Isaiah 4:4
Isaiah 4:4 in Multiple Translations
when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.
When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning.
When Zion has been washed from her sin by the Lord, and Jerusalem made clean from her blood by a judging and a burning wind.
once the Lord has washed away the excrement of the daughters of Zion, and cleaned the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.
When the Lord shall wash the filthines of the daughters of Zion, and purge the blood of Ierusalem out of the middes thereof by the spirite of iudgement, and by the spirit of burning.
If the Lord hath washed away The filth of daughters of Zion, And the blood of Jerusalem purgeth from her midst, By the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from within it, by the spirit of justice and by the spirit of burning.
When the LORD shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst of it by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
If the Lord shall wash away the filth of the daughters of Sion, and shall wash away the blood of Jerusalem out of the midst thereof, by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
That will happen when Yahweh washes away the guilt of the women of Jerusalem, and when he stops the violence [MET] on the streets of Jerusalem by punishing the people of Jerusalem. When he does that, it will be like a fire to burn up all the impure things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 4:4
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֣ם
רָחַ֣ץ
אֲדֹנָ֗/י
אֵ֚ת
צֹאַ֣ת
בְּנוֹת
צִיּ֔וֹן
וְ/אֶת
דְּמֵ֥י
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
יָדִ֣יחַ
מִ/קִּרְבָּ֑/הּ
בְּ/ר֥וּחַ
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
וּ/בְ/ר֥וּחַ
בָּעֵֽר
אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
רָחַ֣ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֗/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹאַ֣ת
tsôwʼâh
H6675
filth
N-fs
בְּנוֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
צִיּ֔וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
דְּמֵ֥י
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
יָדִ֣יחַ
dûwach
H1740
to wash
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מִ/קִּרְבָּ֑/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
וּ/בְ/ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Conj | Prep | N-cs
בָּעֵֽר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Piel-Ptc
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 4:4
אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
רָחַ֣ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
אֲדֹנָ֗/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹאַ֣ת
tsôwʼâh
H6675
"filth"
N-fs
This noun refers to filth, excrement, or dirt, and can also be used figuratively to describe moral pollution. It is often used to emphasize the need for cleanliness and purity in the Bible.
Definition: filth, excrement
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dung, filth(-iness). Marg. for H2716 (חֶרֶא). See also: 2 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 4:4; Proverbs 30:12.
בְּנוֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
צִיּ֔וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דְּמֵ֥י
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
יָדִ֣יחַ
dûwach
H1740
"to wash"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To wash or cleanse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to thrust away or purge something. It is used figuratively to describe spiritual cleansing. In the Bible, it is translated as wash or purge.
Definition: 1) to rinse, cleanse away by rinsing, cast out, purge, wash, washing 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rinse 1a2) to cleanse (by washing) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cast out, purge, wash. See also: 2 Chronicles 4:6; Jeremiah 51:34; Isaiah 4:4.
מִ/קִּרְבָּ֑/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
בְּ/ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ/בְ/ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
בָּעֵֽר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Piel-Ptc
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 4:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 4:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 4:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 4:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 4:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 4:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 4:4
Context — A Remnant in Zion
2On 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.
3Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy— all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—
4when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.
5Then 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, 6a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 3:2–3 | But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 36:25 | I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 22:18–22 | “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem. Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to melt with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, leave you there, and melt you. Yes, I will gather you together and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you will be melted within the city. As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted within the city. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have poured out My wrath upon you.’” |
| 4 | Matthew 3:11–12 | I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” |
| 5 | Zechariah 13:9 | This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” |
| 6 | Isaiah 28:6 | a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. |
| 7 | Matthew 23:37 | O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! |
| 8 | Ezekiel 36:29 | I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and make it plentiful, and I will not bring famine upon you. |
| 9 | Isaiah 3:16–26 | The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty— walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare. ” In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; their pendants, bracelets, and veils; their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; their signet rings and nose rings; their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame. Your men will fall by the sword, and your warriors in battle. And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. |
| 10 | Malachi 4:1 | “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” |
Isaiah 4:4 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 4:4, is saying that the Lord will cleanse His people from their sins and make them holy. He will use His holy judgment and fire to purify them, just like a refiner purifies silver (Malachi 3:2-3). This process may be difficult, but it's necessary for God's people to become the holy and beautiful bride He desires (Ephesians 5:25-27). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to search our own hearts and cleanse us from our sins, just as He promises to do for His people in Jerusalem (Psalm 139:23-24).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'filth of the daughters of Zion' that the Lord will wash away?
