Isaiah 4:1

In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, "We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!"

Study Bible

In that day
This phrase often refers to a future time of judgment or restoration in biblical prophecy. In Isaiah, "that day" frequently points to the Day of the Lord, a time when God will intervene decisively in human history. It can indicate both immediate historical events and eschatological fulfillment.

seven women will take hold of one man
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Here, it suggests a significant imbalance between men and women, likely due to the devastation of war, where many men have died. This scenario reflects a desperate situation where women seek security and social standing through marriage, even if it means sharing one husband.

and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes.
This indicates a reversal of traditional marital roles, where a husband would typically provide for his wife. The women's willingness to support themselves highlights their desperation to remove the stigma of being unmarried. It also reflects the economic hardship and societal collapse following judgment.

Just let us be called by your name.
Being called by a man's name signifies marriage and the social protection it affords. In ancient Israel, a woman's identity and security were closely tied to her marital status. This plea underscores the cultural importance of marriage and the shame associated with being unmarried.

Take away our disgrace!”
The disgrace refers to the social stigma of being unmarried and childless, which was significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This plea for the removal of disgrace can also be seen as a metaphor for Israel's spiritual condition, seeking redemption and restoration. The concept of disgrace and its removal is echoed in other scriptures, such as in the redemptive work of Christ, who takes away the shame of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Seven Women
Symbolic of a large number, representing the desperation and societal imbalance due to the scarcity of men, likely caused by war or judgment.

2. One Man
Represents the few surviving men after a period of judgment, highlighting the dire circumstances and the reversal of traditional roles.

3. Disgrace
Refers to the shame and social stigma of being unmarried or childless in ancient Israelite society, which was seen as a curse or judgment from God.

Teaching Points

Cultural Context and Judgment
Understand the cultural significance of marriage and family in ancient Israel. The desperation of the women reflects the severe consequences of God's judgment on the nation.

Symbolism of Numbers
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Here, it underscores the totality of the societal collapse and the depth of the women's desperation.

Role Reversal and Self-Sufficiency
The women's willingness to provide for themselves challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting the extremity of the situation. It prompts reflection on how societal norms can shift in times of crisis.

Seeking Identity and Honor
The desire to be called by a man's name reflects a search for identity and honor. This can be related to our spiritual identity in Christ, where we seek to be called by His name and find our worth in Him.

God's Redemptive Plan
Despite the judgment, Isaiah 4 continues with a message of hope and restoration. This reminds us of God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan to redeem and restore His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cultural context of ancient Israel help us understand the desperation of the women in Isaiah 4:1?

2. In what ways does the number seven in this verse symbolize the completeness of the societal collapse?

3. How can the role reversal in Isaiah 4:1 prompt us to reflect on gender roles and responsibilities in our own society?

4. What does the desire to be called by a man's name teach us about identity and honor, and how can this be applied to our spiritual identity in Christ?

5. How does the message of judgment in Isaiah 4:1 connect to the hope and restoration promised later in the chapter, and what does this teach us about God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 3
The preceding chapter describes the judgment on Jerusalem and Judah, leading to the conditions described in Isaiah 4:1.

Genesis 30
The account of Rachel and Leah highlights the cultural importance of marriage and bearing children, similar to the disgrace mentioned in Isaiah 4:1.

1 Timothy 5
Discusses the roles and responsibilities of women, providing a New Testament perspective on women's roles in society and family.