Isaiah 4:6

KJV

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there shall be a tabernacle {H5521} for a shadow {H6738} in the daytime {H3119} from the heat {H2721}, and for a place of refuge {H4268}, and for a covert {H4563} from storm {H2230} and from rain {H4306}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A sukkah will give shade by day from the heat; it will also provide refuge and cover from storm and rain.

Berean Standard Bible

a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.

American Standard Version

And there shall be a pavilion for a shade in the day-time from the heat, and for a refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 4:6 presents a profound prophetic vision of divine protection and provision for the purified remnant of God's people in Jerusalem. Following a period of intense judgment and cleansing, this verse promises a future state of security and peace, where the Lord Himself will serve as a constant, all-encompassing shelter. It vividly portrays God's presence as a "tabernacle," offering refuge from the scorching heat of adversity by day and a secure "covert" from the destructive storms and rains of life's trials, symbolizing comprehensive and unwavering divine care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 4:6 concludes a short but potent chapter that transitions from prophecies of severe judgment and devastation (Isaiah 2-3) to a hopeful vision of restoration and purification for Jerusalem and Judah. The preceding verses (Isaiah 4:2-3) introduce the "Branch of the Lord" (a messianic reference) and speak of a holy remnant in Zion, indicating a future spiritual renewal. Verse 5 explicitly states that "the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of [Mount Zion](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - Mount Zion as the Lord's House"), and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night." This imagery directly echoes the miraculous guidance and protection experienced by Israel during their [wilderness wanderings](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God's Pillar of Cloud and Fire"), where God manifested His presence as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Isaiah 4:6 then extends this promise, illustrating the tangible, practical benefits of this divine presence—a comprehensive shield against all forms of adversity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah is set against the backdrop of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, periods of immense political turmoil, military threat, and spiritual decline for Judah. The prophecies of judgment in Isaiah reflect the consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Culturally, the imagery of a "tabernacle" (Hebrew: _sukkah_) evokes the temporary booths used during the [Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - The Feast of Tabernacles"), which commemorated God's provision and dwelling with Israel during their forty years in the wilderness. This cultural memory would have underscored the promise of God's direct, personal, and protective presence. Furthermore, the threats of "heat," "storm," and "rain" were common and significant dangers in the ancient Near East, where extreme weather could devastate crops, homes, and lives, making the promise of shelter profoundly meaningful.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 4:6 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout Isaiah. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Provision**, assuring God's people of a constant, unwavering safeguard. Just as a "shadow in the daytime" protects from scorching heat, and a "covert" shields from storm and rain, God Himself is depicted as the ultimate shelter from life's adversities, embodying the truth found in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). It also highlights **God's Abiding Presence**, with the "tabernacle" signifying not merely a temporary dwelling but God's active, intimate presence among His people, providing a secure [place of refuge](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Security from Adversity**, where the mentioned threats—heat, storm, and rain—symbolize various forms of hardship, distress, and danger, promising comprehensive protection from both subtle, constant discomforts and overwhelming, destructive forces, pointing towards an ultimate peace that transcends earthly troubles, as envisioned in [Revelation 7:16-17](/revelation/7-16 "Revelation 7:16-17 - No More Hunger or Thirst").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tabernacle (Hebrew, _çukkâh'_):** H5521, from סֹךְ; a hut or lair; booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. In this context, _çukkâh_ refers to a temporary shelter or booth. Its use here is highly symbolic, evoking the temporary dwellings of the Israelites in the wilderness and the Feast of Tabernacles. It signifies a humble, yet divinely provided, dwelling place that offers protection.
* **refuge (Hebrew, _machăçeh'_):** H4268, or מַחְסֶה; from חָסָה; a shelter (literally or figuratively); hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. This word emphasizes the security and safety found in God's presence. It denotes a place where one can flee from danger and find ultimate protection, suggesting a deep sense of trust and reliance on the divine.
* **storm (Hebrew, _zerem'_):** H2230, from זָרָm; a gush of water; flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest. This term describes a violent outpouring, typically of water, signifying a powerful, overwhelming, and potentially destructive force. Paired with "rain," it highlights the intensity of the adversities from which God provides protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall be a tabernacle":** This opening phrase introduces the central image of God's protective presence. The "tabernacle" (sukkah) is not a physical structure built by human hands, but a divine creation, signifying God's direct and personal provision of shelter.
* **"for a shadow in the daytime from the heat":** This clause describes the first aspect of the tabernacle's function. In a hot climate, a shadow provides essential relief from the scorching sun. "Heat" symbolizes the constant, oppressive pressures and trials of life that can wear one down. The "shadow" represents God's gentle, yet effective, alleviation of these daily burdens.
* **"and for a place of refuge":** This expands on the protective nature of the tabernacle. A "place of refuge" (machăçeh) implies a secure haven from danger, a sanctuary where one can escape harm and find safety. It speaks to God's role as a secure dwelling for His people amidst a hostile world.
* **"and for a covert from storm and from rain":** This final clause completes the picture of comprehensive protection. A "covert" (miçtôwr) is a hiding place or shelter. "Storm" (zerem) and "rain" (mâṭar) symbolize overwhelming, destructive forces and periods of intense adversity. God's presence serves as an impenetrable shield against these sudden, violent onslaughts, ensuring complete safety.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 4:6 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "tabernacle," "shadow," "refuge," and "covert" are all metaphors for God's protective presence and the security He provides. They are not literal structures but represent the tangible benefits of His divine care. Correspondingly, "heat," "storm," and "rain" are powerful **Symbols** of various forms of adversity, trials, and dangers that humanity faces. The verse employs a form of **Parallelism** by listing different forms of protection (shadow, refuge, covert) against different forms of threat (heat, storm, rain), reinforcing the idea of comprehensive and multifaceted divine safeguarding. This vivid imagery creates a strong, comforting picture of God's unwavering faithfulness to His people, promising solace and security in all circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 4:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His character as the ultimate protector and provider. It echoes the historical pattern of God dwelling with His people, from the wilderness tabernacle to the temple in Jerusalem, always signifying His intimate presence and protective care. The promise of a divine "tabernacle" points forward to the eschatological hope of God's perfect dwelling with humanity, where all suffering will cease. This verse assures believers that even in the midst of judgment and tribulation, God's steadfast love provides an unshakeable haven, a spiritual sanctuary where His people can find rest and security from the world's harsh realities.

