Life is not static. Stories abound of people who moved from rags to riches. Early in their lives, nobody gave them an opportunity to succeed by virtue of their poor parentage. But they managed to break the yoke of poverty and become sought-after in their communities and countries. They changed their stories. 

According to our text, Israel would eventually be redeemed out of the nations to which they would be sent in captivity. Before the redemption however, the people were exhorted to prepare for battle against the invading Assyrian army.

In the travail of their captivity, Israel would eventually give birth to the incarnate Son of God, the One who had given the rebellious Israelites over to those nations in the first instance. Now, the emphasis in the context is on the One who is brought forth in Bethlehem, whose coming would result in the birth of the Church of Christ and thus the spiritual remnant that would be born out of physical Israel.

Jesus is in perfect control ofall things and God, through Him, is working out His perfect will in His children. Through Israel, God was working all things for the salvation of all men. Israel was the avenue through which God brought the Saviour of the world. He worked through the prophets in order to preserve Israel for the redemption of all nations. How wonderful will it be for you and for humanity if you allow God to work through you also for the fulfilment of His divine purpose.