13:13 The predicament of Israel facing certain judgment is vividly compared to that of a mother and child during an unsuccessful birth (cf. 2 Kin. 19:3). This complex word picture compares Israel both to the mother (who faces sorrow and certain death) and to the child (who stubbornly refuses to be safely delivered).

an unwise son. Israel is depicted as a fetus that fails to position itself properly in the womb for delivery. This surprising figure relates to the theme of failure to acknowledge God (Introduction: Characteristics and Themes).