Isaiah 54:1-10, part 3

"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 youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. For thy Maker is thine husband; he Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee fro a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:4-8)

Isaiah returns to the "Bride"/"Groom" imagery discussed previously. Israel has been a widow because she failed to keep her covenant with God. "Reproach" reflects disapproval or disappointment the Lord feels due to Israel's conduct. Israel's "widowhood" reflects the consequences of Israel's lack of integrity in honoring her covenant with God and the accompanying rebellion. She is forced to live without God in this world due to covenant disobedience. This condition will shortly change. The Lord will reclaim His bride and restore Israel to her covenant relationship. Although Israel has rebelled and been forsaken for a brief period of time, with "great mercies" the Lord will again gather Israel. The Lord withdrew from Israel for a brief period but with "everlasting kindness He will again have mercy on Israel and gather her from the nations. The Lord will again reclaim His people.