Isaiah 4:2

KJV

¶ In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth [shall be] excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall the branch {H6780} of the LORD {H3068} be beautiful {H6643} and glorious {H3519}, and the fruit {H6529} of the earth {H776} shall be excellent {H1347} and comely for {H8597} them that are escaped {H6413} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day, ADONAI's plant will be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the land will be the pride and splendor of Isra'el's survivors.

Berean Standard Bible

On 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.

American Standard Version

In that day shall the branch of Jehovah be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 4:2 presents a profound prophetic shift from divine judgment to glorious restoration, envisioning a future era of unparalleled blessing for God's purified people. It foretells the emergence of a divine figure, "the Branch of the LORD," who will embody beauty and splendor, alongside an abundant and beautiful "fruit of the earth," all destined for the faithful remnant of Israel who survive the refining trials. This verse encapsulates a powerful message of hope, where God's ultimate purpose is to bring forth new life, majesty, and prosperity following a period of purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 4:2 stands as a beacon of hope immediately following a severe depiction of judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem in [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Lord's Exaltation and Judgment") and [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem"). Chapters 2 and 3 detail the societal decay, the removal of leadership, and the dire consequences of the people's pride and rebellion, culminating in the desperate scene of [Isaiah 4:1](/isaiah/4-1 "Isaiah 4:1 - Desperate Women Seek Husbands"). This stark contrast is characteristic of Isaiah's prophetic style, which frequently intersperses warnings of impending doom with glorious promises of future restoration and ultimate glory for Zion, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to purify and redeem His people. The verse signals a dramatic transition from desolation and scarcity to divine blessing and abundance, a hallmark of the eschatological hope woven throughout the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period for Judah, marked by the rising Assyrian empire and the looming threat of invasion and exile. The people of Israel had repeatedly strayed from the covenant, leading to spiritual and moral decay. In this context, the concept of a "remnant" was crucial, referring to a faithful portion of God's people whom He would preserve through judgment. The imagery of a "branch" and "fruit of the earth" would resonate deeply with an agrarian society, symbolizing new life, fertility, and prosperity—a stark contrast to the barrenness and destruction that typically followed divine judgment or military defeat. The promise of beauty and glory speaks to a reversal of the shame and humiliation that Judah faced due to its sin, offering a vision of restored honor and divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it introduces the **Messianic hope** through the imagery of "the Branch of the LORD," a recurring motif that points to the coming Davidic king who will establish a righteous kingdom (cf. [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine purification and the remnant**, underscoring that God's judgment is not solely destructive but also redemptive, refining a faithful portion of His people who will inherit His blessings (cf. [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return")). Finally, it speaks to **restoration and new creation**, where the land itself, along with the people, will be transformed into a place of beauty, abundance, and divine favor, reflecting the ultimate renewal promised in God's eternal kingdom (cf. [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **branch (Hebrew, _tsemach'_):** From H6780, meaning "a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative; branch, bud, that which (where) grew (upon), spring(-ing)." This term is highly significant in prophetic literature, consistently referring to a future, divinely appointed descendant, particularly a Messianic figure. It implies new life and growth from a seemingly cut-off or dormant lineage, symbolizing the unexpected emergence of a deliverer.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord." This is the sacred covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The "Branch of the LORD" therefore signifies a figure intrinsically linked to God's own being and His redemptive plan.
* **escaped (Hebrew, _pᵉlêyṭâh'_):** From H6413, meaning "deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion; deliverance, (that is) escape(-d), remnant." This word highlights the concept of a remnant, a group preserved through divine judgment. Their "escape" is not due to their own strength or merit but by God's sovereign act of preservation and purification, making them the recipients of future blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day":** This phrase signals an eschatological timeframe, referring to a future, decisive period of divine intervention. It marks a pivotal moment in God's redemptive history, often associated with both judgment and ultimate salvation.
* **"shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious":** This is the central promise. "The Branch of the LORD" is a Messianic title, pointing to a future deliverer. He will be characterized by "beauty" (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîy'_ - H6643, splendor, conspicuous) and "glory" (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ - H3519, weight, splendor, honor). These attributes underscore His divine nature, majesty, and the inherent splendor of His righteous reign.
* **"and the fruit of the earth [shall be] excellent and comely":** This speaks of an outpouring of divine blessing upon the land itself. "Fruit of the earth" (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy haʼerets'_ - H6529, H776) symbolizes abundance, fertility, and prosperity. "Excellent" (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_ - H1347, majesty, excellency) and "comely" (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh'_ - H8597, ornament, beauty) describe a restored Edenic state, where the land yields its produce in perfect beauty and abundance, reflecting God's blessing.
* **"for them that are escaped of Israel":** The beneficiaries of these blessings are specifically identified as the "escaped of Israel." This refers to the remnant—those who have survived the refining fires of judgment and been purified. They are the faithful few, preserved by God's grace, who will inherit the promises of the Messianic age and experience the full measure of His restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 4:2 is rich in **Symbolism**, primarily through "the Branch of the LORD" and "the fruit of the earth." The "Branch" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for the coming Messiah, representing new life, growth, and divine authority emerging from a seemingly desolate situation. The "fruit of the earth" symbolizes the abundant blessings and restored fertility that will accompany the Messianic era, extending beyond mere agricultural prosperity to encompass spiritual and holistic well-being. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the glorious future described against the backdrop of the severe judgment detailed in the preceding chapters. This juxtaposition highlights God's redemptive purpose even amidst His righteous wrath, emphasizing His faithfulness to His covenant promises to a purified remnant. The language itself is highly **Poetic**, using evocative terms like "beautiful," "glorious," "excellent," and "comely" to paint a vivid picture of future splendor and abundance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 4:2 is a cornerstone of Old Testament Messianic prophecy, directly connecting the future hope of Israel to a specific divine figure. It weaves together the themes of divine judgment, purification, and ultimate restoration, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people through the establishment of a righteous kingdom. The "Branch of the LORD" foreshadows the coming of Christ, who would bring forth true spiritual fruit and establish a new creation. The concept of the "escaped remnant" is crucial, emphasizing that God's blessings are not indiscriminate but are reserved for those who, through divine grace and refining, remain faithful. This verse points to a future where God's glory is fully manifested, not just in a person, but in the entire created order, signaling a reversal of the curse and a return to Edenic harmony.

