ISAIAH 4 THE BRANCH OF THE LORD GLORIFIED

 

ISAIAH 4

The Branch of the Lord glorified

 

Isa 4:1  And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. Select Version: NKJV NIV ISV  

This prophecy continues the description of a time of great calamity, when many mighty men have been lost to war, leaving women deprived of husbands and grooms. Here, we see many women—contrary to their natural modesty—earnestly seeking a single man as a husband and protector. They are so desperate to escape the reproach of widowhood or unmarried status that they willingly offer to relieve him of his traditional husbandly duties of providing food and clothing, asking only for the honour of being associated with his name.

Isa 4:2  In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 

This is a Messianic prophecy. In that day, when the bride of Christ has endured great destruction and stands as the remnant of Israel, the coming of the LORD's Messiah will be radiant and glorious, like a tender shoot springing from the root, bringing joy and restoration. This verse highlights both the divine and human nature of Christ—represented by the Branch of the LORD, signifying His divine origin, and the fruit of the earth, symbolizing His humanity—both radiant and glorious, excellent and desirable.

Isa 4:3  And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 

This prophecy refers to the time following the Messiah when, after the destruction of Jerusalem, the only ones remaining were the followers of Christ, who were called holy. This verse also references the practice of registering the names of the living according to their tribe and family, with names being struck from the records upon death. Additionally, it alludes to the heavenly books, where the names of the righteous are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Isa 4:4  When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. 

The remnant is called holy because their moral defilement has been removed through judgment. Their affliction serves as a means of purification, cleansing them of all sin. An excessive love for ornamentation, a preoccupation with fashion and outward display, and an indulgence in frivolity often obstruct true devotion. The Lord had judged the daughters of Zion for these sins before the coming of the Messiah. Fire, symbolic of purification, represents the burning away of impurities. The spirit of judgment and spirit of burning do not refer to the Holy Spirit, whose role is not to execute judgment, but rather to a series of divine judgments that served to reform the nation.

Isa 4:5  And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 

The LORD promises His personal care and protection over His people, whether in their homes or places of worship. His presence will surround them—a pillar of cloud and smoke by day, and a shining, flaming fire by night—just as He guided Israel in the wilderness. His glorious presence will be their defence, offering them refuge and security.

Isa 4:6  And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. 

God’s presence will be like a covering above them, shielding them from the scorching sun and oppressive heat during the day. It will also serve as a safe refuge from storms and heavy rains, ensuring their protection and peace.

 

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