EGW WritingsIsaiah 49
Ellen G. White
Read Isaiah 49 in the BibleIsaiah 49:1-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 52, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 52, 1901, par. 22
“Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. Behold, these shall come from far; and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim. Sing, O heavens, and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” [Isaiah 49:1-16.]Isaiah 49:1-26
This Day With God
Every Member a Missionary, June 19
TDG 179.1
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6.TDG 179.3
See Isaiah 49. I cannot write out this whole chapter. Read it carefully and solemnly. What words are these! “And [He] said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified” (Isaiah 49:3). How many, after they have done their best, under most trying circumstances, suffering for the want of facilities and from dearth of means, are ready to say, in the words of the Scripture, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God” (verse 4).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 45, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 45, 1903, par. 20
Please read the forty-fifth and forty-ninth chapters of Isaiah. The Lord calls upon all to make diligent work for repentance. He calls upon our physicians to see the importance of establishing small sanitariums in connection with our schools. True medical missionary workers, laboring under the direction of God to fulfil His purpose, will do a hundredfold more good than it is possible for food stores or restaurants to do, as they are now conducted. The Lord’s workers in every line are to cherish pure, clean principles free from any taint of selfishness. It is such principles only that are acceptable to God. “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 66, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 66, 1910, par. 2
Let us gird on the armor, and let there be no delay in the Lord’s work because of a lack of means. Our workers are to turn their attention to the cities, and our lay members who have means must remember that upon them rests the responsibility of helping to do this work without delay. Brethren, sisters, reconsecrate yourselves now. For the past twenty years messages have been coming to us as a people, pointing out the need of proclaiming the message throughout the world. By brethren and sisters, will you now do your appointed work, that you may be in harmony with the Lord God and with Christ, His only begotten Son. I beg of our people to resist the temptation that Satan offers them to enter into commercial enterprises and to invest their means in the Lord’s work. This Satan is trying to lead men and women to do. The 48th, 49th, 50th, 51st, and 52nd chapters of Isaiah were presented to me as showing the work that is to be done. Study, study these chapters. Carefully read and study them, and ask the Lord for a willingness to do His bidding.The Kress Collection
The Regions Beyond
KC 123.3
See Isaiah 49. I cannot write out this whole chapter. Read it carefully and solemnly. What words are these, “And he said, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I shall be glorified.” How many after they have done their best under most trying circumstances, suffering for the want of facilities and from dearth of means, are ready to say, in the words of Scripture, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.”KC 124.3
Read verses 13-16. What is the matter with those who claim to believe the truth of the third angel’s message? Why has it lost its power with the very ones whom God has honored for the sake of making it known to all people. Self has interposed; Satan has so wrought upon human agencies, and self has grown to such large proportions that it will not recognize a Thus saith the Lord, through his appointed channels.KC 125.1
“Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, for he shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:1-19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 164, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, par. 7
The chapters we were reading in course were in Isaiah. He read with us, and the very portions of Scripture which specified his sin was read by himself. We thought we would give him every chance to make the application to his own case and this might awaken in him a remorse, but it did not seem to have the least influence. He did that night—after we labored with him a long while and then left him with Brother Rousseau and Brother Prescott—confess his sins of vileness, and the conditions were plainly stated, if he would break away at once, and return to New Zealand, we would furnish him money. But he said positively he would not go to New Zealand.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 132, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26
God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 92, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 92, 1899, par. 12
Mental discipline is required in our schools that the students may understand that Christ, the greatest of all Teachers, is giving them correct lessons. Knowledge is obtained by the practical working out of these lessons. All the efforts of our teachers are to be made to keep one definite object before the students—the outline of God’s expressed will. The books that have been issued by infidels should not find place in our schools. What is God’s covenant with the people He is seeking to save today, in 1899? What are the terms of salvation? What is the education which is of the most value today. We are told in the forty-second, forty-ninth, fifty-first, fifty-second, fifty-fifth, and fifty-eighth chapters of Isaiah, and in the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth chapters of Exodus.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 86, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 86, 1900, par. 19
See Isaiah 49. I cannot write out this whole chapter. Read it carefully and solemnly. What words are these! “And he said, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I shall be glorified.” [Verse 3.] How many, after they have done their best, under most trying circumstances, suffering for the want of facilities and from dearth of means, are ready to say, in the words of the Scripture, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.” [Verse 4.]15LtMs, Lt 86, 1900, par. 22
“And now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, though Israel be not gathered,” (who is Israel? the church members of today) “yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.” [Isaiah 49:5.] The message must go from east to west, and from west to east again. A great shaking up must come. The professed believers in the truth for this time are asleep. They need to awake, and shine anew because the light of truth has not only flashed upon them, but rightly done its work. God will have representatives in every place in all parts of the world.15LtMs, Lt 86, 1900, par. 24
Read verses 13-16. What is the matter with those who claim to believe the truth of the third angel’s message? Why has it lost its power with the very ones whom God has honored for the sake of making it known to all people? Self has interposed; Satan has so wrought upon human agencies, and self has grown to such large proportions that it will not recognized a “Thus saith the Lord,” through His appointed channels.15LtMs, Lt 86, 1900, par. 28
“Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, for he shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:7. The hidden ones have been scattered because of man’s enmity against the law of Jehovah. They have been oppressed by all the powers of the earth. They have been scattered in the dens and caves of the earth through the violence of their adversaries, because they are true and obedient to the laws of Jehovah. But deliverance comes to the people of God. To their enemies God will show himself as a God of just retribution.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 52, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 52, 1900, par. 37
The work of presenting the warning message to our world is a great and solemn work. The world has a right to know why we believe as we do. The camp meetings afford opportunity for giving the information they desire. This work is plainly foretold in Isaiah. See chapters 41, 42, 43, 49, [and] 55-58. This is the work to be done.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 128, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 20
In the forty-ninth chapter of Isaiah is described the way by which Christlike attributes of character may be obtained.16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 25
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.” [Verses 1-26.]Isaiah 49:2-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 27, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, par. 27
“He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me like a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me. And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with God. ... And he said, <Is it> a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation to the ends of the earth.” [Isaiah 49:2-4, 6.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 36—Sacredness of God’s Instrumentalities
