Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. The spirit of burning] Means the fire of God's wrath, by which he will prove and purify his people; gathering them into his furnace, in order to separate the dross from the silver, the bad from the good. The severity of God's judgments, the fiery trial of his servants, Ezekiel (chap. xxii. 18-22) has set forth at large, after his manner, with great boldness of imagery and force of expression. God threatens to gather them into the midst of Jerusalem, as into the furnace; to blow the fire upon them, and to melt them. Malachi, chap. iii. 2, 3, treats the same subject, and represents the same event, under the like images:- "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like the fire of the refiner, And like the soap of the fullers.
And he shall sit refining and purifying the silver; And he shall purify the sons of Levi; And cleanse them like gold, and like silver; That they may be JEHOVAH'S ministers, Presenting unto him an offering in righteousness." This is an allusion to a chemist purifying metals. He first judges of the state of the ore or adulterated metal. Secondly, he kindles the proper degree of fire, and applies the requisite test; and thus separates the precious from the vile.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The havoc occasioned by war. (Is. 4:1) The times of the Messiah. (Is 4:2-6)
Is. 4:1 This first verse belongs to the third chapter. When the troubles should come upon the land, as the unmarried state was deeme reproachful among the Jews, these women would act contrary to commo usage, and seek husbands for themselves.
Is. 4:2-6 Not only the setting forth Christ's kingdom in the times of the apostles, but its enlargement by gathering the dispersed Jews int the church, is foretold. Christ is called the Branch of the Lord, being planted by his power, and flourishing to his praise. The gospel is the fruit of the Branch of the Lord; all the graces and comforts of the gospel spring from Christ. It is called the fruit of the earth, becaus it sprang up in this world, and was suited for the present state. I will be good evidence that we are distinguished from those merel called Israel, if we are brought to see all beauty in Christ, an holiness. As a type of this blessed day, Jerusalem should agai flourish as a branch, and be blessed with the fruits of the earth. God will keep for himself a holy seed. When most of those that have a plac and a name in Zion, and in Jerusalem, shall be cut off by their unbelief, some shall be left. Those only that are holy shall be left when the Son of man shall gather out of his kingdom every thing whic offends. By the judgment of God's providence, sinners were destroye and consumed; but by the Spirit of grace they are reformed an converted. The Spirit herein acts as a Spirit of judgment, enlightenin the mind, convincing the conscience; also as a Spirit of burning quickening and strengthening the affections, and making men zealousl affected in a good work. An ardent love to Christ and souls, and zea against sin, will carry men on with resolution in endeavours to tur away ungodliness from Jacob. Every affliction serves believers as furnace, to purify them from dross; and the convincing, enlightening and powerful influences of the Holy Spirit, gradually root out their lusts, and render them holy as He is holy. God will protect his church and all that belong to it. Gospel truths and ordinances are the glor of the church. Grace in the soul is the glory of it; and those tha have it are kept by the power of God. But only those who are weary wil seek rest; only those who are convinced that a storm is approaching will look for shelter. Affected with a deep sense of the Divin displeasure, to which we are exposed by sin, let us at once have recourse to Jesus Christ, and thankfully accept the refuge he affords _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew אם518 רחץ7364 אדני136 את853 צאת6675 בנות1323 ציון6726 ואת853 דמי1818 ירושׁלם3389 ידיח1740 מקרבה7130 ברוח7307 משׁפט4941 וברוח7307 בער׃1197
