Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 9. In mine ears. "To mine ear"] The sentence in the Hebrew text seems to be imperfect in this place; as likewise in chap. xxii. 14, where the very same sense seems to be required as here. See the note there; and compare 1 Sam. ix. 15. In this place the Septuagint supply the word hkousqh, and the Syriac [mta eshtama, auditus est JEHOVAH in auribus meis, i.e., hlgn niglah, as in chap. xxii. 14.
Many houses] This has reference to what was said in the preceding verse: "In vain are ye so intent upon joining house to house, and field to field; your houses shall be left uninhabited, and your fields shall become desolate and barren; so that a vineyard of ten acres shall produce but one bath (not eight gallons) of wine, and the husbandman shall reap but a tenth part of the seed which he has sown." Kimchi says this means such an extent of vineyard as would require ten yoke of oxen to plough in one day.
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 באזני241 יהוה3068 צבאות6635 אם518 לא3808 בתים1004 רבים7227 לשׁמה8047 יהיו1961 גדלים1419 וטובים2896 מאין369 יושׁב׃3427
