Isaiah 66:9
Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The post-exilic community worried that God's restoration promises might fail—they'd begun returning but circumstances remained difficult. God promised certainty: He would complete what He started. This principle appears throughout redemptive history. God completed His promise to Abraham despite impossible circumstances (Romans 4:18-21). He completed Israel's exodus despite obstacles. He completed Christ's redemptive work despite opposition. He will complete the church's mission despite current difficulties. Final fulfillment comes when the last elect person is saved and the bride is presented spotless to Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, Jude 24-25).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this promise relate to the doctrine of perseverance of the saints?
- What comfort does God's commitment to complete what He begins provide in personal sanctification?
- How should confidence in God's completion of His purposes affect our perseverance in ministry despite obstacles?
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Analysis & Commentary
God answers His own rhetorical questions: "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God." Two questions affirm God's faithfulness to complete what He begins. The Hebrew ashbir (bring to birth) and olid (cause to bring forth) emphasize God's active role in conception and delivery. The questions are rhetorical—obviously God doesn't initiate labor and then prevent birth! The promise: God completes what He starts. "Saith the LORD" and "saith thy God" add double affirmation—this is covenant promise from Yahweh, the personal God of His people. From a Reformed perspective, this teaches the perseverance of the saints and the certainty of God's purposes. What God begins, He completes (Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:24). Those He predestines, He also glorifies—no one is lost along the way (Romans 8:29-30). God doesn't abandon His work mid-process. The elect will certainly be saved, sanctified, and glorified.