Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 4

Isaiah condemned Israel and Judah for their pride and self-importance. He warned them that only God should be honored. All attempts by humans to lift themselves up will actually result in humiliation.

TThis passage applies the prophet’s teaching on arrogance (see Isaiah 2:11–12) to the people of Jerusalem. An alternate understanding is that this passage applies specifically to the women of Jerusalem.

During Isaiah’s ministry, Jerusalem’s population was greatly reduced. War, famine (lack of food), and disease caused many deaths (Isaiah 3:1–3; 6:13; 14:30; 22:2; 37:4).

So many men died that few were left in the city. This created a serious absence of leadership (see Isaiah 3:1–12). Without strong leaders, the city became weak and unstable.

Even worse conditions were coming. In 734–732 BC, Judah faced war with an alliance(a military agreement) between Syria and Israel (2 Chronicles 28). Later, from 605 to 586 BC, Babylon conquered Judah. Jerusalem was destroyed and fell to its enemies.

In bold contrast to the desperate picture in Isaiah 3:16–4:1, this prophecy brings salvation and hope. Instead of shame and loss, it promises cleansing, consecration (being set apart for holy use), and renewal. God would cleanse his people from their sin. He would make the remnant holy. He would restore his presence among them.

The imagery in Isaiah 4:5–6 alludes to Israel’s exodus from Egypt. At that time, the Lord guided and protected the people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Isaiah uses this picture to describe Israel’s future restoration. Just as God once led his people out of Egypt, he would lead them out of exile. Their return would be like a second exodus.

• The Branch likely refers to the remnant (the faithful people who remain) who would form Israel’s new beginning after the exile (see Isaiah 6:13). Some understand the branch as the ideal descendant of David, the Messiah (God’s chosen king; see Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15–16; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12).

• Isaiah describes a beautiful and glorious change. The people had experienced shame and disgrace (Isaiah 3:17–25). Now they would experience fertility (fruitfulness) and beauty. This change would show God’s presence and blessing among the remnant (4:6).

• Even the land would change. The fruit of the land and nature itself would move from desolation (emptiness and ruin) to glory. Isaiah compares this future to the garden of Eden (see Isaiah 51:3; 65:22). The message of renewal finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new creation (see Romans 8:19–27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:15; 4:24; Revelation 21:22–27).

• Those who survive in Israel (the remnant) would be the true citizens of Zion. They would belong to the renewed people of God and share in his promised restoration.

• To be holy was the requirement for citizenship in Zion. Zion is the place where God dwells in his glorious majesty (see Isaiah 6:3; Hebrews 12:14).

• The remnant would have their names recorded among the living in the Book of Life (Exodus 32:32; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16; Revelation 3:5; 20:12).

God’s judgment has a purifying effect on his covenant people (see Malachi 3:3). Justice must be satisfied before restoration can be offered.

The references to a canopy of cloud and smoke and flaming fire recall God’s continuous presence and protection during the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:21–22; 14:21–22).

shelter (literally shadow): See Isaiah 32:2; God's protection would keep the remaining people safe from enemies and the destruction he would bring upon the wicked (Isaiah 33:14–16).