In the preceding chapters leading up to this one, we see God’s people cry out to Him in their distress, wondering if He had altogether forsaken them because of their idolatry. They had placed their trust in the pagan idols they carried, but instead of the idols removing the peoples’ burdens, they were carried away with them into captivity – being held captive themselves. (Isaiah 46:1-2). The truth is, God never stopped caring for His people, in spite of their continued disobedience and rebellious hearts towards Him. He comforts their cries by a promise, ensuring they will never be removed from the secure position of being in the palm of each of His hands. They are not forgotten, nor will they ever be forsaken by Him. This sentiment echoes His promise to them in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” Although this was written specifically to the Israelites of old, the book of Isaiah is a prophetic one and the shadows and types it holds reach prophetically through the cross and into the New Testament church. Even when we were enslaved by sin, constantly appeasing the idols of our selfish hearts – God sent His Son Jesus to carry the sin of the word upon Himself so we could be set free from it. His nail scarred hands to this day stand as a beautiful reminder of what was fulfilled for us that day. He has inscribed us on the palms of His hands – His wounds are living proof of His great love for us, and a constant reminder of how His love purchased our forgiveness and redemption so we could be found complete in Him. What a wonderful privilege to be constantly remembered with such love and affection by the One who died for us to be free.