Isaiah 66:9-11

The Voice

⁹    Will I open the womb and not deliver?
        I have made this place labor in terrible pain,
    But do you think I won’t help it give birth?
        That is what I, the Eternal One have to say.

The prophet reflects on the mystery of birth. Jerusalem, the mother, is about to give birth to a new nation. God, the midwife, is there to make sure the birth goes well. Throughout Isaiah’s prophecy it is clear that God has initiated all the things that have happened to Israel and Judah. The destruction of Jerusalem and her glorious temple, the decades of exile in a foreign land, and now the return and restoration of Jerusalem are God’s work, pure and simple. Now all of these events and judgments point to a single moment when Jerusalem will resume its place as God’s chosen city and will open its gates to believing pilgrims. The prophet asks: will God prevent this new birth from happening? After having brought His people this far, it is unthinkable that God would turn back now.

¹⁰Eternal One: So be happy for Jerusalem;
        give her hearty congratulations, whoever holds her dear.
    Take part in this joyous celebration, especially if you remember her grief.
¹¹    For you are her children, and she is giving you the milk of comfort and peace.
        Drink at her comforting breasts with satisfaction that all will be well.