What does Isaiah 66:7 Mean?

Study Notes

travailed
Isaiah 66:7 ; Isaiah 66:8 .

Now

The "word of the Lord that came to Micah" Micah 4:1 having described the future kingdom Micah 4:1-8 and glanced at the Babylonian captivities Micah 4:9-10 goes forward into the last days to refer to the great battle (see "Armageddon,") Revelation 16:14 , (See Scofield " Revelation 19:17 ") which immediately precedes the setting up of the Messianic kingdom (see "Kingdom (O.T.)," Genesis 1:26 See Scofield " Zechariah 12:8 " also, "Kingdom (N.T.),; Luke 1:31-33 ; 1 Corinthians 15:28 .

Micah 5:1 ; Micah 5:2 forms a parenthesis in which the "word of the Lord" goes back from the time of the great battle (yet future) to the birth and rejection of the King, Messiah-Christ Matthew 27:24 ; Matthew 27:25 ; Matthew 27:37 . This is followed by the statement that He will "give them up until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth" ( Micah 5:3 ). There is a twofold "travail" of Israel:

(1) that which brings forth the "man child" (Christ) Revelation 12:1 ; Revelation 12:2 and

(2) that which, in the last days, brings forth a believing "remnant" out of the still dispersed and unbelieving nation Micah 5:3 ; Jeremiah 30:6-14 ; Micah 4:10 . Both aspects are combined in Isaiah 66. In Micah 5:7 we have the "man-child" (Christ) of Revelation 12:1 ; Revelation 12:2 in Micah 5:8-15 the remnant, established in kingdom blessing. The meaning of Micah 5:3 is that, from the rejection of Christ at His first coming Jehovah will give Israel up till the believing remnant appears; then He stands and feeds in His proper strength as Jehovah ( Micah 5:4 ); He is the defence of His people as in Micah 4:3 ; Micah 4:11-13 and afterward the remnant go as missionaries to Israel and to all the world.; Micah 5:7 ; Micah 5:8 ; Zechariah 8:23 .

Verse Meaning

The subject of this prophecy is Zion ( Isaiah 66:8). Isaiah pictured Zion as a pregnant woman giving birth to a baby, without any pain. She would give birth to a boy before she began experiencing labor pains. This Isaiah , of course, the opposite of what usually happens. This may be a prophecy of Messiah"s appearing (the Rapture) before the Tribulation (the pain), the time of Jacob"s trouble ( Jeremiah 30:7; cf. Genesis 3:16). ^[1] It may also be a prediction of joy and delight coming to Zion in the future. However, in light of the next verse, it seems that the boy is the nation of Israel (cf. Revelation 12:1-2). [source][source]

[source]

"Israel"s return to the land will be so remarkably quick that it will be like a woman giving birth to a son before ( Isaiah 66:7) or as soon as ( Isaiah 66:8) she has any labor ... pains." ^[2] [source]

Context Summary

The prophet forecasts the advent of a new day, when places and rites would be comparatively unimportant compared with the condition of the heart, Isaiah 66:1-4. The opening words were quoted by Stephen, when announcing the substitution of spiritual worship for the effete system which it superseded. See Acts 7:48-49. What is the outward rite to God, when the spirit has fled? It was all one to Him, whether a man killed a lamb in the Temple, or broke a dog's neck on his farm. His chosen home is not in ornate temples but in contrite hearts!

The blessedness of God's people is depicted in glowing words, Isaiah 66:5-14. God will appear, to the joy of His people and the recompense of their foes. Those times will be characterized by great revivals, and souls will be easily born into the heavenly kingdom. The Jew and Gentile will meet like confluent streams in one blessed channel. But, above all, we shall become aware of the mother-side in God's nature. As one whom his mother comforteth, Isaiah 66:13. [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 66

¹  The glorious God will be served in humble sincerity
⁵  He comforts the humble by showing the confusion of their enemies
⁷  With the marvelous growth
¹⁰  And the gracious benefits of the church
¹⁵  God's severe judgments against the wicked
¹⁸  The Gentiles shall have an holy church
²⁴  And see the damnation of the wicked