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

Studying Isaiah provides a deeper understanding of the gospel and God’s character. Remember that the early church did not yet have the New Testament. They relied mostly on what the prophet Isaiah wrote.

The main messages of Isaiah 3:

1. Judgement on their leadership in Judah and Jerusalem
2. Isaiah describes a people on the verge of collapse and a disregard for God’s law
3. [v16+] God says, “Zion women are stuck-up, prancing around in their high heels,
   Making eyes at all the men in the street, swinging their hips, Tossing their hair, gaudy and garish in cheap jewelry.”
4. “Behold the Lord (‘adon: to be a ruler), the LORD of hosts (Yahuwah: (self-existing)) …” Two forms of the titles Lord and LORD.
5. God will remove from Judah/Jerusalem) men of war, police protection, judges and courts, pastors and teachers, captains and generals, doctors and nurses, even repairmen by trade, and those who are capable of ruling will refuse the role.

Verses 8-9: This is where today we get the statements “down for the count” and “they have made their bed now sleep in it”. Verse 9 is of particular interest. The appearance of their faces witnessed against them, And their sin, as Sodom, they declared, They have not hidden! Woe to their soul, For they have done to themselves evil (YLT; Young’s Literal Translation).

Verse 9: Have you or someone else ever said … “the look on your face tells us differently. Read verse 9a … The look on their continence (pânı̂ym; face) witnesses against them”

Verse 10-11: The righteous, will be rewarded, disaster to those who fall away or reject God’s will, doom to the wicked, what one has done to others will be done to them.

NOTE of CAUTION. This is why the Lord’s Prayer (as we call it) is for individuals, not a congregation… “forgive us our (my) trespasses JUST as we (I) forgive those who have trespassed against us (me).

Verse 12: We at ahabiblemoments did NOT write this verse. We are quoting the Bible.

“As for my people, children [analogues] are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead you cause you to err” (American Standard Version). This verse points out the surrendering of male leadership (Adam and Eve).

Verse 13,14: Have you ever hear it said that someone is acting as Judge and Jury? The Lord makes this claim in 3:13,14. “Jehovah stands up to contend and stands to judge the peoples.” He will be judge and Jury over all Israel [and mankind].

Verse 15,16: The accusations made.

Verse 15-24: The punishment here on earth to those accused in verses 15 and 16. Look closely at verse 24… (KJV) “Instead of a rich robe (WELL DRESSED) a girding of sackcloth; branding instead of beauty.” Branding is kee in the Greek. A synonym for branding/kee is tattoos. Hmmm? Wearing tattoos instead of things of beauty.

The context of verse 25 & 26 continues in the next chapter (4:1). This will be in our next article.

Isaiah 3:25  Your men shall fall by the sword, and your warriors in battle. 

Isaiah 3:26  And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she shall be banished; she shall sit upon the ground.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Question: What will earth be like once Christ sets up his throne on earth?

This is the question many ask of themselves without finding and answer the excludes man’s thoughts and only includes God’s. This passage in Isaiah is specific to the Tribes of Israel. How do we know that?

Isaiah 2:5 “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (NKJV). This is Israel meaning all the Tribes even though the Tribe of Dan is not included in Revelation 7:4-8.

NOTE: We discussed this absence of Dan being named in Revelation in a previous article. The quick of it:

1. Israel (Tribe of Dan) failed to be that light to the world
2. God will change this heart attitude during the Millennial reign after the Tribulation
3. Dan outright rejected the walk and commandments of God.

Isaiah 2:6-8 The physical wealth of other nations has drawn Israel away from their worship and dependence of their God. Verse 8b says it well …”They (foreigners) worship the work of their own hands.” In short …they did it THEIR way.

Isaiah 2:9 “People bow down” to or seek to hold as eternal values things of this world. God is not one of these perceived fabulous things of value. As it states in verse 8, it is the things made, collected, or manufactured by their OWN HANDS.

Isaiah 2:10 Here we find defaulted instructions for people to seek refuge in rocks and dust (hole in the ground), hiding from the “terror of the Lord” and the “splendor of his majesty”. This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the day of the Lord, where pride will be humbled and God alone will be exalted.” It appears again in verse 2:19.

Hide themselves from the TERROR of the Lord. Will the Lord be some type of terrorist or bad guy the stalks those who try to hide from his appearing? Not so. It is a terror of the truth being unfolded with full disclosure. Man will attempt to hide to possibly be overlooked by God.

