Study notes

Isaiah 4

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

2:1–5:30 Section

These chapters have more judgement messages. They also include messages of hope for the future. They are examples of the messages of hope recorded over and over throughout the book. Isaiah’s messages of hope announced ways that God would bring blessing. God would bless the people and leaders of the southern kingdom. And God would use them to bless all nations on earth.

In chapter 2, Isaiah’s vision is about a high mountain in the last days. The last days was a way of talking about a time in the future. The time of blessing would come when Mount Zion was raised up high. Mount Zion was the mountain where the temple was built. Talking about the temple being lifted up was a way of describing something. It described a time when God would be honoured as the one true God. All people groups on earth would recognise that God is the only real God. They would respect him.

That is why in the vision people from every nation go to the mountain. They don’t go to attack Jerusalem or to destroy the temple. In this vision there is no more war ever again. Instead, all nations go to learn how God wants them to live. Then they obey God and live the way he taught them to. This is a picture of all people being made right with God. This is also called being made righteous. People from all nations will live the way God always wanted human beings to live.

That is how God would use the family line of Jacob to bless all nations. Through this message Isaiah invited Jacob’s family line to live according to God’s ways. The message was about a time when God would make his people clean and pure. He would judge those who did evil deeds. And he would wash away their sin. That is a way of describing how God forgave their sin. This would allow God’s people to be in his presence again.

After the Israelites (Israel) left Egypt, God was present with them in pillars of cloud and fire. He promised to be present with them again in those ways. His glory would be like a cover over them to protect them.

2:5–4:1

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.

3:16–4:1

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.

4:1

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.

4:2

  • 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.

4:2–6

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.

4:4

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

4:5

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).

4:6

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).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources