a shelter to give shade from the heat by dayIn the ancient Near East, the sun's heat was intense and often unbearable, making shade a vital necessity for survival. This phrase evokes the image of God's protection and provision, much like the pillar of cloud that guided and sheltered the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (
Exodus 13:21-22). The concept of God as a shelter is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing His role as a protector and provider. In
Psalm 121:5-6, God is described as a shade at the believer's right hand, ensuring that the sun will not harm them by day. This imagery also points to the messianic prophecy of Jesus Christ, who offers spiritual rest and protection to His followers (
Matthew 11:28-30).
and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain
Storms and rain in biblical literature often symbolize chaos, judgment, or trials. In this context, the promise of a refuge and hiding place signifies God's protection from life's adversities and divine judgment. The imagery of God as a refuge is prevalent throughout the Psalms, such as inPsalm 46:1, where God is described as "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ, who provides salvation and peace amidst the storms of life (Mark 4:39-41). The assurance of safety and security in God is a central theme in the prophetic literature, offering hope and comfort to the faithful.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and internal spiritual decline.
3.
The RemnantA recurring theme in Isaiah, referring to the faithful few who remain true to God amidst widespread apostasy and judgment.
4.
The Day of the LordA prophetic event often described in Isaiah, symbolizing both judgment and salvation, where God intervenes in human history.
5.
The ShelterSymbolic of God's protection and provision, offering safety and comfort to His people.
Teaching Points
God's ProtectionJust as God provided a shelter for His people in Isaiah's prophecy, He offers us protection today. We can trust in His provision and care amidst life's challenges.
Spiritual RefugeIn times of spiritual and emotional storms, God is our refuge. We are encouraged to seek Him in prayer and scripture, finding peace and strength.
Enduring Through TrialsThe imagery of shade and refuge reminds us that trials are temporary. God's presence provides relief and hope, encouraging us to persevere.
Community of BelieversThe concept of a shelter can also be seen in the fellowship of believers. We are called to support and protect one another, reflecting God's love and care.
Eternal PerspectiveIsaiah's prophecy points to an ultimate fulfillment in Christ, where believers will experience perfect peace and protection in eternity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 4:6?
2.How does Isaiah 4:6 illustrate God's protection in our daily lives?
3.What connections exist between Isaiah 4:6 and God's shelter in Psalm 91?
4.How can we seek God's "shelter and shade" during life's storms?
5.In what ways does Isaiah 4:6 encourage trust in God's provision?
6.How does Isaiah 4:6 relate to Jesus as our refuge in the Gospels?
7.What is the historical context of Isaiah 4:6 in ancient Israel?
8.How does Isaiah 4:6 relate to God's protection and provision?
9.What is the significance of the "shelter" mentioned in Isaiah 4:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 4?
11.Are there any inconsistencies between Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1) and visions of divine glory in other scriptural passages, such as Isaiah 6 or Revelation 4?
12.What does 'God is our refuge and strength' mean?
13.Why does Psalm 43:2 suggest God has forsaken the writer, when other passages emphasize God's constant presence?
14.Did cavemen actually exist, and who were they?What Does Isaiah 4:6 Mean
a shelter“It will be a shelter” (Isaiah 4:6). The Lord Himself fashions a covering over His redeemed community.
• God has done this before—His cloud covered Israel by day and the fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
• David celebrated the same protection: “For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter” (Psalm 27:5).
• Isaiah describes this future shelter as universal for Zion, anticipatingRevelation 21:3 where “the dwelling place of God is with man.”
to give shade from the heat by dayThe promise continues: the shelter is “to give shade from the heat by day.” Desert heat is relentless; so are life’s trials.
• The Lord “has been a shelter from the storm, a shade from the heat” (Isaiah 25:4).
• He still keeps individual believers: “The LORD is your keeper… the sun will not strike you by day” (Psalm 121:5-6).
• Final fulfillment appears when “nor will the sun beat upon them, nor any scorching heat” touches the saints before God’s throne (Revelation 7:15-16).
and a refuge and hiding placeShade is comforting, but Isaiah adds deeper security—“a refuge and hiding place.”
• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1-2).
• His name is “a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).
• In Christ our lives are actually “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), an inner reality that matches the outward promise of Isaiah’s canopy.
from the storm and the rainFinally, the shelter guards “from the storm and the rain.” Isaiah often uses storms to picture judgment (Isaiah 28:2). Here God shields His people while judgment sweeps past.
• “A King will reign… like streams of water in a dry land, like the shade of a great rock” (Isaiah 32:1-2).
• Jesus told of the house on the rock that withstood wind and torrent (Matthew 7:24-27).
• Nahum echoed the same certainty: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble” (Nahum 1:7).
summaryIsaiah 4:6 pictures a divinely provided canopy—God’s own presence—over His cleansed people. It shields from blazing heat, offers constant refuge, and repels every storm. What Israel will know in that coming day is already tasted by believers who dwell in Christ: God Himself is our shade, refuge, and hiding place, now and forever.
(6)
And there shall be a tabernacle.--Perhaps
It shall be. . . The thought is that of
Psalm 27:5;
Psalm 31:20. In the manifested glory of Jehovah men would find, as the traveller finds in his tent, a protection against all forms of danger, against the scorching heat of noon, and against the pelting storm.
Verse 6. -And there shall be, etc.; rather,and it (i.e. "the canopy") shallbe a tabernacle,or bower,a shelter from the sun's heat by day,and from storm and rain both by day and night. The metaphors need no explanation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
a shelter
וְסֻכָּ֛ה(wə·suk·kāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5521:A thicket, booth
to [give] shade
לְצֵל־(lə·ṣêl-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6738:A shadow
from the heat
מֵחֹ֑רֶב(mê·ḥō·reḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2721:Dryness, drought, heat
by day,
יוֹמָ֖ם(yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119:Daytime, by day
and a refuge
וּלְמַחְסֶה֙(ū·lə·maḥ·seh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4268:Refuge, shelter
and hiding place
וּלְמִסְתּ֔וֹר(ū·lə·mis·tō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4563:Place of shelter
from the storm
מִזֶּ֖רֶם(miz·ze·rem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2230:A flood of rain, rainstorm, downpour
and the rain.
וּמִמָּטָֽר׃(ū·mim·mā·ṭār)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4306:Rain
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 4:6 There will be a pavilion (Isa Isi Is)