7T 191.2
“He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in His quiver hath He hid me; and said unto me, Thou art My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.... It is a light thing that thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:2-6. This is the word of the Lord to all who are in any way connected with His appointed institutions. They are favored of God, for they are brought into channels where the light shines. They are in His special service, and they should not esteem this a light thing. Proportionate to their position of sacred trust should be their sense of responsibility and devotion. Cheap, common talk and trifling behavior should not be tolerated. A sense of the sacredness of the place should be encouraged and cultivated.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Sacredness of God’s Instrumentalities
3TT 179.2
“He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in His quiver hath He hid me; and said unto me, Thou art My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. ... It is a light thing that thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:2-6. This is the word of the Lord to all who are in any way connected with His appointed institutions. They are favored of God, for they are brought into channels where the light shines. They are in His special service, and they should not esteem this a light thing. Proportionate to their position of sacred trust should be their sense of responsibility and devotion. Cheap, common talk and trifling behavior should not be tolerated. A sense of the sacredness of the place should be encouraged and cultivated.Isaiah 49:4
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
HLv 455.2
As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work He longed to do. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.” Isaiah 49:4.Isaiah 49:4-10
Lift Him Up
The Truth Will Conquer, October 13
LHU 300.2
As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world, seemed to do little of the work He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.... Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.” It is to Christ that the promise is given, “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth; ... thus saith the Lord: ... I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them” (Isaiah 49:4, 5, 7-10).The Desire of Ages
Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
DA 678.3
As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world, seemed to do little of the work He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.... Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and My God shall be My strength.” It is to Christ that the promise is given, “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth; ... thus saith the Lord: ... I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:4, 5, 7-10.Isaiah 49:6
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Newborn King, October 14
JNN 303.2
The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy they again saw the star, and were directed to Bethlehem. They had received no such intimation of the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the shepherds. After the long journey they had been disappointed by the indifference of the Jewish leaders, and had left Jerusalem less confident than when they entered the city. At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to protect the newborn King. None of the world’s honored men and women were in attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger. His parents, uneducated peasants, were His only guardians. Could this be He of whom it was written, that He should “raise up the tribes of Jacob,” and “restore the preserved of Israel;” that He should be “a light to the Gentiles,” and for “salvation unto the end of the earth”? (Isaiah 49:6).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 10—Missionary Work at Home and Abroad
8T 57.1
God declares: “I will sow her unto Me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not My people, Thou art My people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” Hosea 2:23. “And He said, It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 6—“We Have Seen His Star”
DA 63.1
The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy they again saw the star, and were directed to Bethlehem. They had received no such intimation of the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the shepherds. After the long journey they had been disappointed by the indifference of the Jewish leaders, and had left Jerusalem less confident than when they entered the city. At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to protect the newborn King. None of the world’s honored men were in attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger. His parents, uneducated peasants, were His only guardians. Could this be He of whom it was written, that He should “raise up the tribes of Jacob,” and “restore the preserved of Israel;” that He should be “a light to the Gentiles,” and for “salvation unto the end of the earth”? Isaiah 49:6.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”
DA 465.1
In the words, “I am the light of the world,” Jesus declared Himself the Messiah. The aged Simeon, in the temple where Christ was now teaching, had spoken of Him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:32. In these words he was applying to Him a prophecy familiar to all Israel. By the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit had declared, “It is too light a thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6, R. V. This prophecy was generally understood as spoken of the Messiah, and when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the Promised One.From Heaven With Love
No Royal Guard
HLv 37.2
At Bethlehem they found no royal guard to protect the newborn King. None of the world’s honored men were in attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger, His parents His only guardians. Could this be He who should “raise up the tribes of Jacob,” be “a light to the Gentiles,” and “salvation unto the end of the earth”? Isaiah 49:6.From Splendor to Shadow
The Captivity Brought “Good News” to Many
SS 197.2
This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation and people. The prophet heard the eternal Father declare: “It is too light a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give You as a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6, RSV; see also Verses 8, 9, 12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 5, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 5, 1895, par. 5
And Peter said to the believers, “The promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” [Acts 2:39.] And the Lord said, “I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; And I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” [Hosea 2:23.] “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.” [Isaiah 49:6.] Something has been done in foreign countries, and something in home missions; but altogether too much territory has been left unworked. The work is too much centralized. The interests in Battle Creek are overgrown, and this means the robbing of other parts of facilities which they should have had.Isaiah 49:6-10
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer
PK 688.4
In the later centuries of Israel’s history prior to the first advent it was generally understood that the coming of the Messiah was referred to in the prophecy, “It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” the prophet had foretold, “and all flesh shall see it together.” Isaiah 49:6; 40:5. It was of this light of men that John the Baptist afterward testified so boldly, when he proclaimed, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” John 1:23.PK 689.1
It was to Christ that the prophetic promise was given: “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth, ... thus saith the Lord, ... I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:7-10.Isaiah 49:6-25
The Review and Herald
June 24, 1915
RH June 24, 1915, par. 2
This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Of the work before Him, the prophet heard the Eternal Father declare: “It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.... In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.” Isaiah 49:6-12.RH June 24, 1915, par. 20
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered.” Isaiah 49:24, 25. “They shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.” Isaiah 42:17.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 31—Hope for the Heathen
PK 373.2
This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Of the work before Him, the prophet heard the eternal Father declare: “It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” “In an acceptable time have I heard Thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped Thee: and I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.” “Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.” Isaiah 49:6, 8, 9, 12.PK 378.1
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?” “Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered.” Isaiah 49:24, 25. “They shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.” Isaiah 42:17.Isaiah 49:7
