Question 1

What does “seven women shall take hold of one man” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The picture of seven women clinging to one man shows a time after heavy judgment, when many men have died in war. There are far more women than men left, so the women are desperate just to have a husband’s name. They even offer to buy their own food and clothes, which were normally a husband’s duty. Their main concern is to have their reproach taken away, because in that culture singleness and childlessness were seen as shameful. It shows how deeply sin and judgment can damage everyday life and family order.

Question 2

Who is the “branch of the Lord” and why is he called beautiful and glorious?

Accepted Answer

The “branch of the Lord” points to God raising up a person who brings new life after judgment. Many readers see this as a picture of the Messiah, who comes from humble beginnings like a small shoot from the ground, yet is full of God’s grace and glory. He is beautiful and glorious because in him God’s saving work, righteousness, and kindness appear. For those who escape judgment and cling to him, he is their true honor and joy, far better than outward riches or proud show.

Question 3

What does it mean to be “written among the living in Jerusalem”?

Accepted Answer

Being “written among the living in Jerusalem” points to God’s own list of those who truly belong to Him. It is like a city roll where only the real citizens’ names are kept. Here it speaks of those who survive judgment and are called holy. Their names are not just on an outward church list but are held in God’s own care. This hints at what later is called the book of life, where those whom God saves are known and kept for eternal life with Him.

Question 4

What is the “spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning” pictures God’s active work in cleaning up His people. Judgment means He deals with sin, exposes what is wrong, and removes what does not belong. Burning points to a fire that does not only punish but also purifies, like metal refined in a furnace. Through hard times and correction, God washes away the filth and bloodshed in Zion. The result is not just smaller numbers but a cleaner, holier people who truly reflect His ways.

Question 5

How does God promise to protect His people in this vision?

Accepted Answer

God promises to spread His presence over every home and gathering on Mount Zion like a cloud by day and fire by night. This reminds us of how He guided and guarded His people in the wilderness. The cloud and fire here picture constant care, light, and shelter. He also speaks of a tabernacle, a kind of tent, that gives shade from heat and a safe place from storm and rain. It means God Himself will be their covering, safety, and rest in every trouble.

Question 6

Why are the women’s “filth” and Jerusalem’s “blood” mentioned, and how are they washed away?

Accepted Answer

The “filth of the daughters of Zion” and the “blood of Jerusalem” point to the people’s sins, both their pride and their violence or injustice. These are not small stains but deep wrongs that have shaped the whole city. God says He will wash and purge them. This happens when He brings judgment that corrects and cleans, and when He moves by His Spirit like a burning fire. The goal is not to destroy His people, but to make them clean so they can truly be holy and enjoy His presence.

Question 7

How can this passage about Zion and Jerusalem speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God takes sin and pride very seriously, even when they look outwardly respectable, like fancy clothing and showy religion. Yet it also shows He does not give up on His people. He may allow hard times to strip away false hopes, but His aim is to wash, refine, and keep a people for Himself. For believers today, it calls for humility, trust in the promised Branch, and comfort in knowing that God Himself is our shelter when life feels like heat, storm, or heavy rain.

Question 8

Why does this passage move from judgment to such a hopeful picture?

Accepted Answer

The movement from deep loss to rich hope shows both sides of God’s dealings with His people. He judges real sin and will not leave pride and injustice untouched. At the same time, His purpose is not simply to cut down, but to plant new life. After the burning comes the Branch; after the washing comes a holy remnant; after the storm comes shelter. This helps us see that even when God’s correction feels severe, His goal is a cleansed, protected people who share in His beauty and glory.

Isaiah 4:1

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

A Remnant in Zion

A Remnant in Zion

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Isaiah 4:1

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

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A Remnant in Zion

A Remnant in Zion

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