Isaiah 54:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The marital metaphor for God-Israel relationship appears frequently in prophetic literature (Hosea, Jeremiah 2-3, Ezekiel 16, 23). Ancient Near Eastern treaties sometimes used marriage language for covenant relationships. Israel's exile seemed to terminate this relationship—God appeared to divorce His people for adultery (idolatry).
Yet Isaiah promises remarriage, demonstrating covenant faithfulness. The "wife of youth" recalls Sinai covenant establishment, Israel's "marriage" to Yahweh after Egypt's exodus. Despite subsequent unfaithfulness leading to exile, God promises restoration. This pattern finds ultimate expression in Christ's relationship with the church—He betroths a bride "not having spot, or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27), transforming former adulterers into pure bride through His sanctifying work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's initiative in calling back the 'forsaken' affect your view of salvation?
- What aspects of your spiritual history involve feeling 'refused' or 'grieved in spirit'?
- How should God's persistent calling despite unfaithfulness shape your confidence in perseverance?
Analysis & Commentary
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. This verse employs marital imagery to describe Israel's relationship with God. The threefold description—"forsaken" ('azuvah, עֲזוּבָה), "grieved in spirit" (va'atzuvat ruach, וַעֲצוּבַת רוּחַ), "refused" (me'usah, מְאוּסָה)—depicts a wife experiencing abandonment and rejection. Yet the opening phrase "the LORD hath called thee" introduces redemptive reversal—God takes back the rejected wife.
"A wife of youth" (eshet ne'urim, אֵשֶׁת נְעוּרִים) emphasizes the relationship's early covenant origins, recalling Israel's initial betrothal to Yahweh (Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 16:8). Though the wife experienced rejection (exile), God now summons her back, demonstrating covenant faithfulness despite her unfaithfulness. The title "thy God" maintains personal relationship even through estrangement.
From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates unconditional election and persevering grace. Israel's restoration doesn't depend on her worthiness but God's covenant commitment. The church, though comprised of former covenant-breakers, is called back through Christ's mediation. Hosea's marriage to Gomer provides parallel imagery (Hosea 1-3)—God loves His people with covenant loyalty despite spiritual adultery. This verse confronts Arminian theology that makes salvation dependent on sustained human faithfulness; instead, God's calling and reclaiming proves His sovereignty in salvation.