Isaiah 49:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For their transgressions, they were severed from fellowship with Him; yet, a remnant was preserved, ensuring that not all of Israel was cut off. Nonetheless, the number saved was indeed small compared to the vast crowd of unbelievers. It is fitting, then, that Zion is depicted as the face of the mourning mother of the Jews, expressing sorrow for being overlooked by the Almighty. She lamented her scant offspring, proclaiming, The Lord has abandoned me, and the Lord has forgotten me. How does God respond? He demonstrates His boundless love for humanity and assures the spiritual Zion of His mercy, promising that He will never forget His creations. Just as a mother cannot forget her children due to the natural law instilled within her compassionate heart, so too will I not forget My children, says He. The love of God, undoubtedly surpassing that of even the most tender mothers, renders it unnatural for Him to forget, while it may be possible for them. Therefore, even though the cry of forsakenness may arise from earthly Zion, or from the mother of the Jews who has undergone despair and fruitlessness, the promise is directed toward the spiritual Zion, to which, as the wise Paul indicates, those who have believed have approached (Hebrews 12:22), that you may come. This understanding relates to the Church constituted of both Gentiles and Jews, reflecting the heavenly Church of which Paul also writes, stating, But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all (Galatians 4:26). She is the city of the living God, the nurturer of the firstborn, and the mother of the saints inscribed in heaven whom Christ will never forget; for He loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25), presenting her to Himself (Ephesians 5:27), uniting two peoples into one new humanity, reconciling both to the Father in one body (Ephesians 2:15, 16). How could He forget His own body, the Church, of which He is the head (Ephesians 5:29, 23)?

Secondly, Zion refers to the assembly of the faithful, who are grounded in the peace of the Lord and elevated by virtues. This assembly is aptly named Zion, of which it is declared, "Its foundations are in the mountains of the saints; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob" (Psalm 86:1). The love of the Lord does not rest upon the unfounded ruins of the earthly Zion we see today, for what is cherished by the Lord cannot be laid waste.

Thirdly, Jerusalem signifies the hosts of angels, the dignities, and all those dedicated to the service of God. The apostle acknowledges this when he states, "but the highest Jerusalem of liberty is, which is the mother of us all" (Gal. 4:26). Furthermore, it is written, "but ye come unto the mount of Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Jerusalem of heaven" (Heb. 12:22).

Lastly, some Jews and Judaizers, interpreting John’s Revelation without full understanding, envision a Jerusalem constructed of gold and precious stones (Rev. 21) by the celestial beings, with its vast and immeasurable boundaries also detailed at the conclusion of Ezekiel. Given this understanding, it is essential to carefully evaluate which of the four Zions utters, "The Lord hath forsaken me, and the Lord hath forgotten me." It becomes evident that this statement belongs to the assembly of the faithful that once existed among the Jews, and now, having been abandoned by God, mournfully laments its forsakenness and the absence of the Lord's assistance.