Isaiah 4

Continued Description of Israel’s Desperation and God’s Deliverance

Similar to most prophetic sermons and visions, scholars see potential for dual fulfillment in Isaiah’s continued description of a future time of devastation and deliverance for Israel.  God would punish the rebellious and preserve a remnant.  

Dead Men And Desperate Women

Vs. 1 - On that day seven women will seize one man

Isaiah continued a description of coming judgment and humiliation for his people because of their sin.  So many men would die that the women would greatly outnumber them. 

As a result of the judgments of the LORD detailed in Isaiah 3:16-26, the daughters of Zion will have few men to choose from as husbands.                 - David Guzik 

Jerusalem Will be Holy Again

The Branch

Vs. 2-3 - On that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors. Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy

Having judged his people and removed sin, God blesses the righteous that remain. This new blessing is symbolized by a tree that bursts into new life and by a field that brings fresh growth.     - Don Fleming

Scholars note that the Hebrew word “semah” which is consistently translated “branch” is a difficult concept to translate. It is “a growing thing” such as from a plant, vine, or tree. The word carries with it the idea of new things to come and renewal. It seems to be similar to what we think about with the new growth that comes in springtime after the deadness of winter. 

The Jewish people understood this phrase, “the Branch of the Lord” to be a reference to the coming Messiah. The Aramaic translation of the Hebrew scriptures (the Targum) translates this phrase as referring to the Messiah. The imagery is that of the Messiah sprouting up from among his people, bringing salvation, renewal, and restoration to the nation.                  - Brent Kercheville

In a general sense "The Branch of the Lord" refers to Israel, but this is also a messianic title here as elsewhere (Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15; Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12).   - Thomas Constable

Refuge and Shelter

Vs. 5-6 - For there will be a canopy over all the glory, and there will be a shelter for shade from heat by day and a refuge and shelter from storm and rain.

As sure as the prophesied judgment, there would also certainly come promised provision.  Isaiah described a time of cleansing and purification so that God could provide and protect His people just like He had when He brought them out of Egypt. 

God definitely would not abandon His people Israel in the coming judgment, but would share His presence with them and care for them by providing protection and guidance. Failure in leadership marked Israel in Isaiah’s day, but God Himself would lead the nation in the future.  

History has shown that some of the predictions of judgment found partial fulfillment in the exiles of Israel that preceded Messiah’s appearing. However, most of the judgment, and all the blessing connected to the Messiah, lies in the future from our perspective.                 - Thomas Constable