Dictionary of Bible Themes Seen by Scripture as a token of God's favour, and used figuratively to picture a number of central biblical themes. Genesis 1:28Childbirth in the OT See also Childbirth as a blessing Deuteronomy 7:14Psalms 127:3-5 Genesis 30:1 See also Childlessness a cause of shame in Israel 1 Samuel 1:6,10-11Luke 1:24-25 Genesis 3:16 The nature of human childbirth The pain of childbirth a consequence of the fall See also Leviticus 12:1-8The need for ceremonial purification after childbirth Luke 2:24Under the old covenant, unsanctioned contact with blood was ceremonially defiling Exodus 1:15-21The role of midwives in childbirth Genesis 21:6John 16:21 The joy of childbirth Genesis 3:15Childbirth and salvation The birth of a Saviour See also Genesis 12:2-3; 15:3-6Although childbirth is a focus of judgment, through it the human race continues, and the Messiah comes into the world. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 1:35; 2:4-7 Galatians 3:16; 4:4 Revelation 12:5 1 Timothy 2:15 Salvation in childbearing A Christian mother fulfils her calling in childbearing; some take it to mean she will be kept safe in childbirth. Some, however, take this verse as a reference to Ge 3:15, and the coming of Jesus Christ, as above. See also Childbirth used figuratively Ezekiel 16:4-6To describe weakness and vulnerability 2 Kings 19:3To describe weakness under judgment See also Psalms 48:6pp Isa 37:3 Isaiah 23:4; 26:17-18Jeremiah 4:31 Hosea 2:3; 13:13 Micah 4:10 Matthew 24:7-8 To describe troubles prior to God's final triumph See also Romans 8:22pp Mk 13:8 Isaiah 49:15To describe love and compassion John 3:6-7See also To describe regeneration John 1:12-13James 1:18 1 Peter 1:23 Galatians 4:19 To describe pastoral concern John 16:21-22To describe the disciples' joy Isaiah 54:1See also To describe triumph and salvation Galatians 4:27Isaiah 26:19; 66:7-11 Psalms 127:3 God's sovereignty in childbirth All children are God's gift Genesis 25:22-23Psalms 139:13,16 God controls the events of childbirth Genesis 17:16-19Luke 1:5-13,18-20,23-25 Childbirth in old age Genesis 25:211 Samuel 1:20 Childbirth as an answer to prayer Luke 1:13Psalms 113:9 See also Childbirth for the barren woman Genesis 25:21Judges 13:2-5 1 Samuel 2:5 Isaiah 54:1 Isaiah 7:14 See also Jesus Christ born of a virgin Matthew 1:22-23,18Luke 1:30-31,34-37 See also "impossible" births demonstrate God's power and grace and show that salvation comes from the Lord. 1320 God as Saviour2230 Messiah, coming of 2366 Christ, prophecies concerning 2515 Christ, birth of 5093 Eve 5225 barrenness 5411 mirror 5655 birth 5668 children, responsibilities to parents 5720 mothers, examples 6154 fall, the |
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