Isaiah 2:11 Anything man attempts to exalt himself will be revealed in the truth. God will reveal man’s self-centeredness exposing what was little more than man exalting himself. On that day ONLY GOD will be exalted. People will know the truth. This time the truth will not set all mankind free.

Isaiah 2:12 This verse tells us that there will be no exceptions. From the mightiest to the lowest, man will be exposed for what he is. This verse says it strait …”The Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” No man or for that matter, no creation will fail to recognize the creator is on earth.

Isaiah 2:13–17 The great cedar, the mighty oak, the high mountains, great hills, high towers, the great defensive walls built by man, the great ships of the seas, and the haughtiness of all mankind will be brought down. Only the appearance of the Lord will be acknowledged as worthy of recognition and celebration.

Isaiah 2:19 is a valuable verse. God will be known and entered even in the crevices on and within the earth. Nothing ever created will be able to hide, even in the heavens above earth i.e.: the moon or mars.

Isaiah 2:20 This verse has subtle insights. We think of the Millennial Reign as two things, perhaps three. First, it is considered by some as a time of “Christians Only”. “In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver and gold.” This sentence says man will have idols or possessions to cast away. It also means he had idols or treasured items going into “THAT DAY.” Man made them for himself. This verse may suggest that there will be mankind who have not been a believer prior to or in “THAT DAY.” Perhaps even after “THAT DAY.” But this verse is also part of verse 21…

Isaiah 21 These forbidden idols [possessions] will “go into the crags of the rugged rocks, (to hide them) for the terror of the Lord is great. During *“THAT DAY” It will resemble many church attenders of today. *People will be more rigorous in their attempt to hide their personal and desired items to look or appear Christian like but not Christ like. Yes, some will truly be converted becoming true to Christ. Remember that the Great White Throne judgement [Revelation 20:11-15] does not come until after the thousand-year reign.

2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad“.

Isaiah 2:22 How do we know that the above comment per verse 21 is fact? Read verse 22. We are told to sever/break our relationship with such people. Isaiah 2:22 instructs believers to stop trusting in humans and their limited lifespans, emphasizing that true strength and security come from God alone. This verse highlights the transience of human life, comparing it to breath in the nostrils, and urges reliance on God’s eternal and sovereign nature. 

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

Isaiah 2:1 – 2:4

Isaiah speaks to many things as concerns his fellow Israelites. His focus in Chapter 2 says much about not only Israel’s future but the future in this world …and one might include “this world and universe.” As believers, we are to reflect Jesus just as the moon reflects the sun’s brilliance. The moon has no light of its own and neither do we. Israel was supposed to be that light on the hillside. A light to the world. (see Isaiah 49:3; Exodus 19:6)

Isaiah begins chapter 2 by prophesying about Judah and Jerusalem. Verse number 2 begins, “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days…” The latter days? Isaiah wrote in the 700’s B.C. yet he speaks of a very distant time yet to come [Isaiah 11:4-9]. A time of absolute justice. A time referred to as the Millennial Reign of Jesus. Micah 4:1 also refers to this time yet to come.

But, what are the last days? The wording here might be a bit confusing. It sounds or reads like the end. The end of days? This is a good time to rid our minds of what we know as days or time since both were created in Genesis 1:5. Too often our minds associate the last days with some type “end to all things.” This is partially true. Revelation 21:5 states, “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, God said to the Apostle John, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” The last days refer to the end of the old with the beginning of the new.

• Isaiah 2:4 is where we find the statement “They shall beat their swords into plowshares.” During the reign of the Messiah, there will be no more war. There will still be conflicts between nations and individuals, but they will be justly and decisively resolved by the Messiah and those who reign with Him. He, “Jesus Christ”, shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people. This probably conflicts with many peoples’ thoughts of the millennial reign and those who believe we are already in it. Yes, there will still be people, decision making, conflict, nations, and some form of rivalries. The difference? True justice will be served and conflict resolved. Both verses speak about Israel, but from different perspectives. Isaiah 49:3 focuses on Israel’s purpose as a servant of God and the display of God’s glory. 

Exodus 19:6 emphasizes the covenant relationship and the special status of Israel as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. This was God’s intent when He made them His people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

As our title for this paper states: Punishment for sin as [the] preparation for glory, is the constant theme in Isaiah. We as people will move from this world to His (God’s) new setting for life, land, universe, and atmosphere. We will gradually rise above, or better said, return to God’s original Adam and Eve setting but without the influence of evil, sin, and Satan. The punishment and preparation for glory, Heaven [Revelation 21].

