Bible Glide

Isaiah 4

Isaiah 4 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Isaiah 4 follows a scene of shame and loss with a promise of cleansing, survival, and divine shelter. It points to a purified remnant in Jerusalem, the LORD's renewed favor, and his protective presence over Zion.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Isaiah 4?

The chapter opens with a picture of desperate social reversal, then turns to hope for those left in Zion. Isaiah speaks of a future Branch of the LORD whose beauty and honor will bring life to the land. The survivors in Jerusalem are described as holy after God removes their uncleanness through judgment and refining fire. The chapter ends with vivid images of God's presence over Mount Zion, like a cloud by day and fire by night, offering shade, refuge, and safety for his people.

Isaiah 4 comes right after the warnings and judgments of chapter 3. It shifts from the exposure of Jerusalem's pride and emptiness to a promise that God will preserve a remnant. This short chapter prepares for the larger message of Isaiah by showing that judgment is not the end. God still plans cleansing, restoration, and protection for his people.

Themes to notice

  • RemnantGod preserves a faithful group in Zion even after judgment falls on the city.
  • CleansingThe Lord removes impurity and shame through judgment that purifies rather than only destroys.
  • Presence and protectionGod covers his people with his presence and becomes their refuge in danger.

Questions for Isaiah 4

  • What does Isaiah 4 say will happen to those who remain in Zion and Jerusalem?
  • How do the images of cleansing and fire shape your view of God's judgment?
  • What do the cloud, fire, and canopy suggest about God's care for his people?

Read the full text of Isaiah 4 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Isaiah 4

A Remnant in Zion

1In that day seven women

will take hold of one man and say,

“We will eat our own bread

and provide our own clothes.

Just let us be called by your name.

Take away our disgrace!”

2On that day the Branch of the LORD

will be beautiful and glorious,

and the fruit of the land

will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors.

3Whoever remains in Zion

and whoever is left in Jerusalem

will be called holy—

all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—

4when the Lord has washed away

the filth of the daughters of Zion

and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem

by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.

5Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion

and over her assemblies

a cloud of smoke by day

and a glowing flame of fire by night.

For over all the glory

there will be a canopy,

6a shelter to give shade

from the heat by day,

and a refuge and hiding place

from the storm and the rain.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Isaiah 4

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage