Isa 4 | MHM | STEP | Humiliation of the Daughters of Zion. This verse describes the sad results of God’s judgment on Jerusalem. Because so many men will die in war (as warned in Isaiah 3:25 ), there will be very few men left. The women who were once proud and focused on appearances will now be humbled. In their distress, they will be desperate to find husbands, just to remove the shame of being unmarried. This event shows how pride can quickly turn to humiliation when God’s judgment comes. v. 1 : Seven women will grab hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes; only let us be called by your name—take away our reproach . Because so many men have died, women will be willing to marry under any condition, even promising to support themselves. They only want to be called a wife, to avoid the shame of being single. This is a sign of how deeply the people have been humbled, and how much they want to escape disgrace, even if it means breaking with tradition (Genesis 19:31; Exodus 21:10 ).

‏ Isaiah 4

Humiliation of the Daughters of Zion.

This verse describes the sad results of God’s judgment on Jerusalem. Because so many men will die in war (as warned in Isaiah 3:25 ^a), there will be very few men left. The women who were once proud and focused on appearances will now be humbled. In their distress, they will be desperate to find husbands, just to remove the shame of being unmarried. This event shows how pride can quickly turn to humiliation when God’s judgment comes.

v. 1: Seven women will grab hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes; only let us be called by your name—take away our reproach. Because so many men have died, women will be willing to marry under any condition, even promising to support themselves. They only want to be called a wife, to avoid the shame of being single. This is a sign of how deeply the people have been humbled, and how much they want to escape disgrace, even if it means breaking with tradition (Genesis 19:31; Exodus 21:10 ^b).

The Future Glory of Zion.

After the sad judgments and troubles that Jerusalem faces, this passage brings a message of hope. It promises a future time when God will restore and bless His people. This promise points to the coming kingdom of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who will bring righteousness and renewal. Though the nation suffers now, a glorious future awaits, marked by God’s saving work and the revival of His church.

v. 2: On that day, God will raise up a righteous Branch. This Branch is Christ, who will bring justice and goodness. Though Jerusalem and the Jewish nation face destruction, the Messiah’s kingdom will be established. Christ is called the Branch because He grows from the line of David and is planted by God’s power (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15 ^c; Isaiah 11:1 ^d). He will be beautiful and glorious, admired by believers and honored above all others (1 Peter 2:7; Song of Solomon 5:10 ^e).

The fruit of the earth refers to the success of the gospel and the growth of God’s church. Christ’s gospel will produce good fruits—people who live holy and pleasing lives. This fruit is precious and beautiful, showing the blessing of God’s promise (John 12:24; Psalm 67:6; Hosea 2:23; Romans 11:5 ^f).

v. 3: God will keep a holy remnant, a faithful group of people who remain true to Him even when many fall away. These are chosen by grace and marked for salvation. Though many will be cut off, some will be preserved and made holy by God’s power (Romans 11:1,5; Revelation 13:8; Acts 13:48; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:4 ^g).

v. 4: God will cleanse His people and reform His church. The remnant will be called holy only after God washes away their sins and purifies their hearts. This reformation is God’s work, done by His Spirit. The Spirit acts as a spirit of judgment, wisdom, and burning zeal to make His people holy and zealous to turn away from sin (Hebrews 9:10; Zechariah 4:6; Isaiah 52:13; Isaiah 32:15-16; Matthew 3:11 ^h).

v. 5-6: God will protect His people once they are purified. Their homes and places of worship will be defended. Like the cloud and fire that led Israel in the wilderness, God’s presence will guard His church. He will be a shelter and strong refuge, a shadow from heat and storm. Though troubles come, God’s people will be safe under His care (Proverbs 3:33; Psalm 118:15; Exodus 13:21; Nehemiah 9:19; Exodus 14:20; Job 23:23,26; Psalm 27:5; Psalm 32:7; Psalm 91:9; Isaiah 32:2; Proverbs 18:10 ⁱ).