Reflection on Isaiah 4

The first verse of Isaiah 4 is a continuation of the prophecy of judgement described in the previous chapter. The verse explains that because of the coming destruction (which would be an attack from the Babylonians) only a remnant of men would survive. Many men would have been lost in battle, meaning that the women Judah would now outnumber the men greatly. And in this patriarchal society seven women would then have to go to each man and beg for the protection and provision that would be due to them as a wife, but out of their desperation need of survival the women would only ask for one thing, to be “called by his name.” And to be “called by his name” means that they would have a rightful place in the restoration that would follow the destruction.

Some Islamic traditions use this scripture to proclaim that men who are faithful to God would receive seven virgins when they get to heaven, but viewing this text in its proper context gives us a better understanding of its original interpretation.

1.In seasons of desperation (like the one we are now in) what are you willing to give up for you and your families survival?

The following verses in Isaiah 4 (verses 2-6) tell of the restoration of Israel (triumphant with God) that would be built by the remnant (those who remain) who survived the judgement. Isaiah 4:2 says that the “branch of the LORD”, which refers to the traditions and people that have grown from their root in the LORD, will be beautiful and glorious. And the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors of the judgement. Here we see the metaphor for God's righteousness spoken of as a branch whose source or root is God, which eventually bears fruit, and that fruit gives the remnant (those who remain) pride and glory. These metaphors of branches and fruits would have been easily comprehended in the agrarian society of Israel.

2.Have you ever planted a seed that grew into a tree or plant that eventually produced fruit on its branches? How does that process develop your understanding of God’s purpose in your life?

Isaiah 4:3-5 reminds us of the reason for the judgement that was prophesied concerning Israel and Judah, that God did it to cleans them of moral and spiritual filth. The “daughters of Zion” refers to the whole nation, not the women only, who had developed a reputation of filth and blood stains that needed to be cleansed (Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet red with blood, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool white. - Isaiah 1:18). This is why those who survived the judgement “will be called holy,” because the unholy parts and people of the nation would have been removed. This is a jarring prophecy, because as I think of the mercy extended to those who survived but I also consider the ignored cries for mercy from those who were whipped away. 

3.How do you wrestle with your understanding of God’s judgement of His own people Israel and Judah?

Isaiah 4 concludes with this promise to the remnant (those who remain) of Israel and Judah. The conversation moves from the promise of destruction and disgrace, and on to the promise of continuous covering and concern. The presence of God in a cloud during the day, a smoking flaming fire at night, and a permanent shade to produce shelter are the reward for the survivors of God’s judgement. These words paint the peaceful picture of Jerusalem (city of peace), where the branch of the LORD produces fruit under God’s protection.

Your are welcomed to pray this prayer with me:

LORD Most High,

I thank you that your judgements are just, and that you do not punish those who are undeserving of it. Knowing that you did not destroy all of Israel gives me a goal to work towards knowing that you reward those who are faithful to you. I am grateful for your mercy that is extended to me even when I do not deserve it, as well as your eternal protection from the schemes of the enemy that come to trick me. I ask for your wisdom, especially in these desperate times, so that I do not allow the lack of some of the things I enjoy to cause me to act irrationally. Help me to wait patiently on you just as the seed planted into the ground requires patience to one day bear fruit. Your deliverance is always worth the wait so during these difficult times, I place my faith in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.