Read Isaiah 4
4 1 In that day seven women
will take hold of one man
and say, “We will eat our own food
and provide our own clothes;
only let us be called by your name.
Take away our disgrace!”
The Branch of the Lord
2 In 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 the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. 5 Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
Go Deeper
Isaiah 4 continues the theme of the previous chapters of prophecy about the coming days of ruin that is a result of Israel’s rebellion. In the midst of this message of judgment, there is a glimpse of hope for a future for those who remain in Jerusalem to be called “holy” (v. 3). It details Zion’s future glory that will be seen through the Messiah saying that “the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel” (v. 2).
What is the “Branch of the Lord”? The word “branch” in this passage is seen multiple times in the Old Testament. It is used in a genealogical context to refer to the family line in which a person comes from. We link trees and genealogy when we say someone is a part of a “family tree.” “Branch” is expressed in four different ways in the Bible. It is used to describe a king, a servant, a man, and God. The book of Jeremiah depicts the “branch” as a king saying that “The days are coming, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. (Jeremiah 23:5). Zechariah shows the “branch” as a servant saying “I am going to bring my servant, the branch” (3:8). It also portrays the “branch” as a man saying “Here is the man whose name is the Branch” (Zechariah 6:12). Finally in Isaiah 4, we see the “branch” depicted as God in the flesh being the “fruit of the land” (v. 2).
In Isaiah 11, we will read that the Messiah will come from the line of Jesse. It says “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit.” Jesse was King David’s father, and we know based on the genealogical records recorded in the gospels that Jesus comes from this family.
Jesus is ultimately the “Branch of the Lord.” This term shows both Christ’s humanity and divinity. Just as the “branch” is described in different ways, Jesus is depicted in various ways in the gospels. In Matthew, we see Jesus as the King, in Mark He is portrayed as a suffering servant, He is shown as the perfect man in Luke, and the Savior of the world in John. It is only through Jesus, the “Branch of the Lord”, that we can have our sins “washed away”. He is the means in which God restores His people to himself. Isaiah’s prophecies are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Just as they looked forward to the future hope of the coming Messiah, we get to look back on what Jesus has done and celebrate! Let’s praise Him for that today!
Questions
- What do you learn about the character of God from this chapter? What do you learn about humanity?
- Is there a verse in this passage that resonates with you?
- How can you apply this text to your life today?
By the Way
Jesus uses similar vine and branch imagery in John 15. This chapter is one of the most well known of Jesus’s entire earthly ministry. Go read what Jesus says about vines and branches today!
2 responses to “Isaiah 4”
Reading and language are amazing tools. Learning how to see the OT with that red thread of Jesus Christ coming is cool. God is not happy with how things are going so under His rule of Mosaic covenant, He preserves a remnant, and brings His promises concerning Zion, and Israel’s future to fulfilment. This is what I understood is happening.
Vs5 Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
I love the picture this portrays. God’s glory covers the purified community, while canopy, shelter, refuge, and hiding place portray His protection.
God thank You for Your protection, canopy, shelter, refuge and hiding place You have provided now through Your Son Jesus Christ and the gift of Holy Spirit. Help me today in these minutes of this day, to turn to You for all answers to all the minutes. God I feel Your presence and know that I am protected by Your loving arms. God help me to see others through Your lense and to serve them with a joyful heart today, in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!
,
What we learn about God’s character in this short chapter is that he is both loving and just. Our sins must be dealt with. Even in his correction, we see a Father’s longing to live in unbroken fellowship with his children. Ironically, his judgement proves his love for us.