
Text -- Isaiah 4:5-6 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Will in a marvellous manner produce, as it were by a new creation.

Wesley: Isa 4:5 - -- A pillar of cloud and fire, like that wherewith he directed the Israelites, when they came out of Egypt: whereby he implies, that God would be their p...
A pillar of cloud and fire, like that wherewith he directed the Israelites, when they came out of Egypt: whereby he implies, that God would be their protector, and their glory.

Wesley: Isa 4:5 - -- Upon all that church and people, which God will make so glorious; upon all holy assemblies of sincere Christians.
Upon all that church and people, which God will make so glorious; upon all holy assemblies of sincere Christians.

Wesley: Isa 4:6 - -- Or, he, the Lord, shall be a tabernacle, to defend them from the heat of the sun, and other injuries of the weather.
Or, he, the Lord, shall be a tabernacle, to defend them from the heat of the sun, and other injuries of the weather.
JFB: Isa 4:5 - -- The "new creation" needs as much God's creative omnipotence, as the material creation (2Co 4:6; Eph 2:10). So it shall be in the case of the Holy Jeru...
The "new creation" needs as much God's creative omnipotence, as the material creation (2Co 4:6; Eph 2:10). So it shall be in the case of the Holy Jerusalem to come (Isa 65:17-18).

JFB: Isa 4:5 - -- The pillar of cloud stood over the tabernacle, as symbol of God's favor and presence (Exo 13:21-22; Psa 91:1). Both on individual families ("every dwe...
The pillar of cloud stood over the tabernacle, as symbol of God's favor and presence (Exo 13:21-22; Psa 91:1). Both on individual families ("every dwelling") and on the general sacred "assemblies" (Lev 23:2). The "cloud" became a "fire" by night in order to be seen by the Lord's people.

JFB: Isa 4:5 - -- "upon the glorious whole"; namely, the Lord's people and sanctuary [MAURER]. May it not mean, "Upon whatever the glory (the Shekinah spoken of in the ...
"upon the glorious whole"; namely, the Lord's people and sanctuary [MAURER]. May it not mean, "Upon whatever the glory (the Shekinah spoken of in the previous clause) shall rest, there shall be a defense." The symbol of His presence shall ensure also safety. So it was to Israel against the Egyptians at the Red Sea (Exo 14:19-20). So it shall be to literal Jerusalem hereafter (Zec 2:5). Also to the Church, the spiritual "Zion" (Isa 32:18; Isa 33:15-17; Heb 12:22).

JFB: Isa 4:5 - -- Christ's body (Joh 1:14). "The word 'tabernacled' (Greek for 'dwelt') among us" (Joh 2:21; Heb 8:2). It is a "shadow from the heat" and "refuge from t...
Christ's body (Joh 1:14). "The word 'tabernacled' (Greek for 'dwelt') among us" (Joh 2:21; Heb 8:2). It is a "shadow from the heat" and "refuge from the storm" of divine wrath against man's sins (Isa 25:4). Heat and storms are violent in the East; so that a portable tent is a needful part of a traveller's outfit. Such shall be God's wrath hereafter, from which the "escaped of Israel" shall be sheltered by Jesus Christ (Isa 26:20-21; Isa 32:2).