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 13—Two Worshipers
COL 163.1
“Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, ... Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and He shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:7.Isaiah 49:7-8
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca
1888 945.4
“Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people.” Isaiah 49:7, 8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 98
“Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhoreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people.” Isaiah 49:7, 8.Isaiah 49:7-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 92, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 92, 1891, par. 2
God calls upon you to humble yourselves under His mighty hand and to confess your sins and put them away, and He will lift you up. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Ministers, high and low, you have no time now to complain of your unsuccessful labor. Flee to Jesus, take hold of Him by living faith, lay hold of His strength, and make peace with Him. You have too great a desire for the praise of men. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:6-9.] “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy” (mark the words); “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the Lord, in an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, my highways shall be exalted. Behold, these shall come from afar; and lo, these from the North and the West; and these from the land of Sinim. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion saith, The Lord hath forsaken me, my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” [Isaiah 49:7-16.]Isaiah 49:8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 6b, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 6b, 1893, par. 12
We must not, when fogged, make a venture, and rush some way, when we do not know it is the way of the Lord. We see no light, yet create light in our own finite wisdom and follow human inventions, when the Lord designed that we should look to Him, seek counsel of Him, and at every step inquire of His word and seek Him in prayer for light and knowledge. “Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages.” [Isaiah 49:8.]Isaiah 49:8-9
The Ministry of Healing
“Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give”
MH 107.4
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him thatbringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace;
That bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation;
That saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 49:8, 9, A.R.V.; 52:7.
From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church
TT 9.2
Many and wonderful are the promises in the Scriptures regarding the church. “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” “I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.” “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 56:7; 49:8, 9, l5.Isaiah 49:8-16
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church
AA 11.1
“Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:8-16.Loma Linda Messages
E. G. White to Leading Ministers in California, Dec. 6, 1909 (B. 178, 1909)
LLM 462.4
“Sing, O ye heavens, and be joyful; and break forth unto singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion said, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she may not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:8-16)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 178, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 178, 1909, par. 5
“Sing, O ye heaven, and be joyful; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she may not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.” [Isaiah 49:8-16.]Isaiah 49:8-17
The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters
March 12, 1906
PC 122.5
I was saying with great power: “Isaiah 49:8-17; 52:5.” (See those references). Hear and understand this matter. The time is now short. We must remember that we are not to be conquered by discouragement. No power can conquer Satanic agencies but the power of Him who gave His life to redeem man, dying in the sinner’s place, that all who will may repent and be converted. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of all who repent and believe in Him as their personal Saviour.Isaiah 49:8-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 98, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 98, 1906, par. 6
“Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold; all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.” [Isaiah 49:8-18.]Isaiah 49:10
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Blessed are the meek.”—Matthew 5:5.
MB 17.4
There is no disappointment, no sorrow, no sin, no one who shall say, I am sick; there are no burial trains, no mourning, no death, no partings, no broken hearts; but Jesus is there, peace is there. There “they shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:10.Isaiah 49:13
Radiant Religion
That We May Be Able to Comfort Others, April 19
RRe 111.4
“Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted.” Isaiah 49:13.Isaiah 49:13-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 78, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 11
Awakened at four o’clock a.m., and my heart was lifted in prayer to God that for Christ’s sake He would strengthen me to do all my duty to this conference and camp meeting. Oh how little finite human beings can do at their very best! The hearts of all are in Thy hands, O Lord God of hosts. Thou canst work and none can hinder Thee. Thou alone canst soften and melt the hard heart that it shall repent and turn unto the Lord. “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:13-16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 32, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 32, 1895, par. 10
“Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, she may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” [Isaiah 49:13-16.] “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established. Believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper.” [2 Chronicles 20:20.]Isaiah 49:14-15
Maranatha
The Church Appears About to Fall, July 14
Mar 203.1
But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Isaiah 49:14, 15.Isaiah 49:14-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 23, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 23, 1892, par. 6
Though every individual is a probationer, and every day men are deciding their own future destiny, though this is an awful thought, and you feel intensely over the matter, yet you cannot make those who will not place themselves in the channel of light stand where they may reflect the glory of God. One thing is certain, the names of all the chosen are upon the breastplate of our great High Priest. He says, “I have graven thee on the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] O, He loves us! He loves us! Praise His holy name! He has bound us to His great heart of love. “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died.” But we are not left with Christ in Joseph’s new tomb. “Yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” [Romans 8:33, 34.]7LtMs, Lt 23, 1892, par. 9
We need not utter the mournful lamentation, “The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me” [Isaiah 49:14], for Jesus never forsakes a soul that desires Him. Men separate themselves from Him by their sins and transgressions; but Jesus draws the souls of men that they may behold Him and fall in love with Him. In Christ is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Jesus never asks us to bear more burdens than we have strength to bear. Let us not gather so many burdens upon ourselves that we shall be crushed under them. Let us lay the heavy burdens on One who can carry them.Darkness Before Dawn
The Safeguard of the Christian
DD 43.2
“Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:14-16. The Lord of hosts has said: “He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” Zechariah 2:8.Lift Him Up
The Bread of Life and the Robe of Righteousness, April 3
LHU 107.3
It is possible even for a parent to turn away from his hungry child, but God can never reject the cry of the needy and longing heart. With what wonderful tenderness He has described His love! To those who in days of darkness feel that God is unmindful of them, this is the message from the Father’s heart: “Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:14-16).The Great Controversy
Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble
GC 626.3
“Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:14-16. The Lord of hosts has said: “He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” Zechariah 2:8.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 39—“The Time of Trouble”
GC88 626.2
“Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:14-16.] The Lord of hosts has said, “He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye.” [Zechariah 2:8.]The Ministry of Healing
The Healing Promises
MH 250.4
“Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, andThe Lord hath forgotten me.
