its ancient genesis, it uses images of and language for God that aren’t strictly male: Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you (God speaking in Isaiah 49:15). As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem (God speaking in Isaiah 66:13). But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content (David speaking of God in Psalm 131:2 NIV).
