Isaiah 4:5

KJV

And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory [shall be] a defence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} will create {H1254} upon every dwelling place {H4349} of mount {H2022} Zion {H6726}, and upon her assemblies {H4744}, a cloud {H6051} and smoke {H6227} by day {H3119}, and the shining {H5051} of a flaming {H3852} fire {H784} by night {H3915}: for upon all the glory {H3519} shall be a defence {H2646}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will create over the whole site of Mount Tziyon and over those who assemble there a smoking cloud by day and a shining, flaming fire by night; for the Glory will be over everything like a hupah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then 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,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah will create over the whole habitation of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be spread a covering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 4:5 presents a profound prophetic vision of God's future, sovereign presence and protective care over His purified remnant in Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion. Following a period of divine judgment and spiritual cleansing, this verse assures the surviving faithful that the Lord Himself will manifest His glory and provide an unfailing, visible defense, reminiscent of His miraculous guidance and protection during the Exodus, ensuring a secure and holy habitation for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 4:5 concludes a powerful prophetic section (chapters 2-4) often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" due to its themes of eschatological judgment and subsequent restoration. This verse immediately follows a description of a severely diminished but purified remnant in Jerusalem, those who are "left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem" and are "holy" ([Isaiah 4:3](/isaiah/4-3 "Isaiah 4:3 - The Holy Remnant")). The preceding verses speak of the "branch of the LORD" bringing beauty and glory, and a cleansing of the "filth of the daughters of Zion" ([Isaiah 4:4](/isaiah/4-4 "Isaiah 4:4 - Cleansing of Zion")). Thus, verse 5 serves as the glorious culmination of this purification, promising divine presence and protection as the ultimate blessing for the sanctified community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mount Zion was the spiritual and geographical heart of Jerusalem, the city where God had chosen to place His name and dwell among His people ([1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Dwelling in Jerusalem")). The imagery of "a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night" is a direct and powerful allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire that guided and protected Israel during their wilderness wanderings after the Exodus ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21-22 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). This imagery would have resonated deeply with an Israelite audience, recalling God's tangible presence, divine guidance, and impenetrable protection. It suggests a return to a covenantal intimacy and visible manifestation of God's power, akin to the foundational moments of their national identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Divine Presence and Protection**, emphasizing God's commitment to dwelling with and safeguarding His people. It highlights the concept of a **Holy Remnant**, a purified group preserved by God's grace through judgment, for whom these blessings are reserved. The promise of "glory" and "defence" also underscores the theme of **Restoration and Security** for Jerusalem, transforming it into a city of unparalleled divine favor and impenetrable safety. This vision anticipates a future where God's dwelling place is not merely a temple, but encompasses "every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies," signifying a pervasive and intimate divine presence over all aspects of His people's lives and gatherings, as seen in later prophetic visions of a restored Jerusalem, such as in [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - God as a Wall of Fire").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **create (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H1254) is profoundly significant. It describes God's unique, sovereign act of bringing something into existence out of nothing (ex nihilo) or forming something in a way that is utterly new and distinct. Its use here, as in [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth"), indicates that the promised cloud, smoke, and fire are not natural phenomena but a miraculous, divine intervention, a new act of creation by the Lord Himself to establish His presence and protection.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "weight" or "heaviness" (H3519), _kâbôwd_ refers to splendor, honor, majesty, and the manifest presence of God. Here, "all the glory" likely refers to the resplendent state of the purified Zion, the honor and blessedness bestowed upon God's redeemed people, and perhaps even the visible manifestation of God's own presence that will envelop the city. It is this very "glory" that God pledges to defend.
* **defence (Hebrew, _chuppâh'_):** This word (H2646) literally means "canopy," "chamber," or "closet." In a wedding context, it refers to the bridal canopy under which the marriage ceremony takes place, symbolizing protection, intimacy, and blessing. Its use here as "defence" powerfully conveys the idea of God spreading a protective covering or canopy over Zion, providing shelter and security. It suggests an intimate, enveloping protection, much like a bridal chamber offers privacy and safety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies":** This opening clause establishes the divine agent ("the LORD," YHWH) and His sovereign action ("will create"). The scope of this action is expansive: "every dwelling place of mount Zion" signifies individual homes and residences, while "her assemblies" refers to public gatherings, worship services, and communal spaces. This indicates that God's presence and protection will be pervasive, covering both private and public life within the holy city.
* **"a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night":** This is the core imagery, directly echoing the pillar of cloud and fire from the Exodus narrative. It signifies God's visible, continuous, and supernatural presence. The "cloud and smoke" provide shade and guidance by day, while the "shining of a flaming fire" offers light and warmth by night. This dual manifestation assures constant divine watchfulness and care, adapting to the needs of day and night.
* **"for upon all the glory shall be a defence":** This concluding phrase provides the reason and purpose for God's manifest presence. The "glory" refers to the splendor, honor, and blessed state of the purified Zion and its inhabitants, and perhaps even the visible manifestation of God's own glory. Upon this glory, God Himself will place a "defence" or "canopy." This implies that God's very presence and the resultant glory of His people are themselves the impenetrable shield, making Zion inviolable and secure under His divine covering.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 4:5 is rich in **Symbolism**, primarily through the imagery of the "cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night." These elements are not merely meteorological phenomena but potent symbols of God's manifest presence, guidance, and protection, directly alluding to the Exodus narrative. This constitutes a powerful **Allusion** or **Typology**, drawing a direct parallel between God's historical care for Israel in the wilderness and His future, eschatological care for His restored people in Zion. The "defence" (Hebrew _chuppâh_) functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying God's protective covering as a canopy, evoking images of shelter, intimacy, and security, much like a bridal canopy. The verse also employs **Contrast** between day and night, highlighting the continuous nature of God's vigilant care. The overall effect is one of profound assurance, emphasizing God's commitment to His people through visible, miraculous means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 4:5 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's desire to dwell with His people and provide them with ultimate security. This verse underscores the concept of divine immanence—God's active presence within His creation and among His chosen—and connects it to His covenant faithfulness. The imagery of the cloud and fire, rooted in the Exodus, establishes a theological continuity: just as God was tangibly present to guide and protect Israel in their foundational journey, He promises a renewed, even greater, manifestation of His presence and defense for His purified people in the eschatological age. This divine covering signifies not just physical safety but spiritual inviolability, where God's glory itself becomes the impenetrable shield against all threats, ensuring a holy and secure dwelling place for those who belong to Him.

