Isaiah 49:13

The picture in words suggests that the people’s joy affects all that God has created (see my note on Isaiah 44:23).

The *Lord pities his people

v14 The inhabitants of *Jerusalem had been thinking, ‘The *Lord has left us. The *Lord has forgotten us.’

v15 ‘Certainly not! A mother can never forget the baby at her breast. She will not forget her love for the child that she has *borne. Even if that were possible, I, your *Lord, will certainly never forget you. v16 See, I have drawn a picture of you on my hands. So the walls of *Jerusalem that enemies ruined are always in my mind. v17 Those who will repair the great damage to *Jerusalem are in a hurry to come to you. Enemies knocked down and completely ruined your city. Those enemies will soon leave you. v18 Open your eyes. Look about you. All the members of your family are returning home. They are entering *Jerusalem together.’ The *Lord said that this would happen. ‘And I make another serious promise to you. As I live,’ says the *Lord, ‘you will proudly display all your sons as if they were precious stones. You will put them on yourself as if you were a bride.’