Isa 26:17 | KingComments | STEP | These verses describe the deep anxieties and entreaties of the God-fearing in Israel during the “distress,” which is the time of the antichrist’s reign of terror, the time of the great tribulation, “the time of Jacob’s distress” ( ). They remember their extreme helplessness to free themselves or others. They acknowledge that for them it has been a chastisement of the LORD ( ). They have been so impressed that they have not shouted in their distress, but “could only whisper a prayer”. Their distress was not only caused by the foreign domination, but also by the grief for their sins. Distress is often the reason for people to seek God. This is prophetically illustrated by the brothers of Joseph who repent in prison ( ). They realize that before the LORD they have suffered the pains of someone in labor ( ). Later they will discover that the Son was born long before the contractions seized them ( ). All the pains seemed at first glance to be in vain as well, for no child was born, but only wind, nothing. They were not able to give salvation, nor was there any enlarging of the people through new births ( ).

‏ Isaiah 26:17

The Distress of the Remnant

These verses describe the deep anxieties and entreaties of the God-fearing in Israel during the “distress,” which is the time of the antichrist’s reign of terror, the time of the great tribulation, “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jer 30:7). They remember their extreme helplessness to free themselves or others. They acknowledge that for them it has been a chastisement of the LORD (Isa 26:16). They have been so impressed that they have not shouted in their distress, but “could only whisper a prayer”. Their distress was not only caused by the foreign domination, but also by the grief for their sins. Distress is often the reason for people to seek God. This is prophetically illustrated by the brothers of Joseph who repent in prison (Gen 42:17-22).

They realize that before the LORD they have suffered the pains of someone in labor (Isa 26:17). Later they will discover that the Son was born long before the contractions seized them (Isa 66:7). All the pains seemed at first glance to be in vain as well, for no child was born, but only wind, nothing. They were not able to give salvation, nor was there any enlarging of the people through new births (Isa 26:18).