ministry of the word; great opposition made to the truths of the Gospel with success; the ordinances of it perverted or neglected; the presence of God in them very little enjoyed; great indifference and lukewarmness among professors of religion, and discord and dissensions in churches. And so it is with particular believers, when they do not enjoy the presence of God as formerly, either in private or in public ordinances; have not had a promise for a long time; nor are favoured with the discoveries of the love of God, or with any visit from him; then they are apt to say they are forsaken by the Lord, though they cannot give up their interest in him, and therefore call him "my Lord".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
49:14 Although the prophet announced cause for rejoicing (49:8-13), the exiles continued to ponder the calamity that came upon them when Babylon invaded the land, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the people of Judah into exile where they felt deserted and forgotten.