The Barren Woman Rejoices, Chapter fifteen

SARAH  longed to bear children.  Sadly, she was barren, and that pained her greatly. In her day, barrenness was viewed as a reproach, but there was more to Sarah's pain than that.  She yearned to see God's promise to her husband fulfilled. Abraham was to father a seed that would be a blessing to all famil8ies of the earth.  (Genesis 12:1-3) However, decades after God has made that promise, there was still no child. Sarah grew old and remained childless. At times, she may have wondered if her hopes had been in vain. One day, though, her despair turned to joy!

Sarah's plight helps us to understand the prophecy recorded in Isaiah chapter 54.  There Jerusalem is addressed as if she were a barren woman who comes to know the great joy of having many children.  By picturing his ancient people collectively as his wife, Jehovah shows his tender feelings toward them.  Moreover, this chapter of Isaiah helps us to unravel a crucial aspect of what the Bible calls a "sacred secret."  (Romans 16":25, 26)  The identity of the "woman" and her experiences foretold in this prophecy shed important light on pure worship today. 

Next time: The "Woman Identified"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001