Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, Then the LORD will createThe phrase begins with a divine promise of action. The Hebrew root for "create" is "בָּרָא" (bara), which is the same word used in Genesis 1:1, emphasizing God's sovereign power to bring forth something new and transformative. This creation is not merely a physical act but a spiritual renewal, indicating God's direct intervention and the establishment of His presence among His people. over all of Mount Zion
Mount Zion holds significant historical and theological importance as the location of Jerusalem and the symbolic heart of God's chosen people. It represents the spiritual center where God dwells with His people. The phrase suggests a comprehensive divine protection and blessing over the entire community, not just a select few, indicating God's inclusive care and covenantal faithfulness. and over her assemblies
The term "assemblies" refers to the gatherings of God's people, possibly indicating both formal worship and communal life. In the Hebrew context, these assemblies are where the community comes together to worship, learn, and uphold the covenant. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of God's promise, highlighting that His presence and protection extend to the collective body of believers. a cloud of smoke by day
This imagery recalls the Exodus narrative, where God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). The cloud signifies God's guidance, presence, and protection. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in past deliverance and His ongoing commitment to lead and shield His people. and a glowing flame of fire by night
Similarly, the "glowing flame of fire" echoes the pillar of fire that provided light and direction during the night in the wilderness journey. Fire in the biblical context often symbolizes God's holiness, purity, and presence. This imagery reassures the faithful of God's unceasing vigilance and the warmth of His protective presence, even in the darkest times. For over all the glory
The "glory" here refers to the manifest presence of God, often depicted as a radiant, overwhelming light. In Hebrew, "glory" is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which conveys weightiness and honor. This phrase emphasizes that God's presence is not just protective but also glorious, bringing honor and divine splendor to His people. there will be a canopy
The "canopy" symbolizes shelter, protection, and covering. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a canopy was often used in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing a place of intimacy and covenant. Here, it signifies God's protective covering over His people, akin to a bridegroom's care for his bride, suggesting a deep, covenantal relationship between God and His people. This imagery inspires hope and assurance of God's enduring love and protection. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who is the central figure in this prophecy, promising protection and presence. 2. Mount ZionA significant hill in Jerusalem, symbolizing the city of God and His people, often representing the spiritual center of God's kingdom. 3. Her AssembliesRefers to the gatherings of God's people, the community of believers who worship and serve Him. 4. Cloud of Smoke by Day and Glowing Flame of Fire by NightThese are symbols of God's presence and guidance, reminiscent of the Exodus when God led the Israelites through the wilderness. 5. CanopyA protective covering, symbolizing God's sheltering presence over His people. Teaching Points God's Presence and GuidanceJust as God guided the Israelites with a cloud and fire, He continues to guide us today through His Word and Spirit. We should seek His direction in all aspects of life. Protection Under God's CanopyThe canopy symbolizes God's protection. In times of trouble, we can trust that God is our refuge and strength, providing shelter and security. The Significance of CommunityThe mention of "her assemblies" highlights the importance of gathering with fellow believers. We are called to be part of a community that worships and serves God together. Symbolism of Fire and CloudFire and cloud represent purification and divine presence. We should allow God's presence to purify our hearts and lead us in righteousness. Hope for the FutureIsaiah's prophecy points to a future where God's presence is fully realized among His people. This gives us hope and assurance of His eternal promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a cloud by day and a fire by night in Isaiah 4:5 relate to your personal experience of God's guidance in your life? 2. In what ways can you seek to experience God's protective "canopy" in your daily challenges and decisions? 3. How does being part of a community of believers enhance your understanding and experience of God's presence? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt God's purifying presence in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? 5. How can the hope of God's future presence, as described in Isaiah 4:5, influence your current outlook and priorities? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 13:21-22This passage describes how God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, directly connecting to the imagery in Isaiah 4:5. Psalm 91:4This psalm speaks of God's protective covering, similar to the "canopy" mentioned in Isaiah, emphasizing His faithfulness as a shield. Revelation 21:3This verse speaks of God's dwelling with His people, echoing the promise of His presence and protection as seen in Isaiah 4:5. People IsaiahPlaces Jerusalem, Mount Zion, ZionTopics Area, Assemble, Assemblies, Brightness, Canopy, Cloud, Convocations, Cover, Covering, Create, Defence, Defense, Dwelling, Dwelling-place, Fire, Fixed, Flame, Flaming, Glory, Glow, Habitation, Honour, Living-place, Meetings, Mount, Pavilion, Prepared, Safe-guard, Shining, Site, Smoke, Spread, Tent, ZionDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 4:5 1045 God, glory of
1193 glory, revelation of
4848 smoke Isaiah 4:2-6 9220 day of the LORD Isaiah 4:5-6 4846 shadow
4960 noon
7145 remnant Library The Perpetual Pillar of Cloud and Fire
'And the Lord will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night.'--ISAIAH iv. 5. The pillar of cloud and fire in the Exodus was one: there are to be as many pillars as there are 'assemblies' in the new era. Is it straining the language too much to find significance in that difference? Instead of the formal unity of the Old Covenant, there is a variety which yet is a more vital unity. Is there not a hint …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThirteenth Day for the Spirit of Burning
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit of Burning "And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion shall be called holy: when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning."--ISA. iv. 3, 4. A washing by fire! a cleansing by judgment! He that has passed through this shall be called holy. The power of blessing for the world, the power of work and intercession that will avail, depends upon the spiritual state of the Church; and …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
PHILIPPIANS iv. 1-9 Euodia and Syntyche--Conditions to unanimity--Great uses of small occasions--Connexion to the paragraphs--The fortress and the sentinel--A golden chain of truths--Joy in the Lord--Yieldingness--Prayer in everything--Activities of a heart at rest Ver. 1. +So, my brethren beloved and longed for+, missed indeed, at this long distance from you, +my joy and crown+ of victory (stephanos), +thus+, as having such certainties and such aims, with such a Saviour, and looking for such …
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us.
The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition. Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this. The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them. But first let us …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
(Revelation, Chapters vi.-viii.) "God Almighty! King of nations! earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne! Thine the greatness, power, and glory, Thine the kingdom, Lord, alone! Life and death are in Thy keeping, and Thy will ordaineth all: From the armies of Thy heavens to an unseen insect's fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, ruling myriad worlds of light; Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might! Working all things by Thy power, by the counsel of Thy will. Thou art God! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 4:5 NIVIsaiah 4:5 NLTIsaiah 4:5 ESVIsaiah 4:5 NASBIsaiah 4:5 KJV
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