Isaiah 26:17

17 You, Lord, have made us cry out, as a woman in labor cries out in pain.

Isaiah 26:17 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 26:17

Like as a woman with child
By this simile are set forth the great distresses and afflictions the church of Christ will be in, before redemption and deliverance from the antichristian yoke comes: [that] draweth near the time of her delivery;
when her burden is great and very troublesome: [is] in pain, [and] crieth out in her pangs;
for her friends to come about her, and give her all the help and assistance they can: so have we been in thy sight, O Lord;
in great distress and trouble, and crying to him for salvation and deliverance, all which were well known unto him.

Isaiah 26:17 In-Context

15 Lord, you have made our nation grow, enlarging its territory on every side; and this has brought you honor.

16 You punished your people, Lord, and in anguish they prayed to you.

17 You, Lord, have made us cry out, as a woman in labor cries out in pain.

18 We were in pain and agony, but we gave birth to nothing. We have won no victory for our land; we have accomplished nothing.

19 Those of our people who have died will live again! Their bodies will come back to life. All those sleeping in their graves will wake up and sing for joy. As the sparkling dew refreshes the earth, so the Lord will revive those who have long been dead.