JFB: Isa 4:5 - -- Answering to "defense" (Isa 4:5). The Hebrew for defense in Isa 4:5, is "covering"; the lid of the ark or mercy seat was named from the same Hebrew wo...
Answering to "defense" (Isa 4:5). The Hebrew for defense in Isa 4:5, is "covering"; the lid of the ark or mercy seat was named from the same Hebrew word, caphar; the propitiatory; for it, being sprinkled with blood by the high priest once a year, on the day of atonement, covered the people typically from wrath. Jesus Christ is the true Mercy Seat, on whom the Shekinah rested, the propitiatory, or atonement, beneath whom the law is kept, as it was literally within the ark, and man is covered from the storm. The redeemed Israel shall also be, by union with Him, a tabernacle for God's glory, which, unlike that in the wilderness, shall not be taken down (Isa 38:20).
A new prophecy; entire in itself. Probably delivered about the same time as the second and third chapters, in Uzziah's reign. Compare Isa 5:15-16 with Isa 2:17; and Isa 5:1 with Isa 3:14. However, the close of the chapter alludes generally to the still distant invasion of Assyrians in a later reign (compare Isa 5:26 with Isa 7:18; and Isa 5:25 with Isa 9:12). When the time drew nigh, according to the ordinary prophetic usage, he handles the details more particularly (Isa. 7:1-8:22); namely, the calamities caused by the Syro-Israelitish invasion, and subsequently by the Assyrians whom Ahaz had invited to his help.
Clarke: Isa 4:5 - -- And the Lord will create - One MS., the Septuagint, and the Arabic, have יביא yabi , He shall bring: the cloud already exists; the Lord will br...
And the Lord will create - One MS., the Septuagint, and the Arabic, have

Clarke: Isa 4:5 - -- Every dwelling place "the station"- The Hebrew text has, every station: but four MSS. (one ancient) omit כל col , all; very rightly, as it should...
Every dwelling place "the station"- The Hebrew text has, every station: but four MSS. (one ancient) omit
A cloud and smoke by day - This is a manifest allusion to the pillar of a cloud and of fire which attended the Israelites in their passage out of Egypt, and to the glory that rested on the tabernacle, Exo 13:21; Exo 40:38. The prophet Zechariah, Zec 2:5, applies the same image to the same purpose: -
"And I will be unto her a wall of fire round about
And a glory will I be in the midst of her.
That is, the visible presence of God shall protect her. Which explains the conclusion of this verse of Isaiah; where the

Clarke: Isa 4:5 - -- For upon all the glory shall be a defense - Whatever God creates, he must uphold, or it will fail, Every degree of grace brings with it a degree of ...
For upon all the glory shall be a defense - Whatever God creates, he must uphold, or it will fail, Every degree of grace brings with it a degree of power to maintain itself in the soul.

Clarke: Isa 4:6 - -- A tabernacle - In countries subject to violent tempests, as well as to intolerable heat, a portable tent is a necessary part of a traveller’ s ...
A tabernacle - In countries subject to violent tempests, as well as to intolerable heat, a portable tent is a necessary part of a traveller’ s baggage, for defense and shelter. And to such tents the words of the text make evident allusion. They are to be met with in every part of Arabia and Egypt, and in various other places in the East.
Calvin: Isa 4:5 - -- 5.And Jehovah will create on every dwelling-place of Mount Zion As if he had said that “there will not be a corner of Mount Zion on which the grace...
5.And Jehovah will create on every dwelling-place of Mount Zion As if he had said that “there will not be a corner of Mount Zion on which the grace of God does not shine.” Dwelling-place and assembly I understand to mean the same thing; for assembly does not here denote a congregation, but the place where men assemble. With the design to express a full blessing, he alludes to what Moses relates, when the Lord delivered the people from Egyptian bondage, and sent
pillars of cloud by day and pillars of fire by night.
(Exo 13:21.)
It was customary with the prophets, in describing any remarkable blessing, to remind them of that deliverance from Egypt as an extraordinary work of God; for on that occasion God made a remarkable display of the boundless treasures of his grace in establishing his Church, and left out no proof of his kindness, in order to make known the happiness of that nation. But what chiefly deserved to be commemorated was, that by the covering of a cloud by day he protected them from excessive heat, and that by night a pillar of fire went before them, to prevent them from wandering or going astray.
It amounts to this, that when God shall bring back the Church from the captivity in Babylon, the deliverance will be of a kind not less striking and magnificent than when, at an early period, the nation went out of Egypt. Not that during their journey from Babylon to Judea they would be accompanied, as in the wilderness, by a cloud and a pillar of fire, but that he would display his grace and kindness by other methods not less remarkable. Just as if we were to say at the present day, “God will enlighten us by his Spirit of fire; He will give cloven tongues, (Act 2:3,) to spread his Gospel throughout the whole world.” Such expressions ought not to be understood literally, as if the Spirit would be sent down from heaven under that visible sign; but by reminding them of the miracle, it would lead believers to expect that the same power of God, which the Apostles formerly experienced, will now be displayed in restoring the Church. Add to this, that the Prophet, by this mode of expression, points out an uninterrupted continuance of blessing; as if he had said, “Not only will God for a moment stretch out his hand for your deliverance, but as he always accompanied your fathers in the wilderness, so likewise he will deliver and protect you to the end.”
For on all the glory shall be a defense This is connected with what he formerly said, that the bud or branch which should afterwards spring up would be for glory. It is as if he had said, “on all who shall bear the proof and marks of their deliverance.” Perhaps also he alludes to the passage in which it is related that the destroying angel passed over the houses which were marked without doing them any injury, (Exo 12:23;) for as the sprinkling of blood at that time protected and saved them, so Isaiah promises that believers, when God has marked them, will be safe. This must be carefully observed; for we are reminded that we shall not become partakers of the grace of God in any other way than by bearing his image, and by his glory shining in us.

