Isaiah 4 5

Isaiah 4:5 kjv

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.

Isaiah 4:5 nkjv

then the LORD will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering.

Isaiah 4:5 niv

Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy.

Isaiah 4:5 esv

Then the LORD will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy.

Isaiah 4:5 nlt

Then the LORD will provide shade for Mount Zion
and all who assemble there.
He will provide a canopy of cloud during the day
and smoke and flaming fire at night,
covering the glorious land.

Isaiah 4 verses

Isaiah 4 5 Meaning

Isaiah 4:5 speaks of the Lord's future presence and protection over the restored remnant of Israel in Zion. After the purification and judgment described earlier, God Himself will supernaturally manifest His presence, reminiscent of the Exodus journey, by providing a guiding cloud by day and a glorious, fiery light by night. This divine manifestation will serve as an ultimate cover and protective canopy over all of Zion's glory, signifying security, holiness, and God's intimate dwelling with His people. It points to a time of perfect communion and absolute divine sovereignty.

Isaiah 4 5 Context

Isaiah 4:5 builds upon the preceding verses and chapters within Isaiah. Chapters 2-4 depict both severe judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their sin, followed by a glorious future restoration. Chapter 2 describes a time when Mount Zion will be exalted and become the spiritual center of the world, a place of peace and divine instruction. Chapter 3 elaborates on the dire consequences of disobedience. Isaiah 4 then opens with the desolate state of the women after war, before shifting abruptly in verse 2 to the promise of a holy remnant ("the Branch of the LORD") and a purified people. Verse 5 is a direct continuation of this prophetic hope, declaring God's personal initiative to create and manifest His protective, glorious presence over this purified community on Zion. Historically, Israel understood divine presence through the Tabernacle and Temple, as well as the Exodus cloud and fire. This prophecy draws on these deep-seated theological symbols, promising a more profound and intimate divine indwelling in a future age, especially during the anticipated Messianic era, contrasting with the previous times of God's hidden face.

Isaiah 4 5 Word analysis

• And the LORD will create (u-vara' YHWH):

  • U-vara' (וּבָרָא) from the root bara'. This verb exclusively describes divine activity, particularly the creation of something new and unprecedented, often out of nothing (e.g., Gen 1:1). It highlights God's unique power and sovereign initiative, emphasizing that this glorious manifestation is entirely His doing, not a human achievement. This "new creation" signifies a supernatural intervention for His purified people.
  • YHWH (יְהוָה): The sacred covenant name of God, indicating His faithfulness to His promises and His eternal, self-existent nature.

• upon every dwelling place ('al kol-mekon) of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies (ve'al mikra'eyha):

  • Mekon (מְכוֹן): A dwelling place, an established place, a foundation. This extends beyond a single sanctuary; it implies God's presence will be over every residence of the redeemed within Zion, signifying widespread and intimate divine coverage.
  • Har Tsiyon (הַר צִיּוֹן): Mount Zion, referring to Jerusalem, the city of God. It's the central point of God's future rule and presence. This term holds immense spiritual and eschatological significance in the Bible.
  • Mikra'eyha (מִקְרָאֶיהָ): Her callings, her appointed places of meeting, her convocations/assemblies. This refers to the gatherings of the people for worship, festivals, or communal life, underscoring God's covering even over their collective spiritual activities.

• a cloud by day ('anan yomam) and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night (ve'ashan ve-nogah esh lehavah laylah):

  • 'Anan (עָנָן): Cloud. This directly recalls the pillar of cloud that led Israel through the wilderness and settled over the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's protective, guiding presence during the day (Exod 13:21; Num 9:15-16).
  • 'Ashan (עָשָׁן): Smoke. Associated with God's presence in a solemn, awe-inspiring way, often signifying His majesty, judgment, or revelation (Exod 19:18 on Sinai).
  • Nogah (נֹגַהּ): Brightness, shining, splendor. This isn't just a regular light, but a brilliant, glorious emanation, highlighting the radiant aspect of God's presence.
  • Esh lehavah (אֵשׁ לֶהָבָה): Flaming fire. This brings to mind the pillar of fire that lit the path and protected Israel at night during the Exodus. It represents divine power, purity, and judgment, providing both illumination and defensive warmth. The combined imagery (cloud, smoke, shining fire) vividly paints a picture of a renewed divine "Shekinah" glory, similar to the wilderness tabernacle experience but expanded over all Zion.

