Isaiah 4:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָרָ֣א
will create
H1254
וּבָרָ֣א
will create
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
1 of 21
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
יְהוָ֡ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֡ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל֩
H5921
עַל֩
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְכ֨וֹן
upon every dwelling place
H4349
מְכ֨וֹן
upon every dwelling place
Strong's:
H4349
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode
הַר
of mount
H2022
הַר
of mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 21
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
צִיּ֜וֹן
Zion
H6726
צִיּ֜וֹן
Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
7 of 21
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִקְרָאֶ֗הָ
and upon her assemblies
H4744
מִקְרָאֶ֗הָ
and upon her assemblies
Strong's:
H4744
Word #:
9 of 21
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
עָנָ֤ן׀
a cloud
H6051
עָנָ֤ן׀
a cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
10 of 21
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
וְעָשָׁ֔ן
and smoke
H6227
וְעָשָׁ֔ן
and smoke
Strong's:
H6227
Word #:
12 of 21
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
לָ֑יְלָה
by night
H3915
לָ֑יְלָה
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:12Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.Psalms 78:14In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Historical Context
Exodus theophany was paradigmatic divine presence. Isaiah's prophecy promises renewed covenant intimacy surpassing even wilderness glory, pointing to eschatological restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's incarnation ('tabernacled among us') fulfill this promise of intensified divine presence?
- What does the extension of glory to 'every dwelling place' teach about new covenant access to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The promise of divine presence—cloud by day and flaming fire by night—deliberately echoes Exodus imagery of God's presence guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21-22). The phrase 'upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies' extends Shekinah glory beyond tabernacle/temple to every habitation, anticipating new covenant reality where God dwells with His people directly (Revelation 21:3). The covering 'tabernacle' provides both guidance and protection, fulfilled in Christ who 'tabernacled among us' (John 1:14).