Can a woman forget her sucking child,
That she should not have compassion on the son of her
womb?
Yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:14-16, A.R.V.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”—Matthew 7:7.
MB 132.1
If ye, then, being human and evil, “know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” Luke 11:13. The Holy Spirit, the representative of Himself, is the greatest of all gifts. All “good things” are comprised in this. The Creator Himself can give us nothing greater, nothing better. When we beseech the Lord to pity us in our distress, and to guide us by His Holy Spirit, He will never turn away our prayer. It is possible even for a parent to turn away from his hungry child, but God can never reject the cry of the needy and longing heart. With what wonderful tenderness He has described His love! To those who in days of darkness feel that God is unmindful of them, this is the message from the Father’s heart: “Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:14-16.Homeward Bound
Promises and Prayer, May 18
HB 159.2
When we beseech the Lord to pity us in our distress, and to guide us by His Holy Spirit, He will never turn away our prayer. It is possible even for parents to turn away from their hungry child, but God can never reject the cry of the needy and longing heart. With what wonderful tenderness He has described His love! To those who in days of darkness feel that God is unmindful of them, this is the message from the Father’s heart: “Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:14-16.)Isaiah 49:15
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1545—God Uses Imprisonment for His Own Purposes
21MR 220.1
When the apostles of Christ were thrust into prison angels of God came within the prison walls and ministered unto them. Oh, the tenderness, the compassion of God. He says, “Can a woman forget her sucking child? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” [Isaiah 49:15].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 39a, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 39a, 1878, par. 28
God has been true to Brother Bahler, and he should respond to the merciful dealings of God, notwithstanding man has showed so little tenderness and common feeling of humanity. It is Brother Bahler’s privilege to hide in Jesus Christ from the strife of tongues, and to feel that the exhaustless sources of gratitude, contentment, and peace are all open and accessible to him every moment. If he had earthly treasures without limit, he could not be as rich as it is now his privilege to be in the privilege of drinking to the full of the streams of salvation. What has not God done for him in giving him His Son to die for him, and how much more will He not with Him freely give him all things? Why should he be unfaithful to God because man has proved unfaithful to Him? How much stronger than death is the love that binds the mother’s heart to her afflicted child! Yet God declares that even a mother may forget her child, “yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 49:15. No, not a single soul who puts his trust in Him shall be forgotten.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 49, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 49, 1886, par. 6
God reigns, and notwithstanding His majesty, He loves the most helpless, the most suffering ones among His children. God is showing us evidences of His power, and truth will triumph. God will uproot every error in doctrine. Every truth will be immortal. Commit the keeping of your soul to God as unto a faithful Creator. The angels of God are round about you. Have faith in God. Remember Jesus your Redeemer, and see what He endured. When the apostles of Christ were thrust into prison, angels of God came within the prison walls and ministered unto them. Oh, the tenderness, the compassion of God. He says, “Can a woman forget her sucking child? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 35, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 35, 1887, par. 14
Let the eye be fixed on the Son of righteousness. Do not make your dear, loving, heavenly Father a tyrant; but see His tenderness, His pity, His large, broad love, and His great compassion. His love exceeds that of a mother for her child. The mother may forget, yet will not I forget thee, saith the Lord. [Isaiah 49:15.] Oh, my dear, Jesus wants you to trust Him. May His blessing rest upon you in a rich measure, is my earnest prayer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 20, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 15
The Lord Himself declares His character, that Satan has malignantly set in a false light. “And the Lord proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] The heart of God yearns over man. He is ever looking down upon us with the tender solicitude of a parent for his erring child, drawing us by the strong cords of His love, [expressed] in His rich promises. What stronger or more tender language could have been employed than He has chosen to express His love toward us? He declares, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget; yet will I not forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 6, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 6, 1891, par. 9
“Who,” says Paul, “maketh thee to differ?” [1 Corinthians 4:7.] The God of the white man is the God of the black man, and the Lord declares that His love for the least of His children exceeds that of a mother for her beloved child. Look at that mother: the sick child, the one afflicted, the one born a cripple, or with some other physical infirmity—how the mother labors to give him every advantage! The best food, the softest pillow, and the tenderest nursing care for him. The love bestowed upon him is strong and deep—a love such is not given to beauty, talent, or any other natural gift. As soon as a mother sees reason for others to regard her child with aversion or contempt, does she not increase her tenderness, as if to shield him from the world’s rude touch? “Can a mother forget her sucking child? Yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 53, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 53, 1896, par. 9
How strongly and brightly shines the mercy and loving-kindness of God in His dealings toward His heritage. He has said, “My people have forgotten me days without number.” [Jeremiah 2:32.] “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.] All heaven has the deepest interest in our welfare, that Satan shall not control us and conform us to his character. “For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.” [Malachi 4:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 15, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 15, 1897, par. 12
“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” [Isaiah 30:15.] Take this with you throughout the year. The strength of every soul is in God and not in man. Quietness and confidence is to be the strength of all who give their hearts to God. Christ has not a casual interest in us but an interest stronger than a mother for her child. Says the prophet, “Can a woman forget her sucking child? ... yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.] Our Saviour has purchased us by human suffering and sorrow, by insult, reproach, abuse, mockery, rejection, and death. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. He will make you secure under His protection. Through His servant He says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” [Isaiah 26:3.] “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” “They that wait on the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth forever.” [Psalm 27:14; 125:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 22, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 22, 1900, par. 4
