16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
16 Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem's walls in ruins.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 49:16
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.