Monday, May 12, 2014

Who Are Pregnant - Matthew 24:17-19

Matthew 24:17-19 ESV 
Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Jesus warns them against trying to take anything with them as they flee the coming destruction. Don't look back as Lot's wife did. Do not cling to any aspect of the old life which may burden or slow one down. 

Why are pregnant women singled out among the weak and frail? The Greek word "οὐαί" is variously translated as alas or woe. This may imply more than a surface reading would communicate. These women may serve as a type representing those who have had intercourse with the world and nurture the resulting offspring. They have been found with child when they have should have been found as virgins instead of waiting for their husband to be. 

This passage may warn of the danger of being too comfortable with the world and giving one's self to that world instead of God. 

οὐαί * ouai * oo-ah'ee * A primary exclamation of grief;  (CWS Bible)

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