Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֶֽהָרִים֙
For the mountains
H2022
הֶֽהָרִים֙
For the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
2 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יָמ֗וּשׁ
shall depart
H4185
יָמ֗וּשׁ
shall depart
Strong's:
H4185
Word #:
3 of 16
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
וְחַסְדִּ֞י
but my kindness
H2617
וְחַסְדִּ֞י
but my kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
6 of 16
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
מֵאִתֵּ֣ךְ
H853
מֵאִתֵּ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמ֗וּשׁ
shall depart
H4185
יָמ֗וּשׁ
shall depart
Strong's:
H4185
Word #:
9 of 16
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
וּבְרִ֤ית
from thee neither shall the covenant
H1285
וּבְרִ֤ית
from thee neither shall the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
10 of 16
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
שְׁלוֹמִי֙
of my peace
H7965
שְׁלוֹמִי֙
of my peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
11 of 16
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 46:2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.Romans 11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.Malachi 2:5My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.Isaiah 54:8In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.Isaiah 49:10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.2 Samuel 23:5Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Matthew 5:18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Historical Context
Exile shook Israel's confidence in covenant security. God swears that His covenant is more permanent than mountains - even if natural order fails, His promise endures. This 'covenant of peace' finds ultimate expression in new covenant sealed by Christ's blood.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God's covenant love is more permanent than mountains themselves strengthen your assurance?
- What does it mean that God has sworn a 'covenant of peace' that cannot be removed regardless of your circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
The promise that 'the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed' depicts cosmic upheaval, yet 'my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed' establishes that God's love is more stable than creation itself. The oath 'saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee' grounds assurance in divine character. This anticipates eternal security - even if creation dissolves, God's covenant stands.