Calvin: Isa 4:6 - -- 6.And a covering in the day-time shall be a shadow from the heat Though the Prophet confirms what we have already noticed, that God will be our perpe...
6.And a covering in the day-time shall be a shadow from the heat Though the Prophet confirms what we have already noticed, that God will be our perpetual guide till he has brought us to the end of our journey, yet we are reminded that believers will always be exposed to numerous calamities. Scorching heat, and piercing cold, and still heavier distresses, press on them severely; when they escape from one danger, they meet with another. But the highest consolation is that against every inconvenience the shadow of the Lord will of itself be sufficient; for it will cover them in such a manner that nothing can injure or do them any harm. Although, therefore, various calamities and afflictions surround us on every side, still the Lord promises that he will assist us; as it is said in the Psalm,
The sun shall not scorch thee by day, nor the moon by night; for the Lord will preserve thee from all evil. (Psa 121:6.)
Nothing more is necessary than that we follow our calling, and perform our duty faithfully. It belongs equally to the condition of the good and of the bad that they suffer many inconveniencies; but bad men have no refuge, no place of concealment in which they may hide themselves, and they must be utterly overwhelmed. But blessed is the condition of the godly; for although they endure heat and cold, still they have a safe refuge in God. But that glory of which we formerly spoke must shine in us; otherwise we shall have no share in these things; and if we carry about with us God’s mark, whenever we shall be assailed by a tempest, let us rest assured that he will be our protection.
TSK: Isa 4:5 - -- upon every : Isa 32:18, Isa 33:20; Psa 87:2, Psa 87:3, Psa 89:7, Psa 111:1; Mat 18:20, Mat 28:20
a cloud : Exo 13:21, Exo 13:22, Exo 14:19, Exo 14:20,...
upon every : Isa 32:18, Isa 33:20; Psa 87:2, Psa 87:3, Psa 89:7, Psa 111:1; Mat 18:20, Mat 28:20
a cloud : Exo 13:21, Exo 13:22, Exo 14:19, Exo 14:20,Exo 14:24, Exo 40:34-38; Num 9:15-22; Neh 9:12; Psa 78:14; Zec 2:5-10
upon : or, above
all the glory : Isa 31:4, Isa 31:5, Isa 37:35, Isa 46:13; Psa 85:9

