The promise extends to labor and offspring: "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble." Labor won't be futile (riq—empty/vain), and children won't be born for behalah (sudden terror/calamity). This reverses the curse where labor is toilsome and uncertain (Genesis 3:17-19) and children face premature death or disaster. The reason: "for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them." Being zera berukhei Adonai (seed of the blessed of the LORD) guarantees covenant protection and blessing. The phrase "and their offspring with them" extends blessing generationally—covenant promises encompass descendants. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the covenant of grace extending to believers and their children (Acts 2:39, 1 Corinthians 7:14). While salvation requires individual regeneration, God's covenant mercies typically flow through family lines. Believers' labor has eternal significance (1 Corinthians 15:58), and their children are set apart as holy, recipients of covenant promises and means of grace.
Historical Context
The exile brought the horror of laboring in vain—all efforts destroyed—and children born into captivity or death (Lamentations 2:11-12, 20). Even after return, insecurity persisted. The prophecy looked beyond temporal circumstances to covenant security. The early church experienced fruitful labor (Acts 6:7, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Philippians 2:16) and saw generational blessing as children were included in the covenant (Acts 2:39, 1 Corinthians 7:14). Complete fulfillment awaits the consummated kingdom where all labor produces lasting fruit and all covenant children enjoy perfect security.
Questions for Reflection
How does union with Christ ensure our labor is 'not in vain' (1 Corinthians 15:58)?
What does it mean that believers and their offspring are 'the seed of the blessed of the LORD'?
How should covenant promises to our children shape our parenting and discipleship?
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise extends to labor and offspring: "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble." Labor won't be futile (riq—empty/vain), and children won't be born for behalah (sudden terror/calamity). This reverses the curse where labor is toilsome and uncertain (Genesis 3:17-19) and children face premature death or disaster. The reason: "for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them." Being zera berukhei Adonai (seed of the blessed of the LORD) guarantees covenant protection and blessing. The phrase "and their offspring with them" extends blessing generationally—covenant promises encompass descendants. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the covenant of grace extending to believers and their children (Acts 2:39, 1 Corinthians 7:14). While salvation requires individual regeneration, God's covenant mercies typically flow through family lines. Believers' labor has eternal significance (1 Corinthians 15:58), and their children are set apart as holy, recipients of covenant promises and means of grace.