Definition: Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly beautiful and symbolic passage from Isaiah 66:7. It's often interpreted as a prophecy about the arrival of Jesus Christ. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a woman who is experiencing intense suffering – possibly hardship, pain, or distress – but before that suffering arrives, she gives birth to a child. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Before she travailed”: This means before she was in deep sorrow, difficulty, or pain. “Travailed” suggests being burdened, struggling, and perhaps even in a difficult situation. “She brought forth”: This is a metaphorical way of saying she gave birth – figuratively, she birthed something important, a new life, or a significant event. It’s not literally a baby, but it represents the beginning of something new. “Before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.” This is where it gets really profound. "Delivered of a man child" is a very rich and symbolic image. The word "child" here isn't referring to a baby in the literal sense. It represents: A Savior: Jesus Christ, who came to save humanity from sin and death. A New Beginning: He’s the arrival of a new era of God's love and grace for all people. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is saying that God has planned a great event – the arrival of Jesus Christ – before there's any suffering or difficulty in our lives. It’s a promise of hope, that even when we face challenges, God is working behind the scenes to bring about a positive and transformative change. Important Note: This is a complex verse with many possible interpretations. It's often seen as a message of comfort and assurance – that God is always working for our good, even during difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the historical context of Isaiah 66:7? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories or themes?