The 'filth of the daughters of Zion' refers to the spiritual and moral corruption of God's people, as seen in Isaiah 1:21, where the city is described as having become a prostitute. The Lord will cleanse them from their sins through a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire, as mentioned in this verse, Isaiah 4:4, and also in Malachi 3:2-3, where the Lord is described as a refiner's fire that purifies His people.
What is the 'spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire' that will cleanse Jerusalem?
The 'spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire' refers to God's holy and righteous judgment, which will purify and refine His people, as seen in Isaiah 4:4. This spirit of judgment is also mentioned in Isaiah 11:4, where the Lord will judge the poor with righteousness, and in Matthew 3:11-12, where John the Baptist describes the Lord's baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Will this cleansing be a painful process for the people of Jerusalem?
Yes, the cleansing process will likely be a painful and difficult experience for the people of Jerusalem, as they are forced to confront and repent of their sins. However, as seen in Psalm 119:71, affliction can be a blessing in disguise, as it leads to a deeper understanding and love for God's Word, and in Isaiah 48:10, where the Lord says He has refined them, but not like silver, suggesting a painful but refining process.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Isaiah?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the book of Isaiah, which emphasizes the need for God's people to repent and return to Him, as seen in Isaiah 1:16-17, and the promise of restoration and redemption for those who do, as seen in Isaiah 61:1-4 and Isaiah 62:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my own life where I need the Lord to 'wash away the filth' and 'cleanse the bloodstains'?
- How can I cooperate with the 'spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire' in my own heart, allowing God to refine and purify me?
- What does it mean for me to be 'holy' and 'recorded among the living', as mentioned in the surrounding verses, Isaiah 4:3?
- How can I trust in God's promise to create 'a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night' over His people, as mentioned in Isaiah 4:5, and find comfort in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 4:4
When (n) the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion,.... By Zion is meant the church of Christ in general, his mystical body, the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 4:4
When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. When - i:e., After that.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion: this shall be accomplished when God hath thoroughly cleansed the Jewish nation from their sins. The blood; the blood-guiltness, and especially that of killing the Lord of life, their own Messiah. By the Spirit of judgment, and by the Spirit of burning: this is opposed to the former legal way of purification, which was by water. By the Spirit he seems to understand the Holy Spirit of God, to which this washing and purging work is commonly ascribed, as , and elsewhere; which Spirit did accompany the preaching of the gospel, and did this work in part in some of the Jews, and will do it more fully in the body of the nation. And this Spirit may well be called a Spirit of judgment, because it executes judgment in the church, and in the consciences of men, separating the precious from the vile, convincing men of sin, and righteousness, and judgment, , manifesting the secrets of men’ s hearts in the preaching of the word, ; accusing, and terrifying, and punishing some, witnessing for and with others, and filling them with peace and joy in believing; hardening some, and softening and subduing others to God, as this Spirit is particularly promised to do to the Jews, . And the same Spirit may be fitly called the Spirit of burning, as he is compared to fire, , because he doth burn up and consume the dross which is in the church, and in the minds and hearts of men, and inflames the souls of believers with love to God, and zeal for his glory.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.Ver. 4. When the Lord shall have washed away the filth.] The ordure or excrement: sin is the excrement of the soul, the superfluity or garbage of naughtiness, the devil’ s vomit. From this abominable filth Christ hath "loved and washed his with his own blood, that he may make them kings and priests unto God and his Father." He not only washeth his people from their sins, but taketh away their swinish natures, whereby they would else return to their former wallowing in the mire as so many Borboritae. Of the daughters of Zion.] Whose pride in apparel, wantonness, luxury, &c., those peccadilloes, as they are commonly counted, are here rightly called filth and blood by these penitentiaries, whose property is to aggravate and lay load upon their former evil practices, which now swell like toads in their eyes; neither can they find words bad enough to call them by. By the spirit of judgment.] By pouring upon them the clean water of the Holy Spirit, whereby also they are enabled to make a right judgment of things that are excellent or that differ, and to judge themselves worthy to be destroyed for their many and mighty sins. And by the spirit of burning.] So called because it burneth up our corruptions, carnis vitia et carcinomata; and, secondly, Because it inflameth our hearts with a zeal for God’ s glory, making us all on a light fire, as Chrysostom saith that Peter was like a man made all of fire walking among stubble. And of one that desired to know what kind of man Basil was, it is said there was presented in a dream a pillar of fire with this motto, Talis est Basilius, Such a one is Basil. Sordes quae exeunt et excernuntur e corpore hominis per varios meatus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
