It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:6 (Isaiah 1-5)
Isaiah’s book of prophecy is called the fifth Gospel and is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament writing. It speaks extensively of a Messiah and rests all hope in the coming of a Savior that will bring an everlasting peace. As for Isaiah’s reality, he lived in Judah after the Assyrian empire annihilated Israel, took its population into exile/slavery and gave the land to its own citizens. The shadow of Assyrian power was ever present as Isaiah watched all but Jerusalem fall.
In the opening chapters of his book, Isaiah brings the equivalent of an indictment down on Judah. They were charged as hypocrites that relish their greed, debauchery, injustice and exploitation of the poor. Willing to make a great show of religious practices and customs with superficial piety, these covenant people chose to remain hard hearted and arrogant.
The verse above is taken from Isaiah’s first mention of the coming Messiah, a branch reviving out of the stump of David’s fallen family tree. God keeps his promises and is going to extreme measure to assure that all people, of all nations, receive the blessing of mercy and grace.
Love,
Gretchen