• for over all the glory (ki al kol-kavod) there will be a canopy (chuppah).

  • Ki al kol-kavod (כִּי עַל כָּל־כָּבוֹד): For over all the glory. "All the glory" here could refer to all the inherent glory of Mount Zion and its people (perhaps that which was cultivated or bestowed by God), or it can mean that the cloud and fire themselves are the manifestation of glory, and that glory will be completely covered/protected by a chuppah.
  • Chuppah (חֻפָּה): Canopy, covering, bridal chamber. This term implies protection, shelter, and often carries connotations of a bridal canopy (wedding procession; cf. Ps 19:5). This imagery suggests God's intimate covenantal relationship with His people, akin to a bridegroom providing shelter for his bride. It implies a total, comprehensive, and personal divine covering that establishes safety, security, and honor.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And the LORD will create... upon every dwelling place... and upon her assemblies": This broad scope emphasizes God's personal and ubiquitous presence throughout Zion, not limited to a single holy site, symbolizing a widespread indwelling among His redeemed people.
  • "a cloud by day and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night": This dual manifestation recalls the Exodus deliverance, signaling a "New Exodus" or eschatological salvation where God leads and protects His people just as He did in the wilderness. It provides constant, visible assurance of God's power and watchfulness.
  • "for over all the glory there will be a canopy": The divine manifestations will culminate in a perpetual "canopy" of protection and intimacy. This means God's presence itself becomes the security and covering for everything that is holy or glorious within Zion, sealing off its sacred space from all threat and bringing about an unparalleled union.

Isaiah 4 5 Bonus section

The "chuppah" imagery is profoundly significant. While often associated with weddings, implying the covenant relationship and intimacy between God and His people (Israel as His bride), it also implies a tent or shelter. This dual meaning of protective covering and intimate communion perfectly encapsulates God's intent for the future Zion. It means the relationship will be one of security and delight. Furthermore, this prophecy looks beyond a mere restoration to a state greater than any before, hinting at a reality that foreshadows the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's presence is direct, unmistakable, and eternal, doing away with the need for literal sun or moon. This supernatural provision transcends any human security, embodying perfect divine governance and unwavering presence over a holy people. It speaks to the fulfillment of the spiritual promise that God will truly tabernacle (dwell) among His people, as fully realized in Christ and ultimately in the New Creation.

Isaiah 4 5 Commentary

Isaiah 4:5 provides a breathtaking vision of God's post-judgment, restoring presence in Jerusalem, building upon the promise of a holy remnant (Isa 4:2-4). After a period of severe divine judgment purifies Zion, the Lord Himself intervenes to create a visible, manifest glory over His dwelling place and assemblies. This imagery is steeped in Exodus typology: just as God led and protected Israel in the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, so too will He establish an undeniable, perpetual display of His presence over the renewed Mount Zion.

This "cloud by day and fire by night" symbolizes divine guidance, constant protection, and an unmistakable sign of God's indwelling glory, like the Shekinah over the Tabernacle. The mention of "smoke" and "shining" emphasizes the awesome and radiant nature of this divine manifestation. Crucially, this manifestation isn't confined to a single sanctuary but extends "over every dwelling place" and "her assemblies," signifying God's intimate and widespread presence among His people.

The capstone of this divine activity is the "canopy" (chuppah). This term beautifully conveys the idea of complete coverage, security, and personal relationship, reminiscent of a bridal canopy. It means God's protective glory envelops all that is pure and honored in Zion. This ultimate sheltering means complete divine defense, removing any fear of harm or intrusion. It is the perfect consummation of the divine covenant, where God actively and continuously shields His beloved people, confirming His unshakeable faithfulness and sovereignty over His purified and glorified dwelling. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with Christ's glorious return and the New Jerusalem where God's presence is the very light and life of the city (Rev 21-22), establishing eternal security and intimacy with His redeemed.