(4) When the Lord shall have washed away the filth . . .—This serves as the connecting link with Isaiah 3:16-24. The prophet has not forgotten the daughters of Zion. Jehovah will wash away, as with the baptism of repentance, the “filth,” the moral uncleanness, that lay beneath their outward show of beauty. The “blood of Jerusalem,” in the next verse, has a wide range of meaning, from the “murders” of Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 1:21, to the Moloch sacrifices in which the women had borne a conspicuous part (Psalms 106:38; Isaiah 57:5; Ezekiel 22:2-3). By the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.—The word for “spirit” is better taken in its more literal meaning, as breath or blast, as in Isaiah 30:27-28; Isaiah 40:7. The words indicate that the prophet saw in the “blood” of which he speaks a greater enormity than that of the daughters of Zion. The one might be washed away. The other needed, as it were, the “fiery baptism” of the wrath of Jehovah. (Comp. Isaiah 30:27; Matthew 3:11.) The Authorised Version “burning” represents the root-meaning of the word, but it is elsewhere (Isaiah 6:13; Deuteronomy 13:5; Deuteronomy 17:7) used for “destruction” generally.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
Verse 4. The spirit of burning] Means the fire of God's wrath, by which he will prove and purify his people; gathering them into his furnace, in order to separate the dross from the silver, the bad from the good. The severity of God's judgments, the fiery trial of his servants, Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:18-22) has set forth at large, after his manner, with great boldness of imagery and force of expression. God threatens to gather them into the midst of Jerusalem, as into the furnace; to blow the fire upon them, and to melt them. Malachi, Malachi 3:2-3, treats the same subject, and represents the same event, under the like images: - "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like the fire of the refiner, And like the soap of the fullers. And he shall sit refining and purifying the silver; And he shall purify the sons of Levi; And cleanse them like gold, and like silver; That they may be JEHOVAH'S ministers, Presenting unto him an offering in righteousness." This is an allusion to a chemist purifying metals. He first judges of the state of the ore or adulterated metal. Secondly, he kindles the proper degree of fire, and applies the requisite test; and thus separates the precious from the vile.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 4:4
4. If (once) Jehovah have washed, &c. Although the order is unusual this verse must be taken as a conditional sentence depending on Isaiah 4:3. spirit of burning] better, spirit of extermination (as in Isaiah 6:13; 1 Kings 22:46, &c.). The medium of the judgment is the “Spirit,” the divine energy, which is operative alike in the physical and in the moral sphere (cf. ch. Isaiah 32:15).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 4:4
When the Lord - That is, “after” God has done this, then all that are written among the living shall be called holy. The prophet in this verse states the benefits of “affliction” in purifying the people of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 4:4
3, 4. He that is left in Zion — The true descendants of the few who, amid the immoralities of Jerusalem life, and despite surrounding temptations to the contrary, preserve themselves pure and loyal to Jehovah.
Sermons on Isaiah 4:4
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Protecting Your Home From Satanic Invasion by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the biblical passages from Isaiah 4 and 5 to warn about the consequences of sin infiltrating Christian homes. He emphasizes the prevalence o |
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The Three Prayers (Part 4) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Isaiah and his encounter with God's judgment upon Babylon. Isaiah is overwhelmed with fear as he witnesses the destruction that |
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God Is Preparing a Heart by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher encourages his audience to step out in faith and walk in the river of God's presence. He describes how as they take each step, the water rises higher, |
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Against Romanism No Iii. on Purgatory by J.H. Newman | Archbishop Ussher's Answer to a Jesuit leads to an inquiry about the Roman tenet of Purgatory, after deducting evidence from early Church usages. Ussher's explanations challenge th |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Being Filled With the Holy Spirit by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting the congregation to share any testimonies or words that God has spoken to them. They emphasize the power of the Word of God, describi |
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Worst Thing to Happen to a Preacher - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the need for a revival of true, uncompromising Christianity, challenging the modern church to return to the radical commitment and power demonstrated by figu |