4:2-4The “branch of the LORD” probably refers to the Messiah, although some believe it refers to Judah. The point is that during the distress predicted by Isaiah, some people will be protected by God’s loving grace. Those protected will be set apart to serve God when Messiah rules the earth (Jeremiah 23:5, 6; Zechariah 6:12, 13). Their distinctive mark will be their holiness, not wealth or prestige. This holiness comes from a sincere desire to obey God's moral standards and from their wholehearted devotion to him. Evil will not always continue as it does now. The time will come when God will put an end to all evil, and his faithful followers will share in his glorious reign.
Life Application Study BibleIsaiahChapter 4
Isaiah 4
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original page: 1097
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
4Isaiah 4
1In that day so fewmen willbe left that seven women will fight for each man, saying, “Let usall marry you! We will provide our own food and clothing. Only let us take your name so we won't be mocked as old maids.”
A Promise of Restoration
22 But in that day, the branch* of the LORDwill be beautiful and glorious;the fruit of the land will be the pride and gloryof all who survive in Israel.
3All who remain in Zionwill be a holy people—those who survive the destruction of Jerusalemand are recorded among the living.
4The LORD will wash the filth from beautiful Zion*and cleanse Jerusalem of its bloodstainswith the hot breath of fiery judgment.
5Then the LORD will provide shade for Mount Zionand all who assemble there.He will provide a canopy of cloud during the dayand smoke and flaming fire at night,covering the glorious land.
6It will be a shelter from daytime heatand a hiding piace from storms and rain.
A Song about the LORD’s Vineyard
51 Now I will sing for the one I lovea song about his vineyard:My beloved had a vineyard
Textual footnotes
- 4:4 Or from the women of Zion; Hebrew reads from the daughters of Zion.
Life Application Notes 2 notes
4:13New moon celebrations and Sabbaths refer to monthly offerings (Numbers 28:11-14) and weekly and special annual Sabbaths on the Day of Atonement and Festival of Shelters (Leviticus 16:23-34). For all the festivals, see the chart in Leviticus 22, p. 189. Although the people did not feel sorry for their sins, they continued to offer sacrifices for forgiveness. Gifts and sacrifices mean nothing to God when they come from someone with a corrupt heart. God wants us to love him, trust him, and turn from our sin; after that, he will be pleased with our “sacrifices” of time, money, or service.