Isaiah Chapter 4 – Explanation and Commentary

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Context Before Chapter 4

To really understand the Isaiah chapter 4, it helps the reader to see what happened in the chapters before. In Isaiah chapters 2 and 3 God gives a serious warnings to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah a prophet who lived in the 8th century BCE, is speaking to a nation who has turned away from God. The people become proud, worship idols, and not treat each other good. Because of this, Isaiah say God’s judgment is coming—Jerusalem will be destroyed, and the people will be brought down.

In Isaiah 3, there is a vivid picture of national collapse. Leaders are corrupt, women are vain and self-indulgent, and God is about to remove all stability from Jerusalem. Into this bleak of setting comes Isaiah chapter 4, which provides a sudden contrast Therefore hope, restoration, and a future time of the beauty and the holiness.

Verse by Verse in Commentary Context

Isaiah chapter 4:1 (KJV)

“And in that day that seven women shall take hold of one man saying We will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel therefore only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach.”

Explanation:
This verse continues the theme from the chapter 3and where many of men have died due to the war or divine judgment. As a result the women outnumber will be men drastically. The cultural shame of being the unmarried or childless in ancient Israelite of society motivates this desperate plea.

“Seven women shall take hold of one man” symbolizes extreme societal imbalance. Seven here may be literal, or it may represent completeness or totality, indicating how dire the situation is.

“We will eat our own bread...” shows the women are not asking for material support—just for the legitimacy of marriage. They want the societal honor of being called by a man’s name, to “take away our reproach.” In that society, unmarried women—especially widows—were considered vulnerable and socially disgraced.

Spiritual Significance:
This verse reflects the consequences of judgment. It also foreshadows the idea that mere outward affiliation with someone or something holy (in this case, marriage to a man) is not enough—true restoration must come from God.

Isaiah 4:2

"In that day, the Lord's branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the crops of the earth will be excellent and attractive for those who have survived in Israel."

Here, the tone shifts dramatically from the judgment into hope.

“In that day” now refers not to destruction but to a time of restoration and the messianic hope.

"The Branch of the Lord" is a title of which used in the Bible for the Messiah, who is expected to be the descendant of King David. This person who will rule with the justice and fairness. This idea is found in the books like Isaiah (11:1), Jeremiah (23:5), and Zechariah (3:8; 6:12).

“Beautiful and glorious” highlights the reversal of previous desolation. God will restore beauty and dignity through the Branch. This figure (ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, according to Christian interpretation) is the source of hope.

“The fruit of the earth” may refer to agricultural abundance, a return to Edenic blessing. Or symbolically, it may refer to the spiritual blessings that the Messiah brings.

"Them that are escaped of Israel" means that only a small group of people from Israel will survive—a common idea in the book of Isaiah. Not everyone will make it through God's judgment, but the ones who stay faithful will be saved and enjoy the good things that come with the time of the Messiah.

Isaiah 4:3

"Anyone who is left in Zion and survives in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is listed among the living there."

Explanation:
This verse expands on the remnant. “He that is left in Zion...” shows that God is preserving a faithful group through the judgment.

“Shall be called holy” means they are now consecrated, set apart for God. Their survival is not just physical but spiritual.

"Written among the living" might be referring to a special book kept by God that lists those who will live forever (see Exodus 32:32–33, Daniel 12:1, and Revelation 20:12).It implies divine selection and eternal life.

Theological Significance:
God purifies His people, not just externally but spiritually. Those who survive judgment are transformed and live holy lives. This verse also offers assurance that God knows and preserves His own, even amid destruction.

Isaiah 4:4

"When the Lord washes away the sin of the women of Zion and cleans the bloodstains from Jerusalem with a spirit of justice and fire."

Explanation:
This is a purification verse. God is not just punishing; He is cleansing.

“Washed away the filth...” refers back to Isaiah 3, where the women of Zion were rebuked for pride and excess. Now God is removing that sin.