* [Exodus 40:38](/exodus/40-38 "Exodus 40:38 - The Cloud and Fire Over the Tabernacle") - "For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys."
* [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - God's Feathers and Pinions") - "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity") - "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 4:5 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today, even though we do not witness a literal cloud and fire. The enduring principle is that God's presence is our ultimate defense and source of security. In a world fraught with uncertainty, fear, and spiritual opposition, this verse reminds us that God is actively present with His people, providing a spiritual canopy of protection. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign care, knowing that He is faithful to His promises, even through periods of purification or hardship. Our "glory" as God's redeemed children, indwelt by His Spirit, is surrounded by His impenetrable defense. This should inspire us to live confidently, knowing that our lives, our homes, and our gatherings as the church are under the watchful eye and protective hand of our glorious God, who Himself is our shield and exceeding great reward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's visible presence (cloud, smoke, fire) impact your understanding of His protection in your daily life?**
* **In what ways do you experience God's "defence" or "canopy" over your life and your spiritual community today?**
* **What does it mean for your "glory" (your identity and blessedness in Christ) to be under God's defense?**
* **How can remembering God's faithfulness from the Exodus (pillar of cloud/fire) strengthen your trust in His promises for the future?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the cloud and fire imagery in Isaiah 4:5?**

Answer: The imagery of "a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night" is a direct and powerful **allusion** to the pillar of cloud and fire that guided and protected the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21-22 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). Its significance in Isaiah 4:5 is multifaceted:
* **Divine Presence:** It signifies God's tangible, visible, and continuous presence among His people. Just as He was with them in the wilderness, He promises to be intimately present in the restored Zion.
* **Divine Guidance:** The cloud by day provided direction, and the fire by night offered light, symbolizing God's ongoing guidance for His people.
* **Divine Protection:** The pillar was also a barrier against enemies ([Exodus 14:19-20](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14:19-20 - The Pillar Separates Israel and Egypt")), signifying God's impenetrable defense against all threats.
* **Covenant Renewal:** Its reappearance in Isaiah's prophecy points to a renewal of God's covenant relationship with a purified remnant, restoring the intimacy and miraculous care experienced at the very foundation of their nation.

**What does "for upon all the glory shall be a defence" mean?**

Answer: This phrase encapsulates the ultimate promise of Isaiah 4:5. The "glory" (Hebrew _kâbôwd_) refers to the splendor, honor, and blessed state of the purified city of Zion and its inhabitants, which is a reflection of God's own manifest presence within it. The "defence" (Hebrew _chuppâh_) means a canopy or covering. Therefore, the phrase implies that God's very presence and the resulting glory bestowed upon His people will serve as an impenetrable, divine canopy of protection. It means:
* **God's Presence is Protection:** The glory of God Himself, dwelling among His people, is their ultimate shield. It's not an external barrier but an inherent quality of His dwelling that repels evil.
* **Sanctified Security:** Because Zion and its people have been purified and are consecrated to God, their holy status attracts God's protective covering.
* **Inviolability:** Nothing can truly harm or diminish the blessed state of those whom God has chosen to indwell and glorify. Their honor and well-being are divinely secured, much like a precious object under a protective canopy. This echoes the sentiment of [Psalm 121:5](/psalms/121-5 "Psalm 121:5 - The LORD is Your Keeper"), "The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 4:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's presence, glory, and protective defense for His people. While Isaiah envisioned a visible, localized manifestation of God's presence over Zion, the New Testament reveals that in Christ, God's glory tabernacled among humanity in a personal, incarnate way ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son's Glory and Power")), the "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). Through His atoning work, Christ purifies His church, making them a holy remnant, and He Himself becomes their spiritual "defence." The "glory" upon which the defense rests is now the glory of Christ, which indwells believers through the Holy Spirit ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). The promise of a protective canopy over "every dwelling place" and "assemblies" is realized in the spiritual security and unity of the church, where Christ is present whenever two or three are gathered in His name ([Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Are Gathered")). Ultimately, this prophecy points forward to the New Heavens and New Earth, the New Jerusalem, where there will be no need for sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God and the Lamb as Light")), and God Himself will dwell fully with His redeemed people, providing eternal security and perfect presence ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling Among Humanity")).

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

Exodus 13:21

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Exodus 13:22

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, [from] before the people.

Nehemiah 9:12

Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

Exodus 40:34

¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:38

For the cloud of the LORD [was] upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Numbers 9:15

¶ And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, [namely], the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

Numbers 9:22

Or [whether it were] two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.