Isaiah Chapter 4 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Isaiah 4:1
On that day, seven women will grab hold of one man and say, "We will supply our own food and wear our own clothes. Just let us bear your name; take away our disgrace."
In the last chapter, we looked at the coming judgment that was coming because of the idolatry of the people of God. Now, we see that this judgment has brought the people to repentance as the harlot has embraced the man of God. We see the number seven and, once again, we are reminded that it speaks of holiness and the purposes of God. We see that the women are wanting to turn from their adultery to have a marriage covenant with the holy man and that they are doing so not for physical or monetary gain but to have their disgrace removed.
Isaiah 4:2–3
On that day, ADONAI's plant will be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the land will be the pride and splendor of Isra'el's survivors. Those left in Tziyon and remaining in Yerushalayim will be called holy, and everyone in Yerushalayim written down for life.
In the Hebrew text, "Adonai's" plant is actually "the branch of the Lord" and that is a direct reference to Yeshua Messiah. On the day of judgment, Yeshua Messiah will transform Israel and the remaining Jewish people by revealing His glory and their names will be written in the book of life.
Isaiah 4:4
When Adonai washes away the filth of the women of Tziyon and cleanses Yerushalayim from the blood shed in it with a blast of searing judgment,
Throughout the Bible, fire is used for refining (purifying) things. As a precious metal is heated to a specific temperature, the bonds between the metal and any impurities are broken. These impurities then float to the top where they can be removed as dross. Here, Isaiah describes how God will purify Jerusalem with fire. Those of impure faith have been removed and what remains are God's people.
Isaiah 4:5–6
ADONAI will create over the whole site of Mount Tziyon and over those who assemble there a smoking cloud by day and a shining, flaming fire by night; for the Glory will be over everything like a hupah. A sukkah will give shade by day from the heat; it will also provide refuge and cover from storm and rain.
After the city is cleansed, then, God will be with the people. The smoke and fire is like it was when Israel left Egypt in the book of Exodus. The hupah is a marriage canopy and it speaks of their covenant relationship while the sukkah speaks of dependence and trust in God. This is the pattern for being protected from the final judgment that is to come.