4:1 During Isaiah’s ministry, Jerusalem’s population was so decimated through war, famine, and disease (3:1-3; 6:13; 14:30; 22:2; 37:4) that there were few men left, creating an absence of leadership (see 3:1-12). Even worse conditions lay ahead with the approaching war between Judah and the alliance of Syria and Israel in 734–732 BC (2 Chr 28) and eventually the conquest and fall of Jerusalem (605–586 BC).

4:2 The branch in this context probably refers to the remnant that would constitute Israel’s new beginning after the Exile (see 6:13). Some also understand it as representing the ideal descendant of David, the Messiah (see 11:1; Jer 23:5; 33:15-16; Zech 3:8; 6:12). • A beautiful and glorious transformation from shame and disgrace (Isa 3:17-25) to fertility and beauty would manifest God’s presence and blessing among the remnant (4:6). • The fruit of the land, nature itself, would also be transformed from desolation to glory. Elsewhere, Isaiah described the future circumstances as resembling the Garden of Eden (see 51:3; 65:22). The message of renewal finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new creation (see Rom 8:19-27; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Eph 2:15; 4:24; Rev 21:22-27). • Those who survive in Israel—the remnant—would be the true citizens of Zion.

4:2-6 In bold contrast to the desperate picture of 3:16–4:1, this prophecy of salvation and hope (see also 2:2-4) promised cleansing, consecration, and the renewal of God’s presence with the remnant. The imagery in 4:5-6 alludes to Israel’s exodus from Egypt, when a pillar of cloud and of fire guided and protected them. Israel’s restoration from exile would be a second exodus.