Let this sad experience be turned to your present and eternal good. May the Lord be your Helper and Comforter. May you, my brother and sister, have still that courage and faith that works by love and purifies the soul. You loved your children, but God has declared that His love is greater than any human love can possibly be. He represents His love as greater than the love of a mother for her child. “She may forget,” He says, “yet will not I forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.]Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2
Counsel to a Depressed Middle-aged Woman
2MCP 809.2
Let the eye be fixed on the Sun of righteousness. Do not make your dear, loving heavenly Father a tyrant; but see His tenderness, His pity, His large, broad love, and His great compassion. His love exceeds that of a mother for her child. The mother may forget, “yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15), saith the Lord. Jesus wants you to trust Him. May His blessing rest upon you in a rich measure is my earnest prayer.Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
SC 54.2
With the rich promises of the Bible before you, can you give place to doubt? Can you believe that when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake his sins, the Lord sternly withholds him from coming to His feet in repentance? Away with such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul more than to entertain such a conception of our heavenly Father. He hates sin, but He loves the sinner, and He gave Himself in the person of Christ, that all who would might be saved and have eternal blessedness in the kingdom of glory. What stronger or more tender language could have been employed than He has chosen in which to express His love toward us? He declares, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 49:15.The Great Controversy
Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem
GC 32.1
Thousands perished from famine and pestilence. Natural affection seemed to have been destroyed. Husbands robbed their wives, and wives their husbands. Children would be seen snatching the food from the mouths of their aged parents. The question of the prophet, “Can a woman forget her sucking child?” received the answer within the walls of that doomed city: “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.” Isaiah 49:15; Lamentations 4:10. Again was fulfilled the warning prophecy given fourteen centuries before: “The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, ... and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.” Deuteronomy 28:56, 57.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem
GC88 32.1
Thousands perished from famine and pestilence. Natural affection seemed to have been destroyed. Husbands robbed their wives, and wives their husbands. Children would be seen snatching the food from the mouths of their aged parents. The question of the prophet, “Can a woman forget her sucking child?” [Isaiah 49:15.] received the answer within the walls of that doomed city, “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children; they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.” [Lamentations 4:10.] Again was fulfilled the warning prophecy given fourteen centuries before: “The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter; ... and toward her children which she shall bear; for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.” [Deuteronomy 28:56, 57.]The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem
4SP 33.1
Thousands perished from famine and pestilence. Natural affection seemed to have been utterly destroyed. Children would be seen snatching the food from the mouths of their aged parents. The question of the prophet, “Can a woman forget her sucking child?” [Isaiah 49:15.] received the answer within the walls of that doomed city, “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children; they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.” [Lamentations 4:10.]This Day With God
Mother Love, August 9
TDG 230.1
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Isaiah 49:15.TDG 230.4
God loves you. He inquires, “Can a woman forget her sucking child?” (Isaiah 49:15). You have probably heard of the sad story of the mother who, with her husband and child, attempted to cross the Green Mountains in midwinter. Their progress was arrested by night and a storm. The husband went for help and lost his way in the darkness and the drifted snow, and was long in returning. The mother felt the chill of death coming upon her, and she bared her bosom to the freezing blast and the falling snow, that she might give all that remained of her own life to save that of her child. When the morning came, the living babe was found wrapped in the mother’s shawl, vainly striving with smiles and with a babe’s pretty art to arrest the attention of the mother’s fixed and frozen eye, and wondering why she did not awaken from her sleep.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 12, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 12, 1873, par. 6
God loves you. He inquires, “Can a woman forget her sucking child?” [Isaiah 49:15.] You have probably heard of the sad story of the mother who, with her husband and child, attempted to cross the Green Mountains in midwinter. Their progress was arrested by night and a storm. The husband went for help and lost his way in the darkness and the drifted snow, and was long in returning. The mother felt the chill of death coming upon her, and she bared her bosom to the freezing blast and the falling snow, that she might give all that remained of her own life to save that of her child. When the morning came, the living babe was found wrapped in the mother’s shawl, vainly striving with smiles and with a babe’s pretty art to arrest the attention of the mother’s fixed and frozen eye, and wondering why she did not awaken from her sleep.Isaiah 49:15-16
The Faith I Live By
Dear to the Heart of God, October 1
FLB 280.1
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:15, 16.The Youth’s Instructor
August 3, 1887
YI August 3, 1887, par. 4
But though the woman may forget, the Lord assures us he will not. Isaiah 49:15, 16 reads: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on” him? “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 97, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 52
Discouragement and gloom comes upon us, not because the truth is not sufficient for us, but because we do not being it into our hearts and let it have a controlling influence over our lives and actions. Jesus has loved us with a love surpassing that of a mother for her child. The question has been asked, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?” And the answer is given, “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:15, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 198, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 198, 1898, par. 15
What made His disciples rejoice so? They were sure that He would fulfill His promises. They knew that He would not forget them. Isaiah 49:15, 16. Not only is the Lord interested in this world, but the whole universe is absorbed with anxiety and manifests the deepest concern in all our affairs. This disgraceful fall of Adam is to be atoned for here. It is to be proven here that God made no mistake in creating man. Here the Second Adam triumphed over the conqueror of the first Adam. He says, “Satan found nothing in me.” [John 14:30.] No, nothing! In Him was no guile. And by His life we are justified, by His death we are redeemed, and by His resurrection we are raised.Isaiah 49:16
Lift Him Up
The Shepherd Knows Every Sheep, July 8
LHU 203.4
As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16).The Upward Look
Love as Christ Loves, January 17
UL 31.5
Today the One who uttered this prayer is interceding before the Father in behalf of the human beings He has redeemed. He presents them to Jehovah, saying, “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands” (cf. Isaiah 49:16).The Upward Look
Your Redemption Draweth Nigh, December 8
UL 356.6
The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy. All these, He says, “I have graven ... upon the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16). They are held in everlasting, imperishable remembrance. We want faith now, living faith....Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 5, 1883
