Welcome to my 100th post in the "Examining The Scripture" series of the Old Testament. We are about 2/3 of the way through the Old Testament. Most of the prophetic books are in front of us and everything else now behind unless I decide to turn around :). If I do turn back it is to glean more information from an already reviewed book to make a point or draw comparison.
Isaiah 4:2-6: Contains the mention of The Branch. It is a messianic title and I will treat it as such. There is debate within certain Bible translations and certain theological points of view on whether this is truly a messianic passage. What I have found is that the translations and denominations that are influenced by or adhere to Liberal Theology, take a the non-messianic view of this as Liberal Theology is always attempting to diminish or remove the supernatural or physically unexplainable from the Bible.
We see within the scope of this unit what the future spiritual condition of the people will be in Judah. We also see how will God provide for their physical safety and needs. There is a lot going on here and it all points to Jesus Christ and salvation. Because of the importance of this topic and my need to convey it properly I will do so in outlined sermon for to avoid missing anything.
The Branch: (v. 2) “In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel.
(a) This verse itself and Isaiah 11:1 answers who the branch is: “a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
(b) The stem of Jesse is David (a nearly dead stump), the tribe of Judah...Jesus Christ. The Branch is a Messianic title of Jesus. The mention of a branch is also an allusion to what Jesus will later mention in John 15:5
Future Spiritual Condition: (v. 3) “It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy--everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem.
(a) The “believing remnant” will be called holy that are written in the “Lambs Book of Life” in Heaven or those chosen by God to be saved (Calvinism?).
(b) They will be cleansed by a Spirit of judgment and fire (v. 4) after the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion.
(c) A purification to cleanse for the coming reign of a King, The King Jesus Christ
God’s Provision for Safety/Needs:
God’s glory will be obvious and/or evident: (v. 5 & 6) “the LORD will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night. It will be a like a shelter “to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain”.
(a) Obvious allusions to Exodus but also allusion to the future. As in Exodus God dwelt with the people. Just as He will in the future in the form of a human for approximately 33 years and with each individual believer in the form of the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Just as God restored Israel after the wandering in the wilderness so too will God restore those that are obedient and faithful to Him in the future. The cloud (presence of God) will not just be over the Temple of stone but over all believers/individual as a temple in which the Holy Spirit will indwell. Vessels that will be set apart and obvious and glorious not because of their outward appearances but for the treasure that they contain, Christ.
Wiersbe, Warren. "Wanted: A Prophet." Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament: The Prophets (Bible Knowledge). Acambaro: Victor, 2003. 15-16. Print.
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