Isaiah 4 - Chapters and Verses

Today's reading from chapter four of Isaiah reminds me that the Holy Bible did not always have chapters and verses. The breakdown we have today makes for an easier way to reference scripture and was actually instituted in the 13th century A.D.. Verse 1, "In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”" seems to fit much better with the woes of chapter three than the promises found in the rest of chapter four. It is a good reminder, while we're reading the Bible, one chapter at a time, that we have to remember the whole context of what we are reading. Yes, it can be fun to "proof-text" and "dig" into one verse. But, we should remember that "scripture validates scripture." If our interpretation of scripture (one of two verses) cannot be validated by the rest of scripture, then we are probably interpreting it from our own bias.

In chapter four, we begin with what appears to be the end of the woes to Judah, Jerusalem, and ourselves if we do not turn to the LORD and trust Him; if we put material things and even ourselves before God. But, we also have the promise of the Branch of the LORD, who will be the pride and the glory of those who survive the woes and continue to live in Zion. God will be their glory. This is amazing and wonderful Good News as Jesus is the branch that is beautiful and glorious and with and in Christ, we live and dwell in the Kingdom of God, even now.

He is our shelter and refuge! (vs 6)

God's Peace - Pr. J