TSK: Isa 4:6 - -- tabernacle : Isa 8:14, Isa 25:4; Psa 27:5, Psa 91:1, Psa 121:5, Psa 121:6; Pro 18:10; Eze 11:16; Heb 6:18; Rev 7:16
for a covert : Isa 32:2, Isa 32:18...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Isa 4:5 - -- And the Lord will create - The meaning of this verse and the next is, that God would take his people into his holy care and protection. The ide...
And the Lord will create - The meaning of this verse and the next is, that God would take his people into his holy care and protection. The idea is expressed by images drawn, in this verse, from the protection which he afforded to the Israelites in their journeying from Egypt. The word "create"means here, he will afford, or furnish, such a defense.
Upon every dwelling-place ... - Upon all the habitations of his people; that is, they shall be secure, and regarded as under his protection. The word "upon"refers to the fact that the pillar of cloud stood "over"the tabernacle in the wilderness, as a symbol of the divine favor and presence. So his protection should be "on"or "over"the houses of all his people; compare Psa 92:4-6.
Of mount Zion - compare the note at Isa 1:8.
And upon her assemblies - Their convocations; their sacred assemblies, such as were called together on the Sabbath; Lev 23:2; Num 28:18. It refers here to their "future"assemblies, and, therefore, includes the Christian church assembled to worship God.
A cloud and smoke by day - This refers to the pillar of cloud that went before the Israelites in their journey in the wilderness; Exo 13:21; Exo 14:20.
By day - By day, this appeared to them as a cloud; by night, as a pillar of fire; Exo 13:21-22. That is, it was always conspicuous, and could be seen by all the people. A pillar of cloud could not have been seen by night; and God changes the symbols of his presence and protection, so that at all times his people may see them. The meaning here is, that as God gave to the Israelites a symbol of his presence and protection, so he would be the protecter and defender of his people hereafter.
For upon all the glory - Above all the "glorious object;"that is, his church, his people. It is here called ‘ the glory,’ as being a glorious, or an honorable object.
A defense - This word properly means "a covering, a protection,"from the verb "to cover,"and means that God will protect, or defend his people.

Barnes: Isa 4:6 - -- And there shall be a tabernacle - The reference here is to the "tabernacle,"or sacred "tent"that God directed Moses to make in the wilderness. ...
And there shall be a tabernacle - The reference here is to the "tabernacle,"or sacred "tent"that God directed Moses to make in the wilderness. The image of the cloudy pillar mentioned in the previous verses, seems to have suggested to the mind of the prophet the idea of the tabernacle over which that pillar rested. The principal idea here is, however, not a tabernacle as a symbol of the divine protection, or of divine worship, but of a place of refuge from a tempest; that is, that they should be "safe"under his protection. In Eastern countries they dwelt chiefly in tents. The idea is, therefore, that God would furnish them a place of shelter, a hiding-place from the storm.
In the daytime from the heat - The heat in those regions was often very intense, particularly in the vast plains of sand. The "idea"here is, therefore, one that is very striking. It means, that God would furnish to them a refuge that would be like the comfort derived from a tent in a burning desert.
For a place of refuge - A place to which to flee in the midst of a storm, as a tent would be.
A covert - A place of retreat, a safe place to retire to. The figure used here is not unfrequently employed in the prophets; Isa 25:4; Isa 32:2. In eastern countries this idea would be very striking. While traversing the burning sands of a desert, exposed to the rays of a tropical sun, nothing could be more grateful than the cool shadow of a rock. Such figures are, therefore, common in oriental writings, to denote protection and agreeable shelter from calamities; see the note at Isa 32:2. The idea in these verses is:
(1) That God will be a defender of his people.
(2) That he will protect their families, and that his blessing will be upon their dwelling-places; compare the note at Isa 59:21.
(3) They may expect his blessing on their religious assemblies.
(4) God, through the promised Messiah, would be a refuge and defense.
The sinner is exposed to the burning wrath of God, and to the storms of divine vengeance that shall beat forever on the naked soul in hell. From all this burning wrath, and from this raging tempest, the Messiah is the only refuge. Through him God forgives sin; and united to him by faith, the soul is safe. There are few images more beautiful than this. Soon the storms of divine vengeance will beat on the sinner. God will summon him to judgment. But then, he who has fled to the Messiah - the Lord Jesus - as the refuge of his soul, shall be safe. He shall have nothing to fear, and in his arms shall find defense and salvation.
Poole: Isa 4:5 - -- Will create will in a marvellous manner produce, as it were by a new work of creation.
A cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flashing fire ...
Will create will in a marvellous manner produce, as it were by a new work of creation.
A cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flashing fire by night a pillar of cloud and fire, like that wherewith the Lord directed, and protected, and honoured the israelites, when they came out of Egypt; whereby he implies that God would be their protector and their glory.
Upon all the glory upon all that church and people, which God will make so glorious, not only in his own eyes, but even in the eyes of the world; upon all holy assemblies of sincere Christians.

