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CALVARY PANDAN The hope that the LORD offers -PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH must always be on His terms. His terms always begin with repentance and turning to God. Repentance is not DHW BIBLE CLASS just saying, “I am sorry.” Repentance is LESSON 4 turning from our sins, genuinely THE BOOK OF acknowledging, with a heavy heart, that we have done wrong and would CHAPTER 4 desire to make right that wrong. Fruits of repentance must include turning Theme: “We Shall be Called Holy!” away from sin and making restitution to the person we sinned against. However, we must realise that we have THEME VERSE also sinned against God when we sin Isaiah 4:3 (KJV) “And it shall come to against one another. Therefore, pass, that he that is left in , and he repentance always includes turning that remaineth in , shall be back to God as well. The only way is called holy, even every one that is through Jesus Christ, according to written among the living in Jerusalem.” Holy Scriptures. Hope is always beyond this world and this life. There is no reincarnation INTRODUCTION back onto this earth in the form of The light of hope shines another creature. The concept of brightest in utmost darkness. reincarnation is a deception of the evil Continuing with the theme of the one. Hope in the LORD after LORD’s judgement against the many repentance is the greatest blessing great sins of and Jerusalem, the from the LORD. One word that aptly LORD gives hope. The LORD reveals describes the condition and the people a revived nation. The Christian faith is who dwell in this hope is “holiness.” always a faith over-flowing with hope. When there is holiness, the presence No matter how dark the hour in the of the LORD permeates. The world will believer’s life is, hope continues to be able to see God by the way the abound. Victory over trials and sin has believers live. Seeing God in the always been the message from God. believer’s life begins today and There can be no justification for sins continues into the future. This chapter committed. Repentance will always be provides the student of the Bible with a the only way out of sin, for both glimpse into this future even if he is believers and unbelievers. Anyone immersed in the pit of sin and who blames others for his own sins to darkness. He can come out of that justify himself or to diminish his darkness and into God’s marvellous culpability, remains in his sins. light. However, he can only do so on God’s terms. DHW LESSON 4 ISAIAH 4

OUTLINE In desperation to get out of this 1. Taking Away Shame (v.1); curse, these women would propose to the men that they were willing to marry. 2. Holiness For all Jews (vv. 2-3); Many would be willing to marry one 3. Reason for Holiness (v. 4); single man. The Bible mentioned 7 women to one man. The number 7 4. Creating Safety and Refuge (vv. might be literal or figurative as in 5-6); Proverbs 24:16 (KJV) “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up COMMENTARY again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Taking Away Shame — 4:1 If it is figurative, then it means Continuing from where he left that “many women” is taught here. It is off in Chapter 3, Isaiah followed up a most peculiar state of affairs to have with the consequences of the deaths of many women crying to marry one man many men in war. The use of the with the condition that the women phrase “in that day” affirms this. would “eat their own bread and wear Obviously, there would be mourning by their own apparel.” The husband would fathers and mothers because their not need to provide for their physical sons would not be coming back. Wives well being. The women desperately would cry because their beds would be wanted a husband to relieve cold and lonely. Sons and daughters themselves of this stigma of would weep because their fathers singlehood. would no longer be there to provide for and protect them. Girl friends would Another point to note is that feel lost and alone as their hopes for without marriage and new babies born marriage and family would be dashed. to , she would die or be assimilated into the life of other This last group would feel the nations. God’s plan of salvation would loss the most. It was considered a be in jeopardy if the nation of Israel curse from the LORD if a married disappears from the face of this earth. woman was not able to give birth. This was the result of the grievous sins Deuteronomy 28:18 (KJV) “Cursed committed by Israel and Judah, over shall be the fruit of thy body, and the the more than 600 years, since the day fruit of thy land, the increase of thy the LORD brought Israel into the kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.” A Promised Land through the faithful woman could not give birth if she could hand of Joshua in 1405 B.C. not marry, as any sexual relationship outside of marriage is a sin in the eyes Bear in mind that the impeding of God. Therefore, she would need to exile of the northern kingdom, Israel, find a husband. However, the deaths by the Assyrians was a curse of many men in war would lead to a consequent on her disobedience. It is shortage of men in Judah. in accordance with all the conditions for blessings and curses as clearly

