Isaiah 4 Study Notes

4:2-6 This pronouncement marks a sudden shift from judgment described in the pronouncements of 2:5-4:1 to future salvation. A similar dynamic has been observed in the abrupt transition of judgment speeches in 1:2-31 to the powerful picture of salvation in 2:1-4.

4:2 That day is a future day, a time that comes after the judgment described in 2:5-4:1. Indeed, the new restored state of Zion is a product of passing through the crucible of judgment. The remnant is here described as Israel’s survivors. The reference to the Branch of the Lord is provocative. After all, the branch has a messianic connotation in Jr 23:5; 33:15; Zch 3:8; 6:12. Many scholars have pointed out that the branch in this verse is parallel with the fruit of the land and may indicate the rich abundance that Zion will enjoy in the future. But the two readings may not be mutually exclusive since in Hebrew parallelism the second idea is often not strictly synonymous, but expands the thought of the first idea.

4:3 The remnant will be holy. Holiness means set apart or consecrated for service to the Lord. Such a relationship implies an obedient lifestyle.

4:4 This verse explicitly states that Zion’s blessed future condition will be accomplished through judgment. It is an act of the grace of God. God’s people must wash themselves (1:16), but it is God who makes them clean.

4:5 After the exodus from Egypt, God guided Israel through the desert by a cloud and flame (cp. Ex 40:38), which represented God’s mysterious and powerful presence with his people. Isaiah used this language to teach that the future remnant will again enjoy an intimate and assuring relationship with God after the judgment.