Poole: Isa 4:6 - -- There shall be a tabernacle or, he, i.e. the Lord, shall be a tabernacle, or a tent, to defend them from the violent heat of the sun, and other injur...
There shall be a tabernacle or, he, i.e. the Lord, shall be a tabernacle, or a tent, to defend them from the violent heat of the sun, and other injuries of the weather, which was the use and benefit of tents.
Haydock -> Isa 4:5
Haydock: Isa 4:5 - -- Protection. God will protect his Church, more than he did the Israelites by the pillar, Exodus xiv. 20. (St. Basil, &c.)
Protection. God will protect his Church, more than he did the Israelites by the pillar, Exodus xiv. 20. (St. Basil, &c.)
Gill: Isa 4:5 - -- And the Lord will create on every dwelling place of Mount Zion,.... That is, on every particular church of Christ in Gospel times, and especially in t...
And the Lord will create on every dwelling place of Mount Zion,.... That is, on every particular church of Christ in Gospel times, and especially in the latter day; which are the dwelling places of Father, Son, and Spirit, and of believers in Christ. The word o used signifies a place well fitted up, and prepared, and established, and settled; and such will be the churches of Christ in the latter day glory; they will be fitly framed together and built up, a habitation for God, through the Spirit; they will be beautified, and made glorious, and will be established upon the top of the mountains, and be tabernacles that shall not be taken down, whose stakes and cords shall not be removed and broken, Eph 2:21 and so will be sure dwellings, and quiet resting places; and happy will those be who will be the inhabitants of them, since they will have the best of company, the best of provisions, and all health and prosperity, Isa 32:18,
and upon her assemblies; or "her convocations" p; in allusion to the holy convocations and solemn assemblies of the Israelites at their festivals, Lev 23:2 which are the churches of Christ, as before, consisting of men called by the grace of God, with a holy calling; called to be saints, and so are an assembly of saints, Psa 89:7 called by means of the Gospel, as the Israelites were by the blowing of the trumpets, to assemble together, to hear the word, and attend every part of divine worship, Num 10:2 and as the invisible church is called Zion, and the general assembly, Heb 12:22 so particular visible churches are called assemblies, Ecc 12:11 and which will be very numerous in the latter day, and well attended.
A cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; alluding to the Lord's going before the children of Israel in the wilderness, in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night; and to their being upon and covering the tabernacle, when it rested; and also to the cloud and smoke that were upon Mount Sinai, when the Lord was present there, Exo 13:20 and as a cloud was frequently a symbol of the divine Presence, both in the Old and in the New Testament, Exo 19:9, 1Ki 8:10 so it may here signify that the presence of God with his churches in the latter day will be very manifest and remarkable; he will be seen over them, and be the glory in the midst of them, Zec 2:5 and it may also denote the gracious protection of the churches by Christ from all their enemies; as the cloud stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians, when they passed through the Red sea, and secured them from them, Exo 14:19 as well as a cloud, is refreshing and protecting from heat, as Christ then will be from heat of every kind. See Gill on Isa 4:6. And as the pillar of fire was to give light to the children of Israel, and direct them in their passage through the wilderness in the night time; so Christ will be the light of his people, by the very great illuminations of his spirit, and the clear preaching of the Gospel, which will give both light and heat; and from both which will arise such a bright shining light, as shall drive away the night of affliction, darkness, desertion, and sleepiness, which shall precede this glorious day. See Isa 60:1 and this will be all the Lord's doing, a work of his almighty power, and therefore signified by a "creation"; it will be a new, strange, and marvellous work; wonderful in the eyes of the saints, and in the eyes of the world, that those who have been forsaken and hated should be made an eternal excellency, and the joy of many generations, Isa 60:15,
for upon all the glory shall he a defence; the glory of the churches in the latter day will greatly consist in the presence of God and Christ; in the pouring forth of the Spirit upon them; in the purity of Gospel doctrine, worship, and discipline among them; in the holiness of their lives and conversation; and in the peace, harmony, and unity, that shall subsist with them; and the defence of this glory will be partly the ministers of the Gospel, in the pure administration of the word and ordinances, as means, but principally the Lord himself, who will be a wall of fire about them, and will appoint salvation as walls and bulwarks to them, Zec 2:5.

