Verse 1
The theme of the barrenness of human strength and the bounty that the Lord can provide supernaturally is common in both Testaments (e.g., Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth, et al.). Here we have another instance of rejoicing because God would miraculously bless those who, because of unbelief, were formerly spiritually barren and unproductive (cf. Isaiah 51:1-3; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Galatians 4:27). They would become more fruitful than those who enjoy blessings apart from a relationship with God. It would be cruel to ask a barren woman to sing for joy unless you gave her what would make her happy. But that is precisely what Isaiah did because of what the Lord would do.
"Just as God could make a barren Sarah more fruitful than a fertile Hagar, so he can take those who are ’dead in trespasses and sins’ (Ephesians 2:1, AV) and use them to bring abundant blessings to the entire world." [Note: Oswalt, The Book . . . 40-66, p. 416.]
Be the first to react on this!
