The Branch (4:2-6)
Neal Pollard
(Isaiah 4:1 is the conclusion to the judgment against the proud women, who would suffer terribly when God brought judgment on the nation. This constitutes a very poorly placed chapter break. This material belongs with chapter three)
Isaiah shifts gears dramatically from a picture of punishment to a picture of hope. When he views the present, he sees injustice and disobedience from men. When he looks ahead, he sees judgment followed by joy. To signal this joy beyond judgment, he says “in that day” (2). He will use that phrase 41 times in the book. It is not always in reference to the Messianic future (see 4:1), but most often is. Isaiah 4:2-6 is called a “salvation oracle.” Harold Shank gives an excellent explanation, writing, “The prophet writes to people filled with despair who are about ready to give it all up. They don’t think they can go on. Bible scholars call this a salvation oracle. It is a recurring form in the Old Testament where the writer offers assurance that God is on our side” (https://haroldshank.com/tag/salvation-oracle/).
What is the branch? Some argue that either often or always refers to a time of fruitfulness and prosperity for the nation, as here the branch is parallel to “the fruit of the land” (2). However, this seems to me to be not a “what” but a “Who.” The word translated branch here is found in Jeremiah and Zechariah, both in similar contexts, and refer to the Messiah (Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12). This Branch is described by Isaiah with a different Hebrew word, where it is more explicitly and obviously a Messianic discussion (11:1,10; 53:2). Here, Isaiah seems to be referring to the time when Messiah comes and ushers in a better hope and promise.
What will happen “in that day”? It will be a beautiful and glorious day (2). The remnant would be called “holy” and would be characterized by “life” (3). The people would be washed and cleansed from their filth and bloodstains (4). There would be divine protection and guidance (5). There would be reward and comfort (6). It seems reasonable that Isaiah is depicting the elements of the Messianic Age when His followers would be made holy (1 Pet. 2:9), have eternal life (Ti. 3:7), be cleansed from sin (1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 5:26), have perfect guidance (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and live with the promise of eternal reward (2 Tim. 4:8).
That Branch is the perfect leader, a stark contrast to the men and women who stood as the elite in their current society who were corrupt, ungodly leaders (2:6-4:1). Isaiah 4:2-6 is a bridge over their unpleasant present to the hopeful future first described in Isaiah 2:1-5. The grace of the patient God, who would not allow willful sin to go unpunished, is greater than sin. God offers it to undeserving people. In fact, this would not just be for their remnant (2-3), but for “all nations” (2:2). That includes you and me!
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