* [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1-2 - Shelter in the Shadow of the Almighty")
* [Revelation 7:15-17](/revelation/7-15 "Revelation 7:15-17 - God's Presence and Protection in the New Heaven")
* [Psalm 121:5-6](/psalms/121-5 "Psalm 121:5-6 - The Lord as Your Shade")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 4:6 offers profound comfort and practical application for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and constant challenges—whether personal trials, societal pressures, or global crises—this verse serves as a timeless reminder of God's unwavering sovereignty and His personal commitment to His people. We are invited to actively seek and find our ultimate security not in worldly provisions or human ingenuity, but in the abiding presence of God Himself. Just as ancient Israel looked to the cloud and fire, we are called to look to Christ, who embodies this divine refuge. This means cultivating a daily walk of faith, trusting in His protective hand when the "heat" of life's daily struggles becomes overwhelming, and finding peace in His "covert" when the "storms" of major crises threaten to engulf us. It is a call to rest in His faithfulness, knowing that He is our ever-present help and our eternal dwelling place.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "heat" or "storms" are you currently facing, and how does the promise of God's "tabernacle" provide comfort in your specific situation?**
* **How does the imagery of God as a "shadow," "refuge," and "covert" deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **In what practical ways can you seek God's presence as your ultimate shelter and security in your daily life?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God more fully with your future, knowing He promises comprehensive protection?**

### FAQ
**What is the "tabernacle" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "tabernacle" (Hebrew: _çukkâh_) in Isaiah 4:6 is not a literal, physical structure built by human hands. Instead, it is a powerful metaphor for God's divine presence and the comprehensive protection and provision He offers to His purified people. It evokes the temporary booths used during the [Feast of Tabernacles](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - The Feast of Tabernacles"), which commemorated God's dwelling with Israel in the wilderness, providing shelter and sustenance. Here, it signifies that God Himself is the ultimate, ever-present shelter from all forms of adversity.

**How does this promise of protection relate to the prophecies of judgment described earlier in Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 4:6 comes at the end of a section (chapters 2-4) that vividly describes God's judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their sin and idolatry. The previous verses in chapter 4 speak of a severe cleansing, where only a holy remnant will survive. Therefore, this promise of a "tabernacle" and divine protection is not for all of Israel indiscriminately, but specifically for this purified and sanctified remnant. It highlights God's justice in judgment, followed by His grace and faithfulness in providing ultimate security for those who remain faithful to Him, demonstrating that His ultimate purpose is always to dwell securely with His people, even after necessary discipline. This aligns with the broader theme of restoration after judgment found throughout the prophetic books, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 30:18-22](/jeremiah/30-18 "Jeremiah 30:18 - Restoration of Jacob's Tents").

**Is this promise of protection only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 4:6 is the future restoration of a remnant in ancient Israel, the theological principles it conveys are timeless and apply profoundly to believers today. The character of God as a protector, provider, and refuge is unchanging. The "heat," "storm," and "rain" symbolize universal human experiences of adversity, trials, and suffering. Therefore, this verse serves as a powerful assurance that God remains our ultimate source of security and solace in every generation. Through Christ, believers are invited into this divine shelter, finding refuge from the spiritual "storms" of sin and the "heat" of life's tribulations, as promised in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 4:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect "tabernacle" of God among humanity, for in Him, "the Word became flesh and [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), and we have seen his glory." Jesus embodies the divine presence that provides ultimate shelter and security. He is the "shadow in the daytime from the heat," offering rest and peace to those weary and burdened by the scorching trials of life, inviting them to [come to Him](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary"). As the "place of refuge," Christ is the secure haven from the condemnation of sin and the judgment of God, providing salvation and eternal safety for all who trust in Him, as highlighted in [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Finding Refuge in Hope"). Furthermore, He is the "covert from storm and from rain," shielding His people from the destructive forces of evil and the overwhelming anxieties of the world. In Christ, we find not merely temporary relief, but an enduring, eternal dwelling place where God's protective presence is perfectly and permanently manifested, culminating in the eschatological vision of God [dwelling with His people](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People") in the new heaven and new earth, where all tears are wiped away and there is no more curse.

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

Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

Psalms 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Isaiah 32:2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Psalms 121:5

The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

Psalms 121:6

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.