Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 4

Introduction

Isaiah 4:0

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compareyour subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

Verse 1

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 4:1 1For seven women will take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach!”

Isaiah 4:1-4 The JPSOA translation divides the text into two poetic sections and one prose.

1. Isaiah 4:1-3

2. Isaiah 4:4

3. Isaiah 4:5-6 as prose

Most other versions take Isaiah 4:1 with Isaiah 3:16-1. They also do not structure these verses as poetry. The NKJV has Isaiah 4:2 and NJB has Isaiah 4:2-6 as one long poetic context (JB had poetic division at Isaiah 4:2-3 and 4-6), but most of the others as prose. This should show us how difficult it is to know when a text is elevated prose or poetry and also where the natural/subject breaks occur. Be careful of modern chapter and verse divisions! They are not an inspired guide!

Isaiah 4:1 This verse seems to link with Isaiah 3:6 (different VERBS, Isaiah 3:6, BDB 1074 and Isaiah 4:1, BDB 304, but both mean “to grasp firmly”). It may surely link to the Messianic age (i.e., Isaiah 4:2, “Branch”, see Special Topic: Jesus the Nazarene). Hebrew poetry is difficult to “lock down.” It is often a play on words and similar actions.

▣ “seven women” Seven is the number for perfection in Jewish thought relating to Genesis 1:0. Therefore, this , like Isaiah 3:25-26, refers to all inhabitants of Jerusalem/Judah. See Special Topic: Symbolic Numbers in Scripture.

▣ “take hold” This VERB (BDB 304, KB 302, Hiphil PERFECT) denotes someone taking a firm grip on another person or some object (i.e., Deuteronomy 22:25; Deuteronomy 25:11; 1 Samuel 15:27; 2 Samuel 1:11; 1 Kings 1:50; 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 4:27; Proverbs 7:13; Proverbs 26:17; Zechariah 8:23).

▣ “let us be called by your name” The name was a symbol of the person and his characteristics. The purpose of this action is revealed in the next phrase, “take away our reproach” (BDB 62, KB 74, Qal IMPERFECT). Who can do this?

1. the righteous of Isaiah 3:10

2. the Messianic “Branch” of Isaiah 4:2-6

▣ “take away our reproach” This NOUN (BDB 357) may refer to

1. a symbol of their sin and rebellion against YHWH

2. their widowhood with no children because all the men were killed in battle (NASB Study Bible, p. 965, NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 75)

Isaiah 54:4 fits both options because “widowhood” could refer to being divorced (i.e., legal metaphor) by YHWH.

Verses 2-6

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isaiah 4:2-6 2In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel. 3It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy-everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. 4When the LORD has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, 5then the LORD will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 6There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.

Isaiah 4:2 “In that day” This refers to a future time when YHWH comes (for blessing or judgment) to His people (cf. Isaiah 2:2, Isaiah 2:11, Isaiah 2:12, Isaiah 2:20; Isaiah 3:7, Isaiah 3:18; Isaiah 4:1, Isaiah 4:2). This is a recurrent theme in Isaiah. It is hard to be certain if this referred in Isaiah's mind to

1. restoration from exile by Zerubabbel and Joshua in the Persian period (i.e., Ezra and Nehemiah)

2. restoration by the Maccabees in the Seleucid period

3. Jesus' first coming (inauguration of the New Age)

4. Jesus' second coming (consummation of the New Age)

Notice how the Prophet swings from radical, complete judgment to radical complete forgiveness and restoration! This is typical in the prophetic literature. One could not be presented without the other! The purpose of judgment is always restoration.

▣ “the Branch of the LORD” To describe this title (BDB 855, Targums interpreted it as the Messiah) let me quote from my commentary on Daniel and Zechariah where the term is also used (but just a note of caution, we must be careful about assigning a technical meaning everywhere a word or phrase is used-context, context, context is crucial). This term may have developed over time from a reference to ideal abundance to God's special Servant who will restore that abundance (i.e., a shoot, a branch).

Let me share notes from my commentary on Zechariah.

Zechariah 3:8 “the Branch” This may be “sprout” (BDB 855). This is another Messianic title (cf. Isaiah 6:12; Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15). See full discussion and Special Topic: JESUS THE NAZARENE.

This title is used of Zerubbabel in Isaiah 6:12 as a symbol of the royal Davidic line. It is surprising that it is used in this context, which emphasizes the priestly aspect of the Messiah. The twin aspects of redeemer (priestly, cf. Isaiah 53:0) and administrative leader (kingly, cf. Isaiah 9:6-7) are merged in the book of Zechariah (cf. chapter 4).

Zechariah 6:12 “Branch” This word (BDB 855) means “sprout” (cf. Isaiah 3:8; Isaiah 6:12; Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15). This is a title for the Messiah. In Zechariah it refers to Zerubbabel as a type of the Messiah (cf. Ibn Ezra and Rashi). The name, Zerubbabel, in Akkadian, means “shoot of Babylon.” This was possibly a play on his name since he rebuilt the temple in 516 B.C., but it is really an ultimate reference to Jesus. This title and the matching VERB (“will branch out,” Qal IMPERFECT) appear together in this verse.

SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS THE NAZARENE

▣ A description of YHWH's “Branch” (NKJV, NRSV, JB)

1. beautiful, BDB 840, cf. Jeremiah 3:19 (often used of Promised Land in Daniel 8:9; Daniel 11:16, Daniel 11:41)

2. glorious, BDB 458 means “abundance,” “honor,” and “glory” (“glory,” BDB 802, also in this verse)

These two terms are often used together (cf. Isaiah 13:19; Isaiah 28:1, Isaiah 28:4, Isaiah 28:5).

Some versions take this verse as a reference to plant growth in the period of restoration (LXX, Peshitta, TEV, NJB, REB, NET Bible). In a sense the Messiah and the age of restoration are lexically linked (first part of Isaiah 4:2; second part fruitful Promised Land).

▣ “the survivors of Israel” Isaiah addresses them and describes them often (cf. Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 37:31, Isaiah 37:32; see Special Topic: The Remnant, Three Senses), but which group did he address? See opening comment on Isaiah 4:2.

The Spirit is the true author of Scripture. In prophecy and apocalyptic passages often the human author did not fully realize the full extent of his own messages. I do think this means that these passages had multiple meanings (i.e., Sensus Plenior), but that progressive revelation clarified the intended meaning. Often the concept of multiple fulfillment is what links the full intent of the Spirit's message (i.e., Isaiah 7:14). However, proper hermeneutics must begin with “authorial intent” as the place to begin and evaluate an interpretation of any biblical text and any genre.

Isaiah 4:3 This verse is probably what caused the Jews of Jeremiah's day who were not exiled to view themselves as YHWH's favored people, but Ezekiel shows this was not the case. YHWH would primarily deal with the returnees (cf. Ezra and Nehemiah).

▣ “everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem” There are two interpretive issues.

1. Is this referring to life in Jerusalem the capital of Judah or “new Jerusalem,” the symbol of the new age (cf. Revelation 21:0)? Is it historical or eschatological?

2. The book of life (see Special Topic following)

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TWO BOOKS OF GOD

Isaiah 4:4 This verse has two metaphors for spiritual cleansing.

1. washing

a. wash away, BDB 934, KB 122, Qal PERFECT

b. purged (lit. “rinsed away”), BDB 188, KB 216, Hiphil IMPERFECT (had sacrificial connotation, cf. 2 Chronicles 4:6; Ezekiel 40:38)

2. fire

a. by a spirit of judgment, cf. Isaiah 28:6

b. by a spirit of burning, cf. Isaiah 1:31; Isaiah 9:19 (see Special Topic: FIRE).

It is quite possible that “spirit” (ruah) should be understood as a violent, destructive wind of YHWH's judgment. Judah will be judged and cleansed of her willful rebellion.

▣ “filth” This is a strong term (BDB 844) which is used of sin.

1. Isaiah 28:8 of human vomit

2. Isaiah 36:12 of human feces (cf. Deuteronomy 23:14; Ezekiel 4:12)

▣ “the daughters of Zion” This is the metaphor used of Jerusalem in Isaiah 3:16-26. It is parallel with “Jerusalem.”

▣ “bloodshed” This (BDB 196) is metaphorical for the premeditated taking of life. Here it probably refers to the exploitation of the poor and socially ostracized (i.e., “from her midst”).

Isaiah 4:5 This is a historical allusion to YHWH's personal presence and care during the Exodus and Wilderness Wandering Periods. It refers to the Shekinah cloud of glory (i.e., Exodus 13:21, Exodus 13:22; Exodus 40:38; Numbers 9:15-23; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 99:7; Psalms 105:39). He (or His angel) would personally lead His people again and provide for all their needs in abundance.

▣ “the LORD will create” This VERB (BDB 135, KB 153, Qal PERFECT) is used only of God's creating (cf. Genesis 1:1).

▣ “canopy” The term (BDB 342 I) can refer to

1. a protective covering like the Shekinah cloud (over the whole of the people, like the Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings)

2. a covering for a wedding (cf. Psalms 19:5; Joel 2:16)

Some link this wedding metaphor to the desperate women of Isaiah 4:1, while other commentators link it to the Tabernacle and a future restored Temple in Jerusalem, which would denote the union of YHWH/ Messiah and His people in a marriage metaphor (cf. Isaiah 5:1; Hosea 1-3; Ephesians 5:21-33).

Isaiah 4:6 There are several metaphors combined to show YHWH's protection (from heat and storm)

1. shelter, BDB 697, cf. Isaiah 1:8; Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20; same concept in Isaiah 32:2

2. refuge, BDB 340

a. NOUN, Isaiah 25:4

b. VERB, Isaiah 14:23; Isaiah 57:13

c. in Psalms, Psalms 14:6; Psalms 46:1; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 62:7, Psalms 62:8; Psalms 71:7; Psalms 73:28; Psalms 91:2, Psalms 91:9; Psalms 94:22; Psalms 142:5

3. from other texts in Isaiah, a “defense,” BDB 731, cf. Isaiah 17:10; Isaiah 27:5

Often these metaphors refer to YHWH as

1. a protective mother bird (i.e., under the shelter of its wings, see Special Topic: Shadow As a Metaphor for Protection and Care)

2. a high fortress or stronghold (cf. Psalms 18:1)

Believers can trust the protection and tender care of their covenant God! He is with us and for us, if we only repent, believe, obey, serve, and persevere. The covenant has promises (benefits) and responsibilities (obligations). Both have consequences!