17 Your children hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you.
17 Thy children shall make haste; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.
17 Your builders make haste;
17 Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good.
17 Your sons shall make haste; Your destroyers and those who laid you waste Shall go away from you.
17 Soon your descendants will come back, and all who are trying to destroy you will go away.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 49:17
Commentary on Isaiah 49:13-17
(Read Isaiah 49:13-17)
Let there be universal joy, for God will have mercy upon the afflicted, because of his compassion; upon his afflicted, because of his covenant. We have no more reason to question his promise and grace, than we have to question his providence and justice. Be assured that God has a tender affection for his church and people; he would not have them to be discouraged. Some mothers do neglect their children; but God's compassions to his people, infinitely exceed those of the tenderest parents toward their children. His setting them as a mark on his hand, or a seal upon his arm, denotes his being ever mindful of them. As far as we have scriptural evidence that we belong to his ransomed flock, we may be sure that he will never forsake us. Let us then give diligence to make our calling and election sure, and rejoice in the hope and glory of God.