Isaiah 54:10

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 54:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 54

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, &c.] As sometimes by earthquakes, and as they will at the last day, when the earth shall be dissolved, and all in it, things the most solid, firm, and durable: it may be understood comparatively; sooner shall these depart and be removed than the kindness and covenant of God: it may be interpreted figuratively of revolutions in kingdoms and states, and particularly of the abolition of Paganism in the times of Constantine; and which is expressed in much such language; “the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places”, (<660614>Revelation 6:14). Kimchi observes,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Isa 51:6; Psa 89:33-34; Rom 11:29). covenant of my peace-- (Sa2 23:5). The covenant whereby I have made thee at peace with Me.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the mountains shall depart - (See the notes at Isaiah 51:6). The covenant of my peace - That is, the covenant by which I promise peace and prosperity to thee. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The mountains - Shall sooner depart from their places than any kindness shall depart from thee. The covenant - That covenant whereby I have made peace and friendship with thee, and have promised to thee all manner of happiness. God will not cast off his Christian church, as he cast off the church of the Jews, the New covenant is established upon better and surer promises than the Old. The Lord - Who doth this not for thine own merits, but merely for his own grace and mercy. Isaiah 54:11”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“54:10 God’s faithful love for his people endures despite their unfaithfulness. • God’s covenant of blessing was the assurance of his presence, resulting in wholeness, blessing, and protection. It replaces the shame and disgrace of the Exile (see Ezek 34:25; 37:26).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the mountains: Isa 51:6, Isa 51:7; Psa 46:2; Mat 5:18, Mat 16:18, Mat 24:35; Rom 11:29; Pe2 3:10-13 the covenant: Isa 55:3; Sa2 23:5; Psa 89:33, Psa 89:34; Mal 2:5; Heb 8:6-13, Heb 13:20, Heb 13:21 that hath: Isa 49:10; Eph 2:4, Eph 2:5; Tit 3:5 Isaiah 54:11”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“"For the mountains may depart, and the hills may shake; my grace will not depart from thee, and my covenant of peace will not shake, saith Jehovah who hath compassion on thee." Jehovah's grace and covenant of peace (cf., Num 25:12) stand as firm as the mountains of God ( Psa 36:7), without departing from Jerusalem (מאתּך instead of the usual מאתּך) and without shaking; and they will be fulfilled. This fulfilment will not take place either by force or by enchantment; but the church which is to be glorified must pass through sufferings, until it has attained the form which answers to the glory promised to it on oath. And this will also take place; for the old Jerusalem will come forth as a new…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification