Isaiah 4:2

"Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach.”"

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 4:2, the prophet depicts a time of scarcity and hardship where seven women will vie for the attention of one man. This imagery reflects the severe social upheaval of the period, as the original audience would have understood that during times of famine, men might become scarce resources. The women's willingness to renounce their own possessions in exchange for a name suggests a desperate attempt to avoid being ostracized or shamed, highlighting the societal and personal struggles faced by people during such crises.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The branch of the Lord -צמחיהוהyehovâhtsemach. “The sprout” of Yahweh. This expression, and this verse, have had a great variety of interpretations. The Septuagint reads it, ‘In that day God shall shine in counsel with glory upon the earth, to exalt, and to glorify the remnant of Israel.’ The Chaldee renders it, ‘In that day, the Messiah of the Lord shall be for joy and glory, and the doers of the law for praise and honor to those of Israel who are delivered.’ It is clear that the passage is designed to denote some signal blessing that was to succeed the calamity predicted in the previous verses.

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