“Purged the blood of Jerusalem” probably means that the city was full of violence, unfairness, and idol worship. The word “blood” could mean actual killing or just the evil and wrong things people were doing.

"The 'spirit of judgment' and 'spirit of burning' mean using fairness and fire to clean and make things right."Fire often symbolizes refining in Scripture. This is a divine purging process—painful but redemptive.

Spiritual Application:
Before restoration comes purification. God's fire does not destroy indiscriminately—it refines. His judgment is a means to bring holiness to His people.

Isaiah 4:5

The Lord will keep everyone on Mount Zion safe, including all their meetings. During the day, there will be a cloud and smoke to show His presence, and at night, there will be a bright, burning fire. God’s glory will be like a shield of protection for everyone."

Explanation:
"This is one of the most beautiful verses in the chapter, filled with imagery from the story of the Exodus."

"A cloud during the day and smoke, and a blazing fire at night" – this reminds us of the cloud and fire that guided the Israelites through the desert (Exodus 13:21-22).That presence symbolized God's guidance and protection.

“Every dwelling place of mount Zion” shows this divine presence will be personal and communal—not just in the temple, but over every home and assembly.

“For upon all the glory shall be a defence” – God’s glory becomes a canopy, a covering of protection.

Theological Reflection:
In the restored city of Jerusalem, God’s presence is no longer limited to one building (like the temple) but is universally present to all his people His people. This foreshadows of the New Testament ideas of God dwelling with His people (John 1:14, Revelation 21:3).

Isaiah 4:6

“And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat and for a place of refuge for a covert from the storm and from the rain.”

Explanation:
This verse is very much concludes the chapter with a picture of security and peace.

“A tabernacle (tent) for a shadow” which means The restored Zion becomes a safe place. The tabernacle was also as a symbol of God’s presence during the Israel’s journey in wilderness.

“From the heat… from storm and rain” – These represent trials and external threats. In the new Jerusalem, God provides comfort and refuge.

Spiritual Meaning:
God’s restored kingdom is not just holy, it’s protective. His people are safe—not through walls and armies, but through His presence. The tabernacle language points to intimacy with God, dwelling with Him under His protection.

Themes and Significance of Isaiah 4

Judgment and Purification:
The chapter acknowledges the aftermath of divine judgment (especially verse 1), but moves quickly to a focus on purification. God is cleansing His people, not destroying them completely.
The Remnant:
Only those who remain faithful—“those who are left”—will enjoy the blessings. This remnant is marked by holiness and divine favor.
Messianic Hope (The Branch):
The “Branch of the Lord” introduces a future hope rooted in the coming of a king from David’s line. This person will embody God’s glory and bring restoration.
God’s Presence as Protection:
The cloud by day and fire by night assure the people that God will once again dwell among them. His presence will defend and protect them.
The Restoration and the Renewal:
The chapter ends not only in sorrow, but in joy and security. The people are holy the land is fruitful, and God is near. It’s a vision of heaven on earth—a redeemed community.

Christian Interpretation

In Christian teaching, Isaiah 4 is often understood as a message about Jesus and the future of God’s people:

The “Branch of the Lord” is believed to be a promise about Jesus Christ, the Savior.

The cleaning and purifying of Jerusalem is seen as a picture of how God makes the Church holy.

The “cloud and fire” are understood as symbols of the Holy Spirit showing how God leads and protects His people.

The final part of the chapter is thought to show a vision of the New Jerusalem which a perfect place in heaven where God will live with His people forever.

Conclusion

Isaiah 4 is a short chapter but it tells the reader a strong story. It also begins with a scene of trouble, shame in the society, where things went wrong. But then it quickly changes to a message of hope, showing that better days are coming. It talks about the coming of the Lord’s Branch, the holiness of the people who remain faithful, and God’s lasting presence with them. For both ancient Israel and readers today, it's a reminder to turn back to God, stay faithful, and trust in His power to restore and save.

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Thursday, April 17, 2025