* [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse") - "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots."
* [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch") - "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth."
* [Zechariah 3:8](/zechariah/3-8 "Zechariah 3:8 - My Servant the Branch") - "Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 4:2 offers profound hope and encouragement, reminding us that even in the midst of severe trials, God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and blessing. For believers today, this verse calls us to recognize that God often uses periods of difficulty and purification to refine us, much like the "escaped of Israel" were refined through judgment. It encourages us to embrace these refining processes, trusting that God is working to produce spiritual beauty and glory within us. Furthermore, it directs our gaze to Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Branch of the LORD," who brings true life, abundance, and righteousness. Our hope is not in our own ability to escape, but in His sovereign work of salvation. We are called to live as part of His remnant, those who have been rescued and transformed by His grace, eagerly anticipating the full manifestation of His glorious kingdom and the spiritual fruit it will yield in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's refining hand is evident in my life, and how can I trust His purpose for purification?**
* **In what ways do I see the "beauty and glory" of Jesus, the Branch of the LORD, manifested in my daily life and in the church?**
* **What "fruit" is God cultivating in my life, and how can I participate more fully in His work of spiritual abundance?**

### FAQ
**What is "the Branch of the LORD" in Isaiah 4:2?**

Answer: "The Branch of the LORD" (Hebrew: _tsemach Yahweh_) is a significant prophetic title referring to the coming Messiah. It symbolizes new life, growth, and divine authority, often indicating a descendant of David who will bring forth righteousness and salvation. This imagery is consistent with other Old Testament prophecies that speak of the Messiah as a "Branch" or "Shoot" from the stump of Jesse, signifying new life and hope from a seemingly dead lineage (e.g., [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"), [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch"), [Zechariah 3:8](/zechariah/3-8 "Zechariah 3:8 - My Servant the Branch")). He is described as "beautiful and glorious," indicating His divine nature, majesty, and the splendor of His future reign.

**Who are "them that are escaped of Israel"?**

Answer: "Them that are escaped of Israel" refers to the righteous remnant who survive the period of divine judgment and purification. Throughout Isaiah, the concept of a remnant—a faithful portion of God's people preserved through trials—is crucial. These are the ones who have been refined and purified by God's hand, and they will be the beneficiaries of the Messianic age and the restored blessings. Their "escape" is not by their own might but by God's preserving grace and their turning back to Him in repentance and faith. This concept extends to the New Testament, where the true Israel is identified as those who believe in Christ (e.g., [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel is Israel")).

**How does "the fruit of the earth" relate to spiritual blessing?**

Answer: While "the fruit of the earth" literally refers to agricultural abundance, in this prophetic context, it symbolizes the spiritual and physical prosperity that will accompany the Messianic era. It suggests that the land itself, once desolate or cursed due to sin, will be restored to its Edenic beauty and fruitfulness under the reign of the Branch. This imagery parallels the [new creation](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth") and the blessings of God's eternal kingdom, where all things are made new and beautiful. Spiritually, it signifies the abundant life, righteousness, and flourishing that God brings to His people through the Messiah, reversing the effects of sin and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 4:2 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Branch of the LORD," the righteous shoot from the stump of Jesse (as prophesied in [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")), the true descendant of David who embodies all beauty and glory. In His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly manifested the "beautiful and glorious" nature of God, revealing the Father's splendor and majesty (as seen in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through His atoning work, He brings forth the "fruit of the earth" in a spiritual sense, transforming barren hearts into fertile ground for righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). The promise that this blessing is "for them that are escaped of Israel" is fulfilled in the church, the spiritual Israel, composed of all who are redeemed by Christ's blood and purified by His Spirit, whether Jew or Gentile (as explained in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - A Remnant Chosen by Grace") and [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Man in Christ")). Jesus is the source of all true excellence and comeliness, bringing about a new creation where His people are not merely survivors of judgment, but recipients of abundant grace and eternal life (as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Zechariah 6:12

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

Zechariah 3:8

¶ Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Isaiah 27:6

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Romans 11:4

But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.