And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, “We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; Only let us be called by your name, To take away our reproach.” (Rev David Guzik; KJV).

To better understand this 1^st verse in Isaiah 4, one can do him or herself good by reviewing the first three chapters in this infamous Old Testament book; the book that the early church depended upon to understand the facts of after the cross salvation. Women usually expect marriage. The problem within Israil, at “that Day”, the wars of others against Israel will have depleted the available men. There won’t be enough men to go around. They will have died from warfare, disease, or still in battle (see Isaiah 3:25).

In that day: This does not mean that the Messiah would appear when these judgments are taking place on the daughters of Zion. It means that the promise of the Messiah would be all the more beautiful and glorious to them in the midst of their suffering. People who claim to know the day of Christ’s return cannot be correct. The Bible in the Book of Matthew, (New King James Version). “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Such people who make such claims of knowing are, simply put, evil and without scriptural support.

The judgments of the LORD are detailed in Isaiah 3:16-26.

Isaiah 4:2 is the beginning of the renewal of Zion.

Often Zion and Jerusalem are claimed to be one and the same. Beyond its physical location, Zion also represents a symbolic idea. Zion is often used as a *metonym for Jerusalem.

* Metonym: a word, name, or expression used as a substitute for something else with which it is closely associated but distinct.

Verse 2 needs clarification. “In that day the Branch of the Lord…” When one thinks of a branch, a tree limb usually comes to mind. However, The Hebrew for “Branch” is tseh’mach. This means a seedling, a sprout, a bud. The renewal of Zion is part of the “all new” promise. An understanding of this helps us better understand 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Verse 4:4 “When the daughters of Zion…”  If not taken in context, one can very easily misunderstand this verse. The word “when” makes it a given. However, the Hebrew word that is translated “when” is ‘im [eem]. There are over 25 English translations for the Hebrew ‘im [eem]. We say this only to advise those who seriously study the Bible must use wisdom and caution in the word[s] translated to English.

Verse 4:5 alerts us to the fact that this is about Israel. Romans 11:26, for instance, speaks of “all Israel will be saved,” suggesting a future restoration or turning back to God. It (Bible) does not say that all people (gentiles) will get a second chance. This is a hot and debated topic. We have addressed this topic in previous posts to this site.

Verse 5 “…then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion…” Mount Zion? Hmmm?

NOTE: Daniel 9:27 is interpreted as a prophecy about a future seven-year period (the final “week” of Daniel’s prophecy) during which a powerful leader (the “prince who is to come“) will confirm a covenant with many but will ultimately break the covenant and cause desolation. This period is often associated with the tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist. This covenant does not state all peoples, but it says “SOME”.

In verse 6 of chapter 4, the word rain means rain. It does NOT mean God will once again flood the world. People seek refuge in a rainstorm.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 8/2025