Isaiah 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Seven women will approach one man, saying they will provide for themselves. They only want to be called by his name to remove their shame (v. 1). Yahweh’s branch will bring beauty and glory. The land's fruit will be glorious for the survivors in Israel (v. 2). Those left in Zion and Jerusalem will be called holy. This includes everyone recorded among the living in Jerusalem (vv. 3-4). The Lord will cleanse the daughters of Zion. He will bring his presence as a cloud by day and fire by night over Mount Zion (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“Yahweh 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 will be a canopy.”
Isaiah 4:5 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 4:1 Desire for Identity and Acceptance
Isaiah 4:2 Promise of Beauty and Glory
Isaiah 4:3–6 Purification and Divine Presence

Discussion questions

In v1, why do the seven women want to be called by one man's name?
What is described as 'beautiful and glorious' in v2?
In v4, what does it mean for the Lord to wash away the filth of Zion?
In v5, what does the 'cloud and smoke' signify in the context of Mount Zion?
When have you sought a sense of refuge like the 'pavilion' in v6 during difficult times?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 4: Psalm 91, Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 23.

Before next time: read Isaiah 5.