2 DHW LESSON 4 ISAIAH 4 specified by the LORD in Deuteronomy :12 (KJV) “And speak 28. In other words, Judah and Israel unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the had been disobedient and deserved to LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the be in this state of just punishment man whose name is The BRANCH; because of their hardened hearts and and he shall grow up out of his place, refusal to repent of their abominations and he shall build the temple of the and of many sins, despite the warnings LORD:” from the LORD’s prophets. However, it does not necessarily Holiness For all Jews — 4:2-3 mean that the word “branch” in Isaiah The phrase “in that day” in verse 4:2 also refers to Christ. The final 1 has a very different meaning from determining factor has to be the that in verse 2. Here in verse 2, the immediate context. The first thing to phrase refers to another time in the note is the use of the singular for this history of Judah. While it previously “branch” which is similar to the other referred to a time of punishment for the four uses for Christ although the national sins committed, it now seems singular could also be used in the to be one of hope and great generic sense. The second thing is that consolation. “The branch of the LORD” this branch will be beautiful and is a most interesting phrase. To who or glorious. This is contrasted with the what does it refer? The word “branch” earlier verses that describe Judah as a literally means, “to sprout,” like a bud nation full of sin i.e. ugly and without of a plant. Hence; it is appropriate to glory. “Beautiful” and “glorious” translate it as “a branch.” The following describe something or someone that is four verses interpret the word “branch” good to look at i.e. glorious splendour. as “Christ.” There is no doubt about Could “the branch of the LORD” refer that. to the Jews or Israelites in a state of restoration? This does not make sense :5 (KJV) “Behold, because the last part of verse 2 says the days come, saith the LORD, that I that the branch of the LORD is will raise unto a righteous beautiful and glorious only to them that Branch, and a King shall reign and are escaped of Israel. Furthermore, prosper, and shall execute judgment verse 3 says that the Jews who were and justice in the earth.” Jeremiah left in Zion and those who remained in 33:15 (KJV) “In those days, and at Jerusalem shall be called holy. The that time, will I cause the Branch of branch of the LORD cannot be righteousness to grow up unto David; referring to the Jews because they and he shall execute judgment and cannot be seeing themselves as righteousness in the land.” Zechariah beautiful and glorious. The context 3:8 (KJV) “Hear now, O Joshua the argues that the Jews, probably only high priest, thou, and thy fellows that the believing Jews who escaped Israel, sit before thee: for they are men were able to see this branch of the wondered at: for, behold, I will bring LORD as beautiful and glorious. The forth my servant the BRANCH.” unbelievers cannot see Christ at all. If

3 DHW LESSON 4 ISAIAH 4 they ever do, they can only see Him as names are written “among the living in a martyr and nothing more. The Jerusalem.” conclusion is that “the branch of the Note the use of both ‘Zion’ and LORD,” like in the other occurrences in ‘Jerusalem’ to describe the same the OT, has to refer to Christ or the capital city of the nation of Israel. ‘Zion‘ Messiah here. refers to something monumental and The next phrase describes the conspicuous, like a landmark or a branch of the LORD as in the use of guiding pillar. The word appears for the Hebrew parallelism. The phrase is “the first time in 2 Samuel 5:7 describing fruit of the earth.” This branch of the the pride and arrogance of the LORD is not a dead branch. It is alive. Jebusites who dwelt in Zion at that It is described here as “the fruit of the time. They taunted David who was earth,” It perhaps refers to Christ’s seeking a new capital city to rule the humanity. In fact, both these imageries united nation of Israel. However, the refer to Christ’s humanity especially as name, Jerusalem, first appeared in the ONE who came as a servant and Joshua 10:1. The word “Jerusalem” is the anointed Saviour and not as king. a compound word made up of “ya-rah” This passage is a forerunner to the which means “to teach” and “sha-lam” great passage that describes the which means “peace.” Combined sufferings of the Messiah in . together, the name Jerusalem means a The fruit is excellent i.e. majestic in His place “to teach peace.” being, and very comely i.e. pleasing to When the inhabitants of Zion look at! These two adjectives add to and Jerusalem are holy, the nation is the earlier two adjectives describing holy. These names are used to the beauty and glory of the branch of describe the capital of the Lord Jesus the LORD. Christ when He rules the world during Therefore, the day referred here the millennium and after that, the new has to be the first coming of the LORD heaven and new earth for eternity. It is Jesus Christ which is definitely the day more than just the hope of the Jews to of great hope. This was the day that be united with their northern the LORD prophesied in Genesis 3:15 neighbour, the Israelites, on this earth when the seed of the woman will as a nation, which is made up of bruise the head of the serpent! believers and unbelievers. It is also the Verse 3 is a reference to glorious and the greatest hope of all eternity. The only ones, who remain in when the LORD God Jesus Christ will Jerusalem in the day of the LORD, will rule for eternity where only the holy be God’s children. They are the holy ones will remain and where all sinners ones. To be holy means to have all are consigned to the Lake of Fire for all their sins forgiven. They will not be eternity. limited to the Jews and Israelites only For the prophet Isaiah to write, but include all who are believers of the given a glimpse of this blessed future Messiah. They are the ones whose that awaits his beloved city, Jerusalem

