In this study, we continue building on this coming day that Isaiah has been telling the people about in the last 2 chapters, but we see quite a different side to this day here. Here, we read of the provision of a saviour and a promise of holiness and life (Isa 4:2-4). The chapter will also show us a new creation where God dwells and provides shelter (Isa 2:5-6).
(A) The Provision of a Savior and a Promise of Holiness and Life (Isa 4:2-4)
Isaiah has already been speaking about “that day” spoken of in Isa 4:2. It seems to be a day when God will bring down the proud (Isa 2:12). It is a terrifying day when God will come and bring terror and man will try to hide from him (Isa 2:19-21). It is a terrible day when God comes in judgment. On this day, God judges the proud and He brings them low to unveil their true state (c.f. Isa 3:18-23). They look good outside but they are rotten inside. This is what the day of judgment does. There will also be a desperation for their shame and reproach to be removed (Isa 4:1).
Overall, it is a fearsome future day of judgment that comes on Israel as they were a people who lived in spiritual rebellion and who did not trust their leaders. It was a day of dread and fear. Today’s passage addresses this exact same day but informs us of a different side to that day. It is a day of terrifying judgment on the one hand, but also of beauty, glory, life cleansing, holiness, shelter and refuge on the other.
Isa 4:2a makes a reference to the beautiful and glorious branch of the LORD. In Isa 11:1-2, we read of a prophecy of how a shoot will come forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. We know that this refers to Jesus, who came from the line of David. A similar idea is picked up in Jer 23:5.
Isa 4:2b also speaks of the fruit, an extension of the agricultural metaphor. Thus, if the branch and fruit are the royal line of Israel’s king, then this is a promise that God will restore and honor and glorify the godly rule of Israel’s kings again, as in the golden era of David and Solomon.
This verse could seem surprising considering what we just read in earlier verses. The description previously was full of fear and darkness. There is now a shift in tone from the previous passages and we see that while the day of judgment will be fearsome, there is also another side to it. In the terrifying day of judgment, God promises a branch that is beautiful and glorious and in whom His people can find true pride and honour
What do we find beautiful and glorious and what do we pride ourselves in and consider honourable? Our world today is not unlike the people in Isaiah’s day. They hoped and prided themselves in gold and silver and today we pride ourselves in money and grades and careers and relationships.
The book of Isaiah thus far has shown us that idols are worthless, and that human pride will be opposed. We see through the first 3 chapters what we must not rest our lives on earthly things. Here, Isaiah moves to who we should cling to, the beautiful and glorious branch, Christ Jesus himself. The true pride and honour of God’s people.
The New Testament also picks up on this in 1 Thess 5:1-8. The Bible is consistent in reminding us in Isaiah and in 1 Thess that there are eternal things and there are temporary things. 1 Thess makes clear that we, who know that a day of judgment is coming are to live differently It sets out that what we believe about the final day directly impacts how we live every day.
How are you living your life? Are you living for what matters on that final day, or are you just living for the next semester of university or the next project at work or the next public holiday? We are called to live for and cling to the beautiful and glorious branch of the Lord
On that day, the LORD will preserve a remnant of those who remain in Jerusalem through the judgment; He will wash away their filth and cleanse their bloodstains through judgment and burning (Isa 4:4). We read previously that they were proud and were living lavishly (Isa 3:16-17). God will act and cleanse them, and those who survive will be called holy (Isa 4:3).
We might be tempted to look at this and think, why so extreme? Why so harsh? We see here that sin is serious and worthy of judgment. This holy God who created all things and gave us the law must execute consequences for a breach of His law, which is good and His intention for how the world is to be run.
Notice also how through God’s judgment, He also brings about good. The survivors are actually cleansed and holy and are guaranteed life. This God judges, but also through that, brings us good. He can achieve holiness, life and cleansing.
When difficult times come, do you look at what God is doing through the difficulty that you are facing? Do you see the eventual good that He is bringing into your life? Or do you just see that difficulty and become bitter?This God in Isaiah brings about good through judgment and devastation. Yes, for those who love God, all things work together for good as Rom 8:28 states. Good here means conformity to His purposes, as we see in Rom 8:29. He washes and cleanses us through all things, even through the judgment of Isaiah’s day.
This passage in Isaiah might seem far off. But this God of Isaiah is also the same God in Rom 8:28-29, and He can take all that is going on in your life — your insecurities, worries, failures — and work it for your good and holiness.
(B) A New Creation where God Dwells and Provides Shelter (Isa 4:5-6)
We go on to read of how God will create over Zion “a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night” and “for over all the glory there will be a canopy” (Isa 4:5). This reminds them of their time in the wilderness, when God had led them out of Egypt. This was a symbol of God’s presence and leading in their lostness, confusion and fear. He was a very present guide and leader for them in the wilderness then.
Yet, unlike in Exodus when they’re following this cloud and fire, here in Isaiah, there seems to be a sense of permanence and dwelling, when they’re finally with God. God’s presence forms a canopy. Where God is, there will be His people too. This comes after the washing and cleansing! God’s people can’t dwell with Him if they are still persisting in their pride. They can only be with Him after they are washed and made holy.
In Rev 21:22-27, we read of the city where there is no more need for a temple to meet God because God is there. This is a wonderful image and an encouragement for our tired souls. One day, we can dwell with God directly, in the presence of God! We can look forward to this day and hope so surely in this!
This new creation will feature “a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain” (Isa 4:6). Israel will have access to this shelter in all circumstances! In Christ, we have one who stepped out of his shelter in heaven and stepped directly into the heat and storm of sin and man’s life. He stepped onto the cross, and bore all our punishment. He who was destined for life took on all our suffering, pain and wrath so that we can find a shelter in Him.
Christ brings us shelter both in the final day and even now as we can come to him in our suffering and trouble and find an advocate, a sympathizer, and a healer. This is the only reason we have hope. As the heat and the rain come, we must cling to the beautiful and glorious branch that is Christ. When storms of life come, let us cling to the branch and the promise of a glorious final day far across the troubled seas.