In Isaiah, chapter sixty-six, verses seven through fourteen, “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a manchild,” from the opening theme. Isaiah envisions the rebirth of Israel as God’s people during the Messianic kingdom; the rebirth will be remarkably quick and will bring joy, as in verse ten, “Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her.” There will be peace and prosperity, as in chapter forty-eight, verse eighteen. “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”
Jerusalem is compared to a mother who feeds and ministers to her children. Jerusalem will have peace and be a comfort to all who love God, including the Gentiles who will come to her.
The prophet turns to those who trembled at God’s word, to comfort and encourage them. The Lord will appear, to the joy of the humble believer, and to the confusion of hypocrites and persecutors. When the Spirit was poured out, and the gospel went forth from Zion, multitudes were converted in a little time. The word of God, especially His promises and ordinances, are the consolation of the church. The true happiness of all Christians is increased by every convert brought to Christ. The gospel brings with it, wherever it is received in its power, such a river of peace as will carry us to the ocean of boundless and endless bliss. Divine comforts reach the inward man; the joy of the Lord will be the strength of the believer. Both God’s mercy and justice shall be manifested and forever magnified. The mother is Zion, the man child born.