Gill: Isa 4:6 - -- And there shall be a tabernacle,.... Christ, who tabernacled in our nature, and is the minister of the true tabernacle, which God pitched, and not man...
And there shall be a tabernacle,.... Christ, who tabernacled in our nature, and is the minister of the true tabernacle, which God pitched, and not man; who will be spiritually present in the word and ordinances, where the shepherds pitch their tents; and who will be that to his people as shepherds' tents are to them, to which the allusion is:
for a shadow in the day time from the heat: from the heat of a fiery law, which works wrath; from the flaming sword of justice, which calls for vengeance; from the wrath of God, which is poured forth like fire; from Satan's temptations, compared to fiery darts; and from the violence of persecution; for there will be no more after the last struggle of the beast, and the slaying of the witnesses:
and for a place of refuge; until the indignation be over and past: as Christ is a refuge for sensible sinners to flee unto for safety, from avenging justice, and the wrath of God; so he is a place of security, and has his chambers of safety for saints, from all dangers, and from every enemy, Isa 26:20,
and for a covert from storm and from rain; from the blast of the terrible ones, the antichristian powers, which will be as a storm against a wall, Isa 25:4 this will be the hour of temptation, which will come upon and try them that dwell upon the earth, from which Christ will preserve his faithful ones, Rev 3:10.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Isa 4:5 Heb “indeed (or “for”) over all the glory, a canopy.” This may allude to Exod 40:34-35, where a cloud overshadows the meeting ...

NET Notes: Isa 4:6 Heb “a shelter it will be for shade by day from heat, and for a place of refuge and for a hiding place from cloudburst and rain.” Since bo...
Geneva Bible: Isa 4:5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, ( h ) a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flamin...

Geneva Bible: Isa 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm ( k ) and from rain. ...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Isa 4:1-6
MHCC -> Isa 4:2-6
MHCC: Isa 4:2-6 - --Not only the setting forth Christ's kingdom in the times of the apostles, but its enlargement by gathering the dispersed Jews into the church, is fore...
Matthew Henry -> Isa 4:2-6
Matthew Henry: Isa 4:2-6 - -- By the foregoing threatenings Jerusalem is brought into a very deplorable condition: every thing looks melancholy. But here the sun breaks out from ...
Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 4:5 - --
"And Jehovah creates over every spot of Mount Zion, and over its festal assemblies, a cloud by day, and smoke, and the shining of flaming fire by n...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 4:6 - --
Thus would Zion be a secure retreat from all adversities and disasters. "And it will be a booth for shade by day from the heat of the sun, and for a...
Constable: Isa 1:1--5:30 - --I. introduction chs. 1--5
The relationship of chapters 1-5 to Isaiah's call in chapter 6 is problematic. Do the ...

Constable: Isa 2:1--4:6 - --B. The problem with Israel chs. 2-4
This second major segment of the introduction to the book (chs. 1-5)...
