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Isaiah 4:2-5 open_in_new
I. Notice, first, the preparation for the promise. In the earlier verses of this chapter two things are presented as antecedent to the gifts of blessing that is, the coming of the Divine Saviour, and His discipline for holiness within His Church.
II. The promise itself. There is: (1) The presence of God with His Church. (2) The presence of God for counsel. This was the primary purpose for which the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were given. For guidance in the perplexities of life, God's presence is promised in the churches of today. (3) The presence of God for defence. Many a time lyers-in-wait have attacked the Church, and empires have undertaken to destroy her, and have called up the secret resources of power for her overthrow, and yet she lives; while the names of her oppressors are forgotten or remembered only with accusation and with shame; and it must be so as long as God lives to protect and bless the Church that He has chosen and redeemed.
W. Morley Punshon, Christian World Pulpit,vol. ii., p. 372.
References: Isaiah 5:1. T. Arnold, Sermons,vol. iv., p. 289; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. xi., p. 272; H. Thompson, Concionalia: Outlines for Parochial Use,2nd series, p. 5; F. Delitzsch, Expositor,3rd series, vol. iii., p. 60.