# II: The Woman That Lifted Up Her Voice explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A woman in the crowd, moved by Jesus' teaching, cries out blessing the womb that bore him and the breasts that nursed him. Jesus acknowledges her cry but redirects the blessing to those who hear and keep the word of God. The crowd stirs, and the woman is heard no more.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as Ultimate Strength

The woman's cry is described as 'loving agony,' showing love as a powerful, almost overwhelming force.

### Redemption and Grace

Jesus redirects the blessing from physical lineage to spiritual obedience, emphasizing grace through hearing and keeping God's word.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

He turns to acknowledge the woman's cry and responds with a teaching on true blessedness.

### The Woman Who Came Behind Him in the Crowd

She lifts up her voice in loving agony, blessing Jesus' mother, and is gently redirected by Jesus.

## Key lines

> Blessed the womb, thee, Lord, that bare! The bosom that thee fed!

Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you.

_The woman's exclamation echoes the biblical blessing of Jesus' mother._

> Yea, rather, blessed they that hear And keep the word of God!

Indeed, blessed are those who hear and obey God's word.

_Jesus' response redefines blessedness as spiritual obedience rather than physical relation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/ii-the-woman-that-lifted-up-her-voice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters