Isaiah 4:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 4:1
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 4 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, hope. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-6: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 4:1
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.
Analysis
The desperation of seven women seeking one man reverses typical marriage patterns, illustrating the devastating male population loss from war (3:25). Their offer to provide their own sustenance ('eat our own bread...wear our own apparel') and merely seek to remove reproach shows cultural stigma of childlessness. This depicts covenant curse outworking (Deuteronomy 28:30, 62), yet also transitions to restoration hope (4:2-6) as the purified remnant emerges from judgment.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture valued progeny highly; childlessness brought shame. The numerical disproportion (seven to one) reflects catastrophic military losses leaving few marriageable men.
Reflection
- How do social reversals and upheavals reveal the depth of divine judgment?
- What 'reproach' drives us to desperate seeking of what only God can provide?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 2:17, 13:12, 17:7, Genesis 30:23, Luke 1:25, 21:22