Isaiah 66:9
“Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.”
Isaiah 66:9 Meaning
In Isaiah 66:9, the verse speaks about God’s promise to bring comfort and joy to His people, even in the midst of tribulation and challenges. It reminds us that God is faithful and that He will not only deliver us from our troubles but also bless us abundantly. This verse assures us that God’s plans will prevail, and His promises will always be fulfilled.
Isaiah 66:9 Commentary and Explanation
Isaiah 66:9 is a powerful verse that offers profound insights into the character of God and His relationship with His people. It speaks to us about God’s faithfulness, His sovereign plan, and the beauty of His redemptive work.
The verse begins by saying, “Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?” This statement reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His divine control over all aspects of creation. Just as a mother cannot begin labor and not bring forth a child, God does not initiate a plan and then abandon it. We see a similar sentiment in Numbers 23:19, which declares, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Here, we are reassured that God’s promises are unwavering and that He will always see them through to completion.
The verse continues, “says the Lord; shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?” This imagery of God as the one who opens and closes the womb underscores His authority over life and the seasons of blessing. In Deuteronomy 7:13, we are reminded that God is the one who blesses and multiplies His people, illustrating His control over fertility and abundance. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing and to recognize His sovereignty in every season of our lives.
The second part of Isaiah 66:9 says, “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her.” This portion of the verse calls us to rejoice and find joy in the well-being of God’s people, particularly Jerusalem, which often symbolizes the spiritual center of God’s kingdom. In Psalm 122:6, we are urged to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and love those places that represent the dwelling place of God on earth. This reminds us of the importance of unity and shared joy within the body of believers.
Furthermore, the verse encourages those who mourn over Jerusalem to join in the celebration. This echoes the principle of Romans 12:15, which calls us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” As a community of faith, we are to support one another through both the highs and lows of life.
Isaiah 66:9 teaches us about God’s unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign control over all things, and the importance of communal rejoicing and mourning within the body of believers. It is a reminder that God’s plans and promises will always come to fruition, and we should find our ultimate joy in His redemptive work.
Also Read: Jeremiah 24 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Isaiah 66:9
Isaiah 66 is a prophetic and poetic book in the Old Testament that focuses on God’s judgment, His plan of redemption, and the restoration of His people. In this particular chapter, Isaiah prophesies about the future restoration of Israel after a period of exile. He describes the judgment that will come upon those who rebel against God, but also the salvation and blessings that await the repentant.
Verse 9 specifically speaks of God’s promise to bring forth joy and comfort to His people, despite the challenges they may face. It serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and His desire to bless His people even in difficult times.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Isaiah 66:9
“Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?”: This question emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about His plans and promises.
“Shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?”: This statement highlights God’s ability to open doors and provide blessings. It conveys the message that He is not limited in any way.
“says your God”: This phrase reminds us that the promises mentioned in the verse are from our personal and loving God, who is faithful to fulfill His Word.
Bible Study on Isaiah 66:9
To dive deeper into understanding this verse, we can explore other passages that reinforce and expand on its message. For example, in Isaiah 43:2, we are assured that even when we pass through the waters and the fire, God will be with us. Psalm 125:1 reminds us that “those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” These verses assure us that while challenges and trials will come, God will see us through and bless us abundantly.
Additionally, we can reflect on the story of Job, where he endured immense suffering but ultimately experienced restoration and double blessings (Job 42:10). This story serves as a reminder that God’s plans not only include deliverance from trials but also an overflow of blessings beyond what we can imagine.
Biblical Translations of Isaiah 66:9
Isaiah 66:9 King James Version (KJV)
“Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.”
Isaiah 66:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
“Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?” says the LORD; “shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?” says your God.”
Isaiah 66:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“Shall I bring to the point of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?” says your God.”
Isaiah 66:9 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birth and then not deliver it?” asks the LORD. “No! I would never keep this nation from being born,” says your God.”
Isaiah 66:9 The Message (MSG)
“Do you think I’d ever forget this day? Sackcloth and ashes aren’t my style. I gave you a full life of everything good. But you never returned the favor.”
Isaiah 66:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
“Will I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD; “or will I who deliver, close the womb?” says your God.”
Final Thoughts
Isaiah 66:9 reminds us that God is sovereign, faithful, and loving. He knows our challenges, and He promises to bring comfort and joy in our lives. Even when we may feel like our prayers are unanswered or our circumstances seem impossible, we can trust in God’s character and His timing. He has a perfect plan for each of us, and He will not only bring us through our trials but also bless us abundantly. Let us hold onto this promise and have faith in our God who always keeps His Word.