4 DHW LESSON 4 ISAIAH 4 and Zion must have been a away the sins of man and the guilt of tremendous encouragement. Isaiah sins permanently. Only the blood of ministered in a nation of sin where Christ has the power to do that! It is the Israel would soon be destroyed and LORD who does the washing away put into exile by , the most and not man. wicked of all the nations that Restating the same truth in conquered Israel. But this hope that another manner, Isaiah said that the the LORD gives to him and to all who Lord shall, “have purged the blood of reads and understands, is like a bright Jerusalem from the midst thereof.” The and shining light to one who walks heinous sins of the Jews resulted in alone in a long and dark tunnel. the loss of many lives for all eternity. Reason for Holiness — 4:4 These lives were lost because of the This holiness found in the great sins committed by the people of believers who will inhabit Zion and God. However, all these would be Jerusalem is not accomplished by purged by the Lord. The word “purge” good works or by following heathen means “to cleanse.” The polluted blood idolatrous religions. Verse 4 reveals has to be cleansed by the blood of that it is the LORD who will purge and Christ. Just as Zion and Jerusalem wash the daughters of Zion of all her were mentioned in verse 3 so were sins and filth. It is interesting to note they mentioned in verse 4. that the tense of the verb, “shall have The means used by the Lord to washed away” is perfect. However, the purge and wash away the sin and the reference is to a future event. This is blood were the spirit of judgement and the use of the prophetic perfect where the spirit of burning. The spirit of as far as the LORD is concerned, the judgement refers to the preaching action is viewed to be as good as against sin. If there is no repentance, completed in the past even though it death and Hell would follow. The Lord will still be in the future. The certainty will wash away and purge but that of the event coming to pass is does not mean that there is no emphasised by the LORD here. prerequisite repentance of sins by the Hence, it is not a matter of “if” sinners. The repentance has to be but “when.” The event will surely come genuine and sincerely from the heart, to pass for the LORD has staked His for the Lord is not mocked by the name and reputation on it! The LORD hypocrisy of man. will wash away the filth i.e. the sins of The spirit of burning refers to the people of Zion. How can sins be the purification of sins, heart and lives. washed away? The only way that sins “Fire” has always referred to the can be washed away is by the blood of process of purification when the Lord is the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no the One wielding it. The cleansing other way. The Levitical system of process is spiritual and from within the worship is a type of Christ, for the sinner. It is a process from inside out. It blood of animals has no power to wash is not manmade. Neither can it be

5 DHW LESSON 4 ISAIAH 4 induced by some psychoanalysis. It is cloud following Israel in the day purely by the hand of God and it is throughout her wandering in the salvation to the uttermost. The person wilderness. This provides shade for literally becomes holy in the sight of Israel because of the heat of the desert God when this process takes place sun. Israel enjoyed the bliss of shade inside the heart and soul. He is now and comfort throughout the day holy from the positional viewpoint regardless of the sun and heat and (perfectly holy as if he has never harsh desert environment. Israel was sinned at all) and from the practical well protected. At night, when the viewpoint (daily sanctification by the temperatures could plunge extremely blood of Christ and the Word of God). low, the Lord provided the pillar of fire When the word of God is to keep Israel warm. With the pillar of preached to the sinner, the spirit of fire at night, there can be no molesting judgement will work in the heart of the of the people of Israel by brigands that sinner. This will result in the ‘spirit of roamed the wilderness of Sinai at burning’ convicting him from within his night. Israel was kept warm and safe, soul that he is a sinner and in need of day and night, from all kinds of Christ as his Saviour. This is the enemies, be they animals or human. process of salvation as taught here. Israel was well protected 24/7 Creating Safety and Refuge — 4:5-6 by the LORD. The cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire The use of the covenantal name by night would have the same kind of LORD (Jehovah) in verse 5 is effect and meaning here as it did in the contrasted with the use of Lord (‘a-do- books of Exodus and Numbers when nay) in verse 4. In verse 4, the Israel wandered in the wilderness. This emphasis is on a master-servant complete protection availed by the relationship whereas in verse 5, it is on LORD over His own people is a covenantal relationship that is based described as “for upon all the glory upon what God has promised shall be a defence.” The glory here according to His suzerainty covenant. refers to the believers. The LORD will It depends entirely upon His ability and protect and keep them safe and secure word for the promises to be kept and from all harm and danger. Believers fulfilled. The LORD will create (perfect here have to include both believing tense – another usage of the prophetic Jews and Gentiles. perfect) upon every dwelling place of and upon her assemblies. Verse 6 describes the LORD as This is the LORD’s work in protecting being the believer’s refuge. The LORD all His children. They will forever be will provide a tabernacle i.e. a booth or safe and secure. They have nothing to tent not for worship but for refuge. It fear. functions as a house safe from the heat of the sun in the day. It is called a The manner of this protection is place of refuge functioning as a covert described by the use of the Old i.e. covering from storm and from rain. Testament imagery of the pillar of

