Isaiah 66:11
That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The post-exilic community needed reassurance that restored Jerusalem would provide genuine spiritual satisfaction, not merely physical reconstruction. The promise looked beyond earthly city to the church as mother. Believers find spiritual nourishment in the faith community (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:24-25). The early church experienced this richly—spiritual consolation and abundant life flowing through gathered believers ministering to one another (Acts 4:32-35, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Complete fulfillment comes in the New Jerusalem where the river of life and tree of life provide perpetual nourishment (Revelation 22:1-2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the church function as spiritual mother providing nourishment and comfort?
- What are the 'breasts of consolations' and 'abundance of glory' that the church provides?
- How can we ensure we're being adequately nourished through participation in the church's means of grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The nursing imagery returns with rich meaning: "That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory." The Hebrew yanaq (suck/nurse) and matsah (milk out) describe infants nursing—complete dependence and satisfaction. The "breasts of consolations" (shedei tanchumeiha) provide comfort, and the "abundance of glory" (ziz kevodah) offers delight. Jerusalem/Zion functions as mother providing spiritual nourishment. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the church's role as mother of believers (Galatians 4:26). The church provides the means of grace—Word, sacraments, fellowship—through which believers are spiritually nourished and comforted. God feeds His people through the ministry of His body. The satisfaction and delight emphasize that spiritual nourishment fully satisfies—no deficiency, no lingering hunger. Christ, the bread of life, fully satisfies those who come to Him (John 6:35), and His body the church mediates that satisfaction through gospel ministry.