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

(1) Dispersion for disobedience, Deu_30:1; Deu_28:63-68 (See Scofield on Gen_15:18).

(2) The future repentance of Israel while in the dispersion, Deu_30:2.

(3) The return of the Lord, Deu_30:3; Amos_9:9-14; Act_15:14-17.

(4) Restoration to the land, Deu_30:5; Isa_11:11; Isa_11:12; Jer_23:3-8; Ezk_37:21-25

(5) National conversion, Deu_30:6; Rom_11:26; Rom_11:27; Hos_2:14-16

(6) The judgment of Israel’s oppressors, Deu_30:7; Isa_14:1; Isa_14:2; Jol_3:1-8; Mat_25:31-46

(7) National prosperity, Deu_30:9; Amo_9:11-14

NOTE: For readers of this article who do not or did not know, there was no such thing as Palestinians people prior to 1963. Before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of nationalism in the Middle East, the Arab inhabitants of Palestine primarily identified with their religion or local affiliations rather than a unified Palestinian identity. 

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat, played a significant role in fostering a unified Palestinian national identity.

When the northern ten tribes of Israel were dispersed by the Assyrians, they migrated voluntarily or by force to the four corners of the earth. Sometime by choice. Many times by force or oppression. There is no record of their return to their northern kingdom of Israel other than stragglers who were truly dedicated to worship in Jerusalem but not in Dan or Bethel. These places of worships were established by King Jeroboam. He chose these sites to avoid his people traveling south to Judah for worship, potentially leading to their loyalty to the Southern Kingdom. 

So what is the Palestinian Covenant?  (Deuteronomy 30:1-9) The Palestinian Covenant sets conditions to Israel’s possession of the Promised land.  It does so until Israel comes to the experience of the truth of divine mercy in the last days. This has yet to happen therefore the continual debate of today over the land between the Jordan River and the Sea of the Mediterranean. It is an End Time promise. MOST Israelites have not yet returned to their Promised Land. Nations will continue to exert pressure for the destruction of what we currently call Israel. Initially in 1948, President Truman expected the newly established lands for the Jews to be identified as Judah. Much to his surprise, the liberated lands of Judah took the name of Israel.

Refer to the above chart of the sequence required before this Promised Land to actually be completely fulfilled. It was NOT fulfilled in 1948 as many try to teach. It was just the beginning. #7 – The judgment of Israel’s oppressors, Deu_30:7; Isa_14:1; Isa_14:2; Jol_3:1-8; Mat_25:31-46 has not yet been fulfilled. These are the nations apposing Israel today. Look at the streets on major American campuses. This judgement of those opposing this unification of Israel …see Item #3 in our introductory sequence chart. Today a huge chunk of Israel is under the ownership of Jordan. The swath of land in and around Jerusalem itself is Jordan ruled.

What does this mean to us? In 1948 only “some” of the Promised Land was returned to Jewish governance and ownership. It isn’t until step #7 that the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be fully fulfilled.

Rev Dr Jstark – 2025

Have you ever had a book that upon reading the first few pages, you put it down never to visit it again? It somehow fails to catch one’s attention or interest. It is a book that is easy to reject its value or has little interest or grab. The Book of Deuteronomy can be put into this category. Why? It is often referred to as the second book of laws”. Only a lawyer can find a book of laws to be of interest. Deuteronomy is comparable to the Book of Leviticus as value added in one’s library. However, It has value in that this book primarily addresses Israel and closely resembles End Time consequence for being Christian.

Chapter 28 is very specific to Israel. This verse in part (28:1) says … “If you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands that I am giving you, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world…” This is how many people read it. It appears to be easy to understand. But we left out a couple of significant words in this part of 28:1… fully, carefully, and all. It reads, “If you fully obey and carefully keep.” These two simple words are powerful to God’s words of caution and promise to Israel.

Verses 28:3-6 tell us what God promises Israel.

