Isaiah 4:5

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.

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}.

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.

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,

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

Isaiah 4:5 presents a powerful prophetic vision of God's future protection and presence over His people in Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion. This verse immediately follows a description of a purified remnant surviving a period of judgment, highlighting God's faithfulness to those who remain.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Isaiah, often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 2-4), which describes both judgment and ultimate restoration. Chapter 4, in particular, speaks of a time when the "branch of the LORD" (likely referring to the Messiah) will bring beauty and glory. Following a period of intense purification, a righteous remnant will be left in Jerusalem. Verse 5 then assures this remnant of divine protection, drawing parallels to foundational moments in Israel's history.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Protection: The imagery of "a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night" is a direct echo of God's guidance and protection during the Exodus from Egypt. Just as God led and guarded Israel through the wilderness, He promises to visibly manifest His presence and provide a perpetual defense over His restored people. This signifies a return to an intimate, visible relationship with God.
  • Sanctuary and Security: The phrase "upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies" emphasizes that God's protective presence will encompass not just the Temple or a specific holy site, but all the places where His people dwell and gather. Mount Zion, representing Jerusalem and God's holy city, becomes a place of unparalleled security.
  • Glory and Defense: The concluding phrase, "for upon all the glory shall be a defence," suggests that God's presence itself is the glory, and this very glory acts as an impenetrable shield. The "glory" here refers to the honor, majesty, and blessed state of God's redeemed people and the place where He dwells. God's protective canopy ensures that nothing can diminish or harm His renewed creation and chosen people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "create" (בָּרָא - bara') used at the beginning of the verse is significant. It is often used to describe God's unique, sovereign act of bringing something into existence, especially in Genesis 1 (e.g., Genesis 1:1). This implies that the promised protection and presence are not a natural phenomenon but a miraculous, divine intervention.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 4:5 offers profound comfort and assurance. While we may not see a literal cloud and fire, the principle remains: God is present with His people and provides spiritual protection. This verse reminds us:

  • God's presence is our ultimate defense against spiritual and worldly threats.
  • He is faithful to His promises, even through times of purification and hardship.
  • We can trust in God's sovereign care over our lives and our gatherings as believers, knowing that His glory surrounds us as a shield (compare Psalm 3:3).

It points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell fully with His people, and there will be no more sorrow or danger (Revelation 21:3-4).

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 13:21 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Exodus 40:38 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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.