←Isaiah 4→BSB

During Isaiah’s ministry, Jerusalem’s population was so decimated through war, famine, and disease (3:1–3; 6:13; 14:30; 22:2; 37:4) that there were few men left, creating an absence of leadership (see 3:1–12). Even worse conditions lay ahead with the approaching war between Judah and the alliance of Syria and Israel in 734–732 BC (2 Chr 28) and eventually the conquest and fall of Jerusalem (605–586 BC).

• The branch in this context probably refers to the remnant that would constitute Israel’s new beginning after the Exile (see 6:13). Some also understand it as representing the ideal descendant of David, the Messiah (see 11:1; Jer 23:5; 33:15–16; Zech 3:8; 6:12).
• A beautiful and glorious transformation from shame and disgrace (Isa 3:17–25) to fertility and beauty would manifest God’s presence and blessing among the remnant (4:6).
• The fruit of the land, nature itself, would also be transformed from desolation to glory. Elsewhere, Isaiah described the future circumstances as resembling the Garden of Eden (see 51:3; 65:22). The message of renewal finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new creation (see Rom 8:19–27; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Eph 2:15; 4:24; Rev 21:22–27).
• Those who survive in Israel—the remnant—would be the true citizens of Zion.

• To be holy was the requirement for citizenship in Zion, where God dwells in his glorious majesty (see 6:3; Heb 12:14).
• The remnant would have their names recorded among the living in the Book of Life (Exod 32:32; Dan 12:1; Mal 3:16; Rev 3:5; 20:12).

God’s judgment has a purifying effect on his covenant people (see Mal 3:3). Justice must be satisfied before restoration can be offered.

The references to a canopy of cloud . . . and smoke and flaming fire recall God’s continuous presence and protection during the exodus from Egypt (Exod 13:21–22; 14:21–22).

shelter (literally shadow; see 32:2): See 32:2; God’s protection would keep the remnant safe from enemies and from the destruction he would bring on the wicked (33:14–16).