¶ 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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Commentary on Isaiah 4:2
Isaiah 4:2 is a profound prophetic verse that shifts from themes of impending judgment to a glorious promise of future restoration and blessing for Israel. It paints a vivid picture of a renewed future, centered around a significant figure and abundant prosperity for God's purified people.
Context
This verse appears immediately after a stark portrayal of divine judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem in Isaiah chapters 2 and 3, describing the removal of leaders, societal decay, and the dire consequences of their pride and sin. Isaiah 4:1 depicts the desperate state where seven women would seek one man, highlighting the devastation of war and loss of life. However, Isaiah 4:2 marks a sudden and hopeful turning point, characteristic of Isaiah's prophecies, which often intersperse warnings of judgment with promises of future restoration and ultimate glory for Zion. It looks forward to a time when God's purification is complete, signaling a dramatic shift from desolation to divine blessing.
Key Themes
The Messianic "Branch of the LORD"
The phrase "the branch of the LORD" (Hebrew: tsemach Yahweh) is a significant messianic title. It refers to the coming Messiah, 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 (Isaiah 11:1). He is described as "beautiful and glorious," indicating His divine nature, majesty, and the splendor of His future reign. This "Branch" is the focal point of God's redemptive plan for His people, embodying divine perfection and glory.
Divine Restoration and Abundance
The "fruit of the earth" becoming "excellent and comely" speaks to a time of profound blessing and agricultural abundance. This is not merely a literal harvest but 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 and the blessings of God's eternal kingdom, where all things are made new and beautiful, demonstrating God's power to reverse the effects of sin and judgment.
The Remnant of Israel
The blessings are specifically "for them that are escaped of Israel." This 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.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "branch" here is tsemach (צֶמַח), which literally means "a sprout," "a shoot," or "a growth." This term is used in other prophetic books to refer to the Messiah, notably in Jeremiah 23:5 ("a righteous Branch") and Zechariah 3:8 ("my servant the BRANCH"). This consistent terminology underscores a unified prophetic expectation of a coming deliverer. The descriptions "beautiful and glorious" (לְתִפְאֶרֶת וּלְכָבוֹד - *l'tif'eret u'l'kavod*) emphasize the majesty and honor associated with this divine figure and His righteous reign.
Practical Application
Isaiah 4:2 offers a powerful message of hope amidst despair. It reminds us that even after periods of intense judgment or difficulty, God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and blessing. For believers today, this verse points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the "Branch of the LORD." He is the one who brings true beauty, glory, and spiritual abundance into our lives. It also speaks to the purification process God often employs in our lives, refining us so that we might be part of His "escaped" remnant, ready to receive His promised blessings. This verse encourages us to look forward to the final establishment of God's kingdom, where righteousness and peace will fully prevail, offering enduring hope for all who trust in Him.