Isaiah 4:5

"when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from within it, by the spirit of justice and by the spirit of burning."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 4:5 speaks of a profound cleansing to come for Jerusalem. The verse envisions a time when the Lord will cleanse the people of both their moral impurity ("the filth of the daughters of Zion") and the physical and spiritual pollution within the city itself ("shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem"). This purification is achieved through the "spirit of justice" and the "spirit of burning," which suggest a thorough, consuming process that ensures righteousness. The imagery evokes a sense of divine judgment followed by restoration, setting the stage for a purified community ready to fulfill its destiny.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And the Lord will create -The meaning of this verse and the next is, that God would take his people into his holy care and protection. The idea is expressed by images drawn, in this verse, from the protection which he afforded to the Israelites in their journeying from Egypt. The word “create” means here, he will afford, or furnish, such a defense. Upon every dwelling-place ... -Upon all the habitations of his people; that is, they shall be secure, and regarded as under his protection. The word “upon” refers to the fact that the pillar of cloud stood “over” the tabernacle in the wilderness, as a symbol of the divine favor and presence.

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