Book of Isaiah - Chapter 66 - Verse 9
Meaning
The verse "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." speaks to the power and sovereignty of God over all aspects of creation, particularly in the realm of life and fertility. In this passage, God is questioning whether he would begin the process of bringing something into existence, such as a baby being born, and then not follow through with allowing it to come to fruition. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and consistency in fulfilling his plans and promises. The imagery of childbirth used in the verse emphasizes the miraculous nature of creation and the intricate care that God provides in bringing new life into the world. It also highlights the contrast between God's ability to open and close the womb, symbolizing his control over life and fertility. Overall, this verse showcases God's divine power and nurturing presence in the process of creation.
Theological Overview
This verse, found in Isaiah 66:9, reflects the sovereignty of God over the process of childbirth. The mention of bringing to the birth and causing to bring forth highlights God's control and involvement in the beginning and ending of life. The rhetorical questions posed by the Lord emphasize the impossibility of Him starting a process and not completing it or allowing it to be closed prematurely. The theological interpretation of this verse points to God as the giver and sustainer of life, working in harmony with the natural order He has created. In a broader sense, it also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and bringing His plans to completion. The word study of 'bring to the birth' and 'bring forth' underscores the idea of God's faithfulness in bringing things to fruition and ensuring that His purposes are achieved. Overall, this verse showcases the intricate relationship between God's sovereignty and His care for His creation, particularly in the miraculous process of birth.