Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 49:13-17

"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for Jehovah hath comforted his people, and will have compassion upon his afflicted. But Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and the 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; thy walls are continually before me. Thy children make haste; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth from thee." — Isaiah 49:13-17 (ASV)

Let there be universal joy, for God will have mercy on the afflicted, because of His compassion; on His afflicted, because of His covenant. We have no more reason to question His promise and grace than we have to question His providence and justice.

Be assured that God has a tender affection for His church and people; He would not have them to be discouraged. Some mothers do neglect their children; but God's compassions for His people infinitely exceed those of the tenderest parents toward their children. His setting them as a mark on His hand, or a seal on His arm, denotes His being ever mindful of them.

As far as we have scriptural evidence that we belong to His ransomed flock, we may be sure that He will never forsake us. Let us then give diligence to make our calling and election sure, and rejoice in the hope and glory of God.