Isaiah 4:1

In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, "We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!"

Study Bible

On that day
This phrase often signifies a prophetic time, a future event of significance in biblical prophecy. In the context of Isaiah, "that day" refers to a time of judgment and subsequent restoration. The Hebrew root for "day" (יוֹם, yom) can denote a literal day or a period marked by a specific event. Here, it suggests a time when the consequences of Israel's disobedience are fully realized, leading to a desperate societal condition.

seven women
The number seven in Hebrew culture often symbolizes completeness or perfection. In this context, it underscores the severity of the situation, where the imbalance between men and women is so pronounced that seven women, representing a complete or overwhelming number, are willing to share one man. This reflects the aftermath of war or judgment, where many men have perished, leaving a disproportionate number of women.

will take hold of one man
The phrase "take hold of" (תַּחֲזֶקְנָה, tachazkenah) implies a forceful or desperate action. It indicates the women's urgent need for social security and protection, which, in ancient Near Eastern culture, was often provided through marriage. The societal collapse has led to a reversal of traditional roles, where women actively seek out a man for survival.

and say
This introduces the women's plea, highlighting their desperation and willingness to forsake traditional marital expectations. The act of speaking here is significant, as it conveys their determination and the gravity of their situation.

We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes
In ancient Israel, a husband's role included providing food and clothing for his wife. By offering to supply their own sustenance and clothing, the women are relinquishing their right to these basic provisions, emphasizing their desperation. This self-sufficiency is a stark departure from cultural norms, underscoring the dire circumstances.

Only let us be called by your name
Being called by a man's name signifies marriage and the associated social status and protection. In Hebrew culture, a name carried identity and belonging. The women's request to be called by the man's name reflects their desire for legitimacy and removal of social shame, even at the cost of traditional marital benefits.

Take away our disgrace!
The word "disgrace" (חֶרְפָּתֵנוּ, cherpatenu) refers to the shame associated with being unmarried or childless, which was significant in ancient Israelite society. The women's plea to have their disgrace removed highlights the cultural importance of marriage and family as sources of honor and security. This reflects a deep yearning for restoration and dignity amidst societal collapse.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Seven Women
Symbolic of a large number, representing the desperation and societal imbalance due to the scarcity of men, likely caused by war or judgment.

2. One Man
Represents the few surviving men after a period of judgment, highlighting the dire circumstances and the reversal of traditional roles.

3. Disgrace
Refers to the shame and social stigma of being unmarried or childless in ancient Israelite society, which was seen as a curse or judgment from God.

Teaching Points

Cultural Context and Judgment
Understand the cultural significance of marriage and family in ancient Israel. The desperation of the women reflects the severe consequences of God's judgment on the nation.

Symbolism of Numbers
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Here, it underscores the totality of the societal collapse and the depth of the women's desperation.

Role Reversal and Self-Sufficiency
The women's willingness to provide for themselves challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting the extremity of the situation. It prompts reflection on how societal norms can shift in times of crisis.

Seeking Identity and Honor
The desire to be called by a man's name reflects a search for identity and honor. This can be related to our spiritual identity in Christ, where we seek to be called by His name and find our worth in Him.

God's Redemptive Plan
Despite the judgment, Isaiah 4 continues with a message of hope and restoration. This reminds us of God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan to redeem and restore His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cultural context of ancient Israel help us understand the desperation of the women in Isaiah 4:1?

2. In what ways does the number seven in this verse symbolize the completeness of the societal collapse?

3. How can the role reversal in Isaiah 4:1 prompt us to reflect on gender roles and responsibilities in our own society?

4. What does the desire to be called by a man's name teach us about identity and honor, and how can this be applied to our spiritual identity in Christ?

5. How does the message of judgment in Isaiah 4:1 connect to the hope and restoration promised later in the chapter, and what does this teach us about God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 3
The preceding chapter describes the judgment on Jerusalem and Judah, leading to the conditions described in Isaiah 4:1.

Genesis 30
The account of Rachel and Leah highlights the cultural importance of marriage and bearing children, similar to the disgrace mentioned in Isaiah 4:1.

1 Timothy 5
Discusses the roles and responsibilities of women, providing a New Testament perspective on women's roles in society and family.