Isaiah 4:4 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Here we have the blessed process of grace, by which the Lord will accomplish the divine purposes of his love, in redeeming the souls of his people. The daughters of Zion are here spoken of, as a representation of the whole church of Jesus. So the church is named, Psalms 45:10-11. This church is considered in her pollutions, such as she was when Christ came to redeem her, Ezekiel 16:3-6. But when, in gospel days, Jesus is come, and the fountain in his blood is opened to the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin, and for uncleanness, then the filth of Zion shall be washed away, Zec 13:1; 1 John 1:1-7. But how is this to be done? By the spirit of judgment, and the spirit of burning; meaning, that God the Holy Ghost, in his seven-fold gifts, and by his gracious work on the heart, will glorify Jesus, in taking of the things of Christ, and showing their suitableness to the poor sinner. Is the sinner's heart hardened? The Holy Ghost will be to him a spirit of judgment; convincing, converting, enlightening, teaching him to feel his want of Jesus, and leading him to Jesus. Are his affections cold, and in himself not disposed to seek after salvation? The Holy Ghost will be to him a spirit of burning; to warm, yea, fire his very soul, in longings for Christ, that his sins may be done away, and both his filth and his blood he purged, and purified from all uncleanness. Oh! the wonderful process of grace, when God the Holy Ghost layeth judgment to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, Isaiah 28:17.