1. Blessed in city and country
2. Their crops will be great, abundant with all the rain they need
3. Their calves and lambs will be abundant
4. Their baskets will be full
5. Will be blessed when they come in and go out
6. Their enemies will fall in battle and flee in chaos (plural)
7. Everything they touch will overwhelmingly be blessed
8. They will be seen by the world as God’s People
9. People of the earth will recognize that Israel is blessed of God
10. Rain will fall on their lands in season as needed
11. They will loan to others but will have no need to borrow
12. They will be at the head and not the tail of the world

Read 28:9-12 for a summary of God’s promise to Israel; His chosen people. It is noting short of awesome. However, and there is always “the other side of a coin”, go back to verse #1. “Now (these promises) it shall come to pass, IF YOU DILIGENTLY OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD…” “…God will set Israel high above the other nations.” Now listen to the news about Israel and the world’s attitude today. Does it even come close to Isreal being high above with the full respect of other nations?

There is but one conclusion. Israel is trying to be great by their own wisdom. God is not their guidance and Israel’s actions lack a total devotion to G-d. This same passage has application to our lives as born-again believers. In America, their coins say, “In God We Trust.” Question. Is this true? Does the USA as a nation trust in God? Do the people worship God without compromise? Does it follow the first sentence in Deuteronomy 28:1?

The answer is very simple…NO!

As we review verses 15 forward, we find the consequences of not being diligent in our worship of God Almighty. Diligence isn’t being faithful in attending church services. It means 24/7. Did I mean 24 hours a day? YES.

Verse 15 of chapter 28: Here is a long list of the consequences for not seeking God and totally obeying His commandments. There are but 14 verses in Deuteronomy 28 instructing us as to what God expects in return for His total blessing. There are 54 verses listing the consequences for Israel (in a way this includes the Christian) if there is failure in dedication to God. “If we fully obey the LORD our God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world.”

Satan wants us to believe that God is expecting far too much of us as “frail” human beings. Well hold on. Did we create God or did God create us? This too is a strong feeling amongst mankind. We create a god (lower case g) that better fits our life. Not necessarily a god (lower case g) of wood or stone, but a god (lower case g) of wealth, position, status, etc.

Even if one could possibly live a life of total worship of God, common sense tells us THAT is hopeless. It cannot be done.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025 (April)

The necromancer might also surround himself with morbid aspects of death, which often included wearing the deceased’s clothing and consuming foods that symbolized lifelessness and decay such as unleavened black bread and *unfermented grape juice.

Huh? This is the definition of a necromancer according to the dictionary. A necromancer consumes *unfermented grape juice??? Is unfermented juice a beverage of a necromancer? Re-read Deuteronomy 18:11 once again. Am I reading this incorrectly?

Here is what may be confusing.

KJV: Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 

LITV: Deu 18:11 or a magic charmer, or one consulting mediums, or a spirit-knower, or one inquiring of the dead. 

ESV: Deu 18:11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.

ASV: Deu 18:11 or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 

It seems quite unusual, doesn’t it? Several translations use necromancer yet do not list or use this word in other translations?

The association of unfermented grape juice with necromancers might be perplexing at first glance. Deuteronomy 18:11 mentions practices that are forbidden, including consulting the dead, but it does not delve into specifics about dietary habits. Perhaps this imagery was created to evoke a sense of the uncanny and the otherworldly, using symbols that are starkly different from everyday life.

Many have been instructed since childhood to avoid consuming fermented juices (wine). However, this verse and dictionary suggest otherwise. The dictionary mentions that drinking unfermented grape juice is associated with necromancy, as referenced in Deuteronomy 18:11 (KJV, ASV, ESV, etc.). It is noteworthy and raises a question about drinking unfermented juices.  Does this mean drinking unfermented juices aligns a person with necromancy? The simple answer is… of course not. Like God intended from creation, he gave mankind CHOICE.

Often a sin can be “excessive or overindulgence” of, or in anything. How can one know the Word of God if his or her Bible sits on a shelf or table collecting dust. This article is NOT intended to give allowance to what some fundamentalists call “drinking.”  It is a brief discussion of Deuteronomy 18:11. In the Bible, “looking” at something often means choosing to consider or dwell on it. In the Bible, “looking” at something often means choosing to consider dwelling on it. Rev. Charles Stark often stated in his messages or counseling, “If in doubt, don’t.”

Look not unto the wine when it is red to the eye (Proverbs 23:31). This means grammatically that the eye is beginning to react to the wine. Mark 7:18- 19, “Nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him unclean, for it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach and then out of his body. And saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.” Paul said the same thing about food.

Rev Dr. Jstark – 2025