In 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.
In a brief moment of anger, I turned away from you for a short time; but with love that lasts forever, I will show you mercy, says the LORD who rescues you.
God is saying that His anger toward His people was only temporary, but His loving mercy toward them will last forever.
📚 Historical Context
Isaiah was prophesying to the people of Judah during a time of impending judgment and exile in the 8th century BC, as they faced consequences for their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. In this verse, God describes His temporary withdrawal of favor as a brief expression of wrath, but contrasts it with an eternal promise of mercy and restoration, reflecting the hope of redemption after discipline. This fits into the larger narrative of Isaiah, where God's judgment on Israel is always paired with assurances of His unfailing love and future deliverance.
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