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This is more than just a reference to hardness of man’s heart and the depth the physical protection that the LORD of his depravity. The LORD had to provides for His people. The Bible is a reduce the Jews to a state of great spiritual book. Of course, the physical desperation before they turned to the needs and protection are taken care of LORD in repentance. by the LORD. We today are no better than However, these are seen as they, if not worse. We care not for right emblems of the spiritual attacks that and wrong but only what our heart the believers will face both day and desires. We allow our lusts to run night. The LORD will protect and cover amok, destroying lives of children and them. The protection and covering families in the process. There is no sin must not be understood in terms of a considered grievous or shameful to superman kind of invincibility as being mankind today, for the ugliness of sin free from all kryptonite vulnerability. has been cunningly camouflaged to Believers will not be bullet proof or free look respectable and glorious. Sadly, from bodily harm. They have to endure this is not a description of the world but persecution such as being burned at the church today! the stake or eaten by lions as fodder to Just as the LORD judged Israel thrill Romans or be sawn asunder all and Judah in OT times, He will judge because of the testimony of Christ and His people in NT times. No man who the Word of God. However, they will be calls himself a believer of the God but in heaven the moment they breathed brings shame to God and His word will their last breath on earth. be guiltless. He will surely receive his The believer must not view the just punishment. definitions of safety and refuge from Hope always follows punishment the world’s perspective but from the – The LORD’s compassion is seen in Bible’s perspective. Eternity is always the way He punishes. One hand holds the focus. God calls the believer the rod of correction and the other is victorious if he has not compromise his stretched out warmly and gently faith unto death. From man’s coaxing the sinner to repent and to perspective, the believer has lost when return to the LORD. This chapter is he loses his life in the process because more on hope than on condemnation. of his refusal to compromise. However, The hope and blessing promised here the LORD’s view is that His child has far outweighs the punishment meted won and is now safe in the arms of the out on the Jews by the LORD. Saviour. This is demonstration of the love and compassion of the great and holy PRACTICAL VALUE God. On the one hand, a sinner must Hardness of Man’s Heart -- The be punished without compromise for severity of the punishment of the the LORD is always fair and just. On LORD upon the Jews reveals the the other hand, the LORD patiently awaits the sinner to repent and return

7 DHW LESSON 4 ISAIAH 4 to Him. He is ever anxiously waiting for ______them to return and ever ready to stop ______the punishment on their return. The purpose of the punishment is to stop ______the sinner from sinning and that he will 2. Would you be so desperate as to return to His heavenly Father. offer yourself like these women in Complete safety and refuge – verse 1? Please explain. The LORD’s people who walk in ______holiness will be very safe. The LORD Almighty will ensure that all believers ______are protected from all harm and ______danger. There is nothing on earth that ______can separate God from His children. ______Their place and entrance into heaven is assured as long as they are truly ______saved. AMEN. ______

DAILY READINGS & DISCUSSION 3. What is the most important QUESTIONS difference between the 1st coming nd Daily Readings and the 2 coming of Christ? Please explain your answer. MONDAY: Isaiah 4:1-6; ______TUESDAY: Isaiah 4:1-6; ______WEDNESDAY: Isaiah 4:1-6; ______THURSDAY: Isaiah 4:1-6; ______FRIDAY: Isaiah 4:1-6. ______DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ______1. Why do professing believers find it ______so hard to repent? What are some

of the factors that make repentance so difficult? 4. Are you fearful or delighted with the 2nd coming of Christ? ______

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5. If you were asked to define what a holy life is, what would your answer be? Are you living a holy life now?

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6. Is there anything that you are fearful of at home or at work?

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7. Is there anything that you are fearful of, for the church?

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