2SAT 16.4
But he says, “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Oh, my soul, we profess to love the Bible, do we not? Do we plant ourselves upon the Word of God as it is? I was going to tell you a little of what I thought. We want to feel here that we are one family, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. He is pleading for us. He says, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands” (Isaiah 49:16). It is the religion of Christ we want. We want to drink deeper when we are converted men and women.From the Heart
Led by the Spirit, February 13
FH 56.1
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 55, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 55, 1886, par. 19
The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy. All these, He says, “I have graven ... upon the palms of My hands” [Isaiah 49:16]. They are held in everlasting, imperishable remembrance. We want faith now, living faith. We want to have a living testimony that shall cut to the heart of the sinner. There is too much sermonizing and too little ministering. We want the holy unction. We need the spirit and fervor of the truth. Many of the ministers are half paralyzed by their own defects of character. They need the converting power of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 5, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 32
But he says, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12. Oh, my soul, we profess to love the Bible, do we not? Do we plant ourselves upon the Word of God as it is? I was going to tell you a little of what I thought. We want to feel here that we are one family, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. He is pleading for us. He says, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16. It is the religion of Christ we want. We want to drink deeper when we are converted men and women.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 5, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 37
Now we want to be a people who carry with us the joy and gladness and we never can do it unless we carry with us Jesus Christ. If we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous. Then I do not need to be mourning all the days of my life, for Christ has risen. He is not in Joseph’s new tomb, He is with the Father. And how is He there? As a Lamb slain, and He bears in His hands the marks of the crucifixion. “I bear them on the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] O, if this does not fill us with hope and gratitude, what will?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 15, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 15, 1889, par. 12
Where shall we look for help? Upwards, always! Let the testimony not only be repeated but lived every day. “Cease [ye] from man whose breath is in his nostrils” [Isaiah 2:22], and pay to man no homage. Let praise and adoration flow back to God, the living God, and flatter no man, for if you do, God will shatter your idol and show him to you as a broken reed. Upward to God be the soul’s adoration! Upward sits the ruler of the heavens upon His throne, exalted, triumphant, glorified. Honor those alone to whom honor is due. Jesus is our Redeemer. He practiced self-denial, self-sacrifice, and He loves us in our weakness and offers to us His strength. He says, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] He will impart His Holy Spirit in the plentitude of His reviving, and there shall not be room enough to receive it. Nothing but the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring up the church to its right position and prepare the people of God for the fast-approaching conflict.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 63, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 63, 1893, par. 62
He is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones. With upraised hands, He pleads, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] God loves to hear and responds to the pleadings of His Son. Paul writes (Hebrews 4:14, 15, [16]) “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 994—An Appeal to Live the Truth and Share It
12MR 325.1
The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy. All these, He says, “I have graven ... upon the palms of my hands” [Isaiah 49:16]. They are held in everlasting, imperishable remembrance. We want faith now, living faith. We want to have a living testimony that shall cut to the heart of the sinner. There is too much sermonizing and too little ministering. We want the holy unction. We need the spirit and fervor of the truth. Many of the ministers are half paralyzed by their own defects of character. They need the converting power of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 133, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 133, 1894, par. 5
Oh, how gracious is our Lord! “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] There is a promise given that the power that is Omnipotent will be given, even the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. “I will not leave you comfortless.” [John 14:18.] The Holy Spirit is to be given for the asking. Only think of it, He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Then let us rejoice, let us be glad. Let us not look at the hellish work of the powers of darkness until hope and courage shall fail. Jesus lives, and we must let our faith pierce the blackness of darkness of the shadow of Satan and rest in the light, rejoice in the light of the Sun of Righteousness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 10, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 20
Christ in the mount proclaimed the far-reaching principles of the law of God to be carried out in every transaction of life. I worship the true and living God. His hands are over His creative works. Then can you wonder that the devil wants to make void the law of God, the standard of His character? It will be the standard in the judgment when the books shall be opened and every man judged according to the deeds that are done. And the names are written—what does He say?—“Engraven upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] The marks of the crucifixion have engraven them. They are His property, and you are God’s by creation and by redemption. Then we want to know whether you are giving your whole heart to Him, whether you are serving Him with all the power and strength of your intellect, for on these great principles hang all the law and the prophets. The first four commandments define man’s duty to his Maker—supreme love to God; the last six define the duty of man to his fellow man. What do we give to Satan when we concede the point that the law of God needs to be taken away? We give the whole creative universe a defective God, a God that made a law and it was so defective that He had to take it away. That is all Satan wants. Can we afford to be working on any side but that of God?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 89, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 89, 1894, par. 16
The church is not to fold her hands in security, and say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and in need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.] The followers of Christ are not to trust to past experience and fail to go on to perfection. In so doing the church will meet with defeat and ruin. Upon what shall she depend? Wholly and entirely upon God. We are to look upward, the eye of faith is to penetrate the hellish shadow that Satan casts athwart our pathway and reach into the sanctuary above, within the holy of holies, where Christ our advocate is pleading in our behalf. Look unto Jesus. By faith grasp the spirit of His intercessions. He says, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] Ask in faith, and He will pour down upon the thirsty soul the Holy Spirit in its plentitude, in its all reviving power, to teach and to sanctify the receiver. Believe, children, only believe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 21, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 21, 1895, par. 14
