Definition: Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 4:10. It’s a pretty powerful and hopeful message about God’s plan for someone facing difficult times. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that you – specifically, a woman (we often think of her as a mother or wife) – are to be called upon by God to go out into the wilderness and live a new life in a place where you’re vulnerable. It's about being released from hardship and finding a new beginning. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Be in pain, and labour to bring forth…” – This means to experience difficulty, struggle, and effort. It suggests that life will be challenging for her. “…O daughter of Zion…” - “Zion” refers to God’s presence and the land of Israel (often interpreted as a symbol of God's favor and protection). So, this is addressed to a woman who represents a place of God’s care and blessing. “like a woman in travail…” – This is a very important metaphor. "Travail" means to struggle or be in pain. It suggests that she will face significant challenges and require a lot of effort. “…for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon…” – This is the core of the message. She’s being called to leave her familiar surroundings (the city) and move to a place of vulnerability – Babylon. The word "even" emphasizes that this isn't just about going to Babylon; it's about staying there for a while. “…there shalt thou be delivered…” – This means she will be saved from danger or harm. It’s a promise of protection and safety. “There the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” – This is the key part! God promises to protect her, to rescue her, and to set her free from those who are trying to harm her. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse speaks to a time of great difficulty in someone's life, perhaps involving threats, challenges, or uncertainty. God sees this person and is offering her a chance to find peace, security, and new beginnings through leaving behind the familiar and embracing a place where she can be safe and protected. It’s about trusting in God’s plan for her even when things are tough. It's often interpreted as encouragement during difficult times. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives and offers comfort, protection, and hope amidst challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide some context about the history or meaning of this passage? Offer a similar verse from the same section?