I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
Ver. 14. I have long time holden my peace.] As a travailing woman biteth in her pain as long as she is able. So had God, for causes best known to himself, forborne a long while to appear for his people and to avenge them of their enemies. But now Patientia laesa fit furor: Deique patientia quo diuturnior, est minacior. Now down goeth Dagon and the devil's whole kingdom before this jealous giant.
Now will I cry like a travailing woman.] Which when she can bear no longer, sets up her note, and is heard all the house over. This is very comfortable. God is pained, as it were, for his people - in all their afflictions he is afflicted; he longs for their deliverance, which therefore shall not be long ere it come.