An important biblical motif is that of the woman who has been unable to give birth and is finally granted a child. This theme starts with Sarah and continues with Rebekah, Rachel, the mother of Samson, Hannah, and Elizabeth.
In the prophecies of Isaiah, the experiences of these individual women represent the experience of Israel as a whole. The nation would endure hard times of exile, but God would one day make them fruitful again. For example, we read in Isaiah 49:21, "Then you will say in your heart: 'Who has borne me these? I was bereaved and barren, exiled and put away, but who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; from where have these come?' "
There is similar imagery in Isaiah 54, a song of rejoicing that comes immediately after the sacrifice and triumph of the Servant in Isaiah 53. It is the work of the Servant that is the basis for this rejoicing. The chapter begins, "Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor!"
The promise in verse 3 ("For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offsptring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.") reminds us of the blessing of Jacob in Gen 28:13-14. Israel is pictured as a bride who has endured "the shame of her youth" (slavery in Egypt) and "the reproach of her widowhood" (later exile). But she has a powerful husband---the creator and ruler of the whole world (v 5). And that husband is faithful to his commitments (vv 9-10).
Verses 11-12 describe the restoration of Zion in terms that anticipate the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev 21:2). All the sufferings of the past will be forgotten in a time of blessing (Rev 21:4).
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