Christ died for the sins of the world that we might have an opportunity of showing to the universe loyalty to God and His law. Today He is making an atonement for us before the Father. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Pointing to the palms of His hands, pierced by the fury and prejudice of wicked men, He says of us, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] The Father bows in recognition of the price paid for humanity, and the angels approach the cross of Calvary with reverence. What a sacrifice is this! Who can fathom it! It will take the whole of eternity for man to understand the plan of redemption. It will open to him line upon line, here a little and there a little.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 7, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 26
But the position does not make the man. It is the integrity of character, the spirit of Christ, that makes one thankful, unselfish, without partiality and without hypocrisy—it is this that is of value with God. To those whose life is hid with Christ in God, the Lord says, “Behold, I have graven thee on the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” [Isaiah 49:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 78, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 8
“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Verses 2, 3.] He who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks is conversant with the history and experience of every one who has subscribed His name as receiving and believing in Him. His commendation and reproof are to be highly respected. Of His people He says, “I have graven them upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] He cherishes carefully every act of love and endurance performed by them. God calls for diligence in His service. Be patient; endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross. Those who are in sacred office must control self and endure patiently.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 143, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 55
He is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones. With upraised hands He pleads, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] God loves to hear, and responds to the pleadings of His Son. ...Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 19, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 19, 1901, par. 10
Christ, and Christ alone, knows the value of the souls He has purchased. He declares that He has graven them upon the palms of His hands. [Isaiah 49:16.] The marks of the crucifixion upon the body of the Redeemer speak in behalf of every truly repentant soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 126, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 126, 1902, par. 63
May the petitions of this congregation come up before Thee at this time as a power before Thy throne. We know that our Saviour is presenting His hands before Thee, saying, “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] O God, I plead with Thee, for Christ’s sake, that Thou wilt accept our petitions for these that are going away. They know not what is before them; but they have Thy promise that Thy righteousness shall go before them, and that the glory of the Lord shall be their rearward.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 155, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 45
When Christ ascended to heaven at the close of His earthly ministry, the gates of the city of God were thrown back upon their glittering hinges, and He entered as a conqueror, there to take up in the heavenly sanctuary His ministry in behalf of those for whom He had given His life. The divine-human Son of God is now standing before the Father, pleading our cases and making atonement for our transgressions. Thus He confesses our names before His Father and before the angels. His hands still bear the marks of the crucifixion. He exclaims, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands!” [Isaiah 49:16.] He desires that we shall finally enter the heavenly city as conquerors. Through the grace that He constantly imparts to humanity, he is preparing a people to live with Him throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. And every one who chooses to follow Him may receive this preparation. Let us glorify His name by accepting the salvation so freely offered to us.Our High Calling
An Advocate With the Father, February 12
OHC 49.4
The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God’s right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf.... He is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones. With upraised hands He pleads, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16.27SDA Bible Commentary 7:948.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 143, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 25
Let not the criticized ones become discouraged; for while their brethren are condemning them, Christ is saying of them, “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands. [Isaiah 49:16.] By creation and redemption they are Mine.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 125, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 31
God will acknowledge those workers who are humble and contrite. He will fill them with light and will give them power that will prevail with God and man. Although God is in heaven, He walks in the midst of His churches on this earth. He knows and watches over every one who is trying to do something to save souls. Of these faithful workers He says, “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 44, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 44, 1903, par. 30
There are those who, though professedly serving God, are witnessing against Him. To them the message to the Laodicean church is given. Christ says to them, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.” [Revelation 3:15.] When the avenging angel shall pass through the land, Christ cannot say of them, “Touch them not. I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [See Isaiah 49:16.] No; of these halfhearted ones He says, “I will spew them out of my mouth. They are offensive to me.” [See Revelation 3:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 31, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 31, 1904, par. 6
Today the One who offered this prayer is interceding before the Father in behalf of the beings He has redeemed. He presents them to Jehovah, saying, “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 145, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, par. 55
No matter how great a sinner you have been, if you truly repent of your sins, you will be forgiven, and He will allow you to stand before Him. He presents His wounded hands to the Father, and declares: “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] His pierced hands He presents before His Father as an evidence of His right to ask that men and women shall be overcomers, if they repent. And every one that sincerely repents of his sins will be enabled to overcome.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 32, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 32, 1906, par. 3
Christ declares of His followers, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands!” [Isaiah 49:16.] Let every church member understand that his relationship with Christ is of such a character that his every difficulty is fully known to the Lord. “I know thy works, and thy labor,” Christ declares of those who are ministering in His church. [Revelation 2:2.] He deals in no uncertainties. “I know thy works, and thy labor.” He keeps an account of every day’s labor. He is acquainted with the spirit in which the work is done. Never can He excuse any underhanded work, any dishonesty. Not one thread of deception is to be drawn into the figure of the pattern.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 142, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, par. 51
