Derick Dillard pens biblical letter for baby Israel David

Jill Dillard's first photo of her newborn baby, Israel David Dillard. (Photo: Instagram)

New dad Derick Dillard shared a letter he wrote to his son on the Dillard family blog last week.

Derick was reading Isaiah 44:21-28 before Israel David's birth, and wanted to write out the scriptures in a special note for the baby.

"Just as the Lord spoke of the nation of Israel, I pray He would accomplish in you," Derick wrote. "I pray that you, Israel, whom I already love more than anybody, except mom of course J, would turn to the Lord early in your life and glorify Him with all that is within you."

MStarz reported that Derick finished the letter while his wife, Jill, was in labor. During the 70-hour ordeal, the couple prayed for Israel's physical and spiritual birth.

"The world has not met you yet, but the Lord our God already knows everything about you and who you will be," Derick continued. "After all, He is forming you as we speak! How awesome is our God, the God of Israel! None shall prevail against Him!"

The 70-hour delivery ended in a C-section at 11:49pm on April 6. Israel weighed 9 lbs and 10 ounces, and was 23 inches long.

The couple are already looking forward to having more children, and Jill expressed hope for a natural birth in the future.

"We told the doctor, 'Stitch me up really well,'" she told PEOPLE last week. "The doctor told me he has no doubt I'll be able to have a vaginal delivery the next time."

The Duggar and Dillard families thanked God that Israel David was born healthy, and Jill is also doing well.

"I pray that you will continue to grow, in stature, in knowledge, and in wisdom, true wisdom, that is from the Lord," Derick wrote to his firstborn. "And know that I love you son and I always will, no matter what. I will say it again... I love you Israel!"

Israel's delivery will air on TLC's "19 Kids & Counting" on May 5.

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