Isaiah 4:1

DAY #9

ISAIAH 4:1

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1 ???????? And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach.

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Keep in mind that this is a continuation of the prophecy started in chapter 2 that continues through to the end of chapter 5.

J. Vernon McGee, points out that this first verse shows the conditions of war. Matthew Henry also comments on this reminding us that in general boys and girls are born at pretty much the same rate, so this pulls us back to the previous chapter’s description of the devastating war. These seven women willing together, to beg a man to take them as a wife, asking not for provision, but for his protection. What horrible conditions would push a woman, not just one, but seven of them to band together to beg one man to let them all become his wives, but not that he should worry about providing for them. Many men may think what a wonderful thing, but these women are realists. They know the time is not easy. That a good man will be thinking of the cost of feeding and clothing one being multiplied into the cost of feeding and clothing eight!

The women ask, “only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach.” These words make it clear that it is a request for marriage. They are offering up not just being wives in name, but they want to bear his children. “Our reproach” refers to being childless.

This may seem an unusual place to break the reading. This is being done, because the amount of information revealed in the next passage is vast.

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Dear Lord Jesus,

Awaken my heart to sing of Your glories! Lord, may I declare the wonders of the incredible things You have done in my life that others may know You are the God of love, who knows where I am, and that You care for me personally. Lord, I want the world to know You are the God who cares for each of us on a personal basis. Lord use me.

In Jesus name, Amen.