I ask Thee, Thou precious Saviour, as Thou hast presented to me again and again Thine hands wounded, ever to keep the wounds until all the redeemed are in the kingdom of glory. “I have engraven thee upon the palms of My hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] And there He presents us to the Father. O Jesus, our precious Saviour, the little that we have been willing to suffer for Thee, forgive us. The little that we have been willing to magnify Thy holy name, forgive us, pardon our transgression.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 97, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 12
What an assurance is this! Christ is in heaven working in our behalf. He presents our petitions to the Father, pointing to His wounded hands and pierced side. “I have graven them upon the palms of My hands,” He says. [Isaiah 49:16.] A true belief in the work of the Father and of the Son in our behalf is worth everything to us. It is a pledge of our salvation. The wounded hands, the pierced side of our Lord stand as a revelation of infinite love—love expressed for you and for me.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Saviour-Shepherd, March 19
JNN 87.3
As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the Divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands” (Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16).Jesus, Name Above All Names
Divine Advocate, July 31
JNN 225.1
“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.”—Isaiah 49:16Reflecting Christ
God’s Church to Reflect His Glory, July 1
RC 196.3
Many and wonderful are the promises recorded in the Scriptures regarding the church. “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7). “I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26).... “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (Isaiah 49:16).Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 48—A Work of Purification Needed
2SM 380.3
The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy. All these, He says, “I have graven upon the palms of My hands” (Isaiah 49:16). They are held in everlasting, imperishable remembrance. We want faith now, living faith. We want to have a living testimony that shall cut to the heart of the sinner. There is too much sermonizing and too little ministering. We want the holy unction. We need the spirit and fervor of the truth. Many of the ministers are half paralyzed by their own defects of character. They need the converting power of God.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
Chapter 20—The Publishing Work at College View
9T 189.4
After His resurrection, Christ ascended to heaven, and He is today presenting our needs to the Father. “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands,” He says. Isaiah 49:16. It cost something to engrave them there. It cost untold agony. If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one. But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this.That I May Know Him
“We Shall Be Like Him,” February 24
TMK 61.4
Jesus is more precious to the soul that beholds Him by the eye of faith than is anything else beside, and the believing soul is more precious to Jesus than fine gold of Ophir. Christ looks upon His hands—the marks of the crucifixion are there—and He says, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (Isaiah 49:16). The Christian is walled in by the rich full promises of an infinite God.That I May Know Him
The Lord Is My Helper, October 5
TMK 284.3
O how gracious is our Lord! “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16).... “I will not leave you comfortless” (John 14:18). The Holy Spirit is to be given for the asking. Only think of it, He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Then let us rejoice, let us be glad. Let us not look at the hellish work of the powers of darkness until hope and courage shall fail. Jesus lives, and we must let our faith pierce the blackness ... and rest in the light, rejoice in the light of the Sun of Righteousness.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 52—The Divine Shepherd
DA 479.2
As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16.Isaiah 49:24-25
Prophets and Kings
Section 3—A Preacher of Righteousness
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?” “Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered.” “They shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.” Isaiah 49:24, 25; 42:17.
Temperance
Chapter 5—Help for the Tempted
Te 123.4
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Isaiah 49:24, 25.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 26—At Capernaum
DA 258.6
Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Isaiah 49:24, 25.The Ministry of Healing
“Go, and Sin No More”
MH 93.2
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Isaiah 49:24, 25.What Shall We Teach?
Promises to the Faithful Parent
PH124 10.1
“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Isaiah 49:24, 25.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 26—Busy and Happy Days at Capernaum
HLv 166.3
None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac could utter only the words of Satan, yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are invited by the Saviour, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. “Can ... the captives of a tyrant be rescued? ... I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.” Isaiah 49:24, 25, RSV.Homeward Bound
God Must Have Your Consent, April 8
HB 117.5
All of the human race are free to choose what power they will have to rule over them. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” (Isaiah 27:5.) The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” (Isaiah 49:24, 25.)—The Desire of Ages, 258, 259.Isaiah 49:24-26
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 193, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 193, 1904, par. 7
This scripture is before me: “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, ... and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty one of Jacob.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” [Isaiah 49:24-26; 41:10.]Isaiah 49:25
In Heavenly Places
Children the Objects of God’s Special Care, July 27
HP 215.1
I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25.Maranatha
God’s People Delivered, September 27
Mar 278.1
Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25.My Life Today
Mother’s Prayers, January 17
ML 21.1
For I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25.Our Father Cares
God’s People Delivered, December 22
OFC 368.1
Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25.The Faith I Live By
“I Will Save Thy Children,” September 20
FLB 269.1
But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Isaiah 49:1-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 202, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 202, 1899, par. 1
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea-Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” [Matthew 16:13, 14.] Centuries before, Isaiah had written, “Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far: The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name, and he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” [Isaiah 49:1-3.]14LtMs, Ms 202, 1899, par. 2
Christ came to elevate his people, to make them co-workers with him, that they might be a light to the Gentiles. He sought to draw them to him, working miracles before them, raising the dead, and healing all manner of disease. He presented truth that led them to say, “Never man spake like this man.” [John 7:46.] But they rejected him, and despised his love. His language regarding his labor for Israel was, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. ... Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength. ... Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. Behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.” [Isaiah 49:4, 5, 8-12.]