“In labor pains” Gestation and childbirth in figurative language of the prophets

Abstract

In numerous prophetic books the image of gestation and delivery of the pregnant woman is frequently evoked. Generally it is a figurative way of expression, with which it is intended to mention the people of Israel in concrete circumstances of its history. Particularly in remote times, gestation and delivery of the offspring meant a delicate process for the woman. The moment of childbirth was especially critical, since the life of the mother, or of the child itself, could be in danger, when more or less grave complications took place. This experience provoked in the woman conflicting feelings: on the  one hand, the overflowing joy inundating her upon realizing she was pregnant; but, on the other hand, the fear before  the  pain that childbirth always carries with it, likewise the uncertainty and the fear facing the possibility of suffering a miscarriage. Both dimensions are very much present in the parabolic use of this image inside the prophetic literature. On some occasions, this connotative language wants to highlight the fear and desperation of Israel before an ill-fated happening of its past. In some other occasions, on the contrary, it refers us to events laden with joy and hope