December 9, 2018: Day 8 – Isaiah 4

A short little chapter in Isaiah here, but one that has so much meaning and nuance.  The first verse is an indication that there are no longer men left in the town because they have either all been deported, sent to war, or ran away because of the incessant conflict in that area.  All that are left are the women who are looking for someone who would give them a last name otherwise they would be left abandoned for the rest of their lives.  That is the way that it was back then.  The man provided the safety, security, and respect that was needed for the woman.  There are exceptions, of course, such as Deborah, but this tended to be the norm.  I find it fascinating that they say that they do not need to be provided for materially, they will provide their own bread and their own clothes, just remover their disgrace by being alone.

The prophet says that the only ones left in Jerusalem will be called holy.  God will revamp the city and those who are in it and cleanse the city and those who are in it by the power of His hand.  It is a beautiful picture of a rebirth after a time where only desolation is present.