Book of Isaiah - Chapter 42 - Verse 14

The verse "I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once." from the Bible reflects the emotions and actions of God towards a situation that has been building up over time. The verse illustrates a sense of restraint that has been present for a while, but now it is time for action. The comparison to a travailing woman emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the impending action. This verse conveys a message of God's patience and long-suffering, but also highlights the inevitability of judgment and justice. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of continued disobedience and the ultimate power of God to bring about change. As readers explore the meaning of this verse, they are invited to reflect on the importance of timing, patience, and the sovereign power of God in all situations.

In this verse, the speaker expresses a long period of silence and restraint, indicating a time of patience and self-control. The imagery of a travailing woman crying out signifies intense emotion and urgency, emphasizing a time of great upheaval and turmoil. The language of destruction and devouring suggests a swift and overwhelming action, symbolizing a sudden and decisive intervention by the speaker.

The theological interpretation of this verse may be seen as a portrayal of divine patience and restraint coming to an end, leading to a moment of reckoning or judgment. The speaker's transformation from silence to crying out like a travailing woman conveys a shift from quiet observation to active engagement, indicating a turning point or change in approach. This verse may also highlight the tension between mercy and justice, as the speaker's decision to destroy and devour implies a serious response to a situation that has been allowed to persist for too long.

Overall, this verse can be understood as a powerful depiction of a shift from passivity to action, from silence to expression, and from restraint to intervention. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of divine timing and the balance of mercy and judgment within the theological framework of the text.