Comforting Zion While She Travails Dream
A few years ago, I had a dream about a woman in the agony of childbirth. I believe she represents Israel in travail—as described in Micah 5:3, Isaiah 13:8, Revelation 12:1-6 and Jeremiah 4:31 Her labor pains reflect the suffering Israel will endure during the days of Jacob’s Trouble.
Micah 5:3 Therefore He will give them up until the time. When she who is in labor has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren Will return to the sons of Israel.
Isaiah 13:8 They will be terrified, Pains and anguish will take hold of them; They will writhe like a woman in labor, They will look at one another in astonishment, Their faces aflame.
Jeremiah 4:31 For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor, The anguish as of one giving birth to her first child, The cry of the daughter of Zion gasping for breath, Stretching out her hands, saying, “Ah, woe is me, for I faint before murderers.”
Revelation 12:1-5 “Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.
In the dream, I stood outside the room where the childbirth was taking place. I could hear everything happening inside. I felt both anticipation and sorrow—grieved by her pain, yet aware that something significant was about to happen. I believe the child represents the return of Jesus, which comes after the tribulation, once the Church reaches fullness and Israel recognizes Him as Lord (Romans 11:25; Revelation 19:7; Matthew 23:39).
As the woman cried out, I knew the moment was near. I was standing with the Bridegroom, whom I believe was Jesus. I wondered whether I should go inside to help her. Suddenly, I looked up, and a bag of ice fell from heaven onto my legs. I understood it was meant to ease her pain. I believe this symbolizes spiritual gifts given to the Church to comfort Israel during her time of suffering. We are called to speak tenderly to her and remind her that her sins have been paid (Isaiah 40:1-2)
Isaiah 40:1-2 Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins have been paid off. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”
Along with the ice, I was given a boomerang. I understood this to mean that the gospel we have received must be returned to its source. Since salvation comes from the Jews (John 4:22), the message of salvation must be brought back to Israel.
Later, I entered the room to give the woman the ice. I was struck by how vulnerable she was—exposed, weak, and in great pain. Yet the Bridegroom was beside her, holding her hands and comforting her. In His presence, her fear and pain faded. She felt safe and unashamed.
Then the Bridegroom left the room. Outside, everything was prepared for a wedding celebration—drinks and festivities ready for the moment the child would be born.
I believe this dream reveals that Israel is approaching a time of great travail and hardship. Yet God will give His Church compassion and the ability to comfort her. He will equip us with spiritual gifts to proclaim salvation and minister to her in love.
Jeremiah 30:4-7 These are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: “This is what the Lord says: “‘Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace. Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? How awful that day will be! No other will be like it.It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.”
As the Church, we are called to comfort Israel, to draw near to her in her suffering, and to boldly proclaim: “Here is your God!” (Isaiah 40:9–10).
Isaiah 40:9-10 “You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.”
Scripture shows that Israel will pass through a time of intense distress, unlike any other (Jeremiah 30:4–7). Yet she will be saved out of it. In that season, many will encounter Jesus as He draws them close and speaks tenderly to them through the love and comfort the church will offer Israel (Hosea 2:14).