Isaiah 66:9 - Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to be delivered?” says Yahweh. “Shall I who cause to give birth shut the womb?” says your God.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 66:9

What does "Isaiah 66:9" mean?


Isaiah 66:9 is a rhetorical question used to emphasize God's power and faithfulness. Let's break it down:

"Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to be delivered?” says Yahweh: This part is the core of the statement. God is asking, "Would I initiate the process of childbirth (bring to the birth) and then stop it before the baby is born (not cause to be delivered)?" The implication is a resounding NO. God wouldn't start something and then abandon it unfinished.

"Shall I who cause to give birth shut the womb?” says your God: This reinforces the first question with a parallel statement. It asks, "Would I, the very one who empowers and enables birth, then prevent it from happening (shut the womb)?" Again, the answer is a clear NO.

Therefore, the verse means:

God is declaring that He is fully committed to completing what He starts. He uses the analogy of childbirth to illustrate this point. Just as a woman who begins labor will bring the baby to full term, God will not abandon His plans or His people once He has initiated them.

In the broader context of Isaiah 66, this verse speaks to:

The restoration of Jerusalem and the establishment of God's kingdom: The "birth" likely refers to the restoration of Israel and the ushering in of a new era of blessing and peace. God assures His people that He will see this process through to completion.
God's faithfulness and power: The verse highlights God's ability to fulfill His promises. He is not limited or hindered in His plans.
Comfort and hope for the Israelites: The verse offers comfort and hope to the Israelites who may be facing hardship and uncertainty. God is reminding them that He is in control and will bring His purposes to fruition.

In short, the verse is a powerful affirmation of God's power, faithfulness, and commitment to completing what He starts, ultimately offering hope and assurance to His people.

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