Isaiah 4:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To avoid the misconception that the salvation of those who emerged from peril occurred by mere chance, it is emphasized that it was through divine purpose that they were not overwhelmed amidst their trials. For this reason, it is declared that they shall be considered saints, those whose names are inscribed in the book destined for life in Jerusalem—those who are consecrated, cared for, and chosen to experience no harm. Indeed, they are rightly termed saints, signifying that their separation was not in vain and that God's determination was made with purpose. Their righteous conduct, whether in the past or present, contributed to this status. While there were virtuous individuals among them, the circumstances they faced further refined and improved their character. Just as gold purged in fire emerges free from all dross, diligent believers become even more fervent in times of trial, shedding all negligence.

The Word of God, having emerged in brilliance, showed compassion toward Israel; it did not vanish completely; rather, a faithful remnant was preserved, elevated, and glorified, marked by sanctification and inscribed in the book of life. The genuine fulfillment of prophecy can be observed in the early stages of the saved, particularly within the holy apostles, who were truly lifted up and honored through the gifts of divine grace, adorned with significant glory. They were granted authority over unclean spirits, enabling them to cast them out and heal many who suffered from illnesses, while also being recorded in the book of life.

Through the divine choice of grace, the remnant of Israel will be referred to as saints and will have their names inscribed for life in the heavenly Jerusalem, illuminated by God’s presence and exalted by His splendor. Those designated as saints are those whom God “forsook unto Himself” due to their steadfastness, “who did not bow the knee before Baal” (Rom. 11:4). What distinguishes some who are “in Zion” from others who are “in Jerusalem”? This distinction reflects the varied states of salvation among believers, as “each one in his own rank” (1 Cor. 15:23) will share in God's blessings.

A pause shall occur in Zion and in Jerusalem: they will be designated as sacred. Specifically, the city of Jerusalem will be recognized as the city of righteousness, and all whose names are recorded there shall experience life. This means that there will not be an elderly person among them who has not completed the entirety of their days, signifying that none will be lacking the blessing of a long and fulfilled life.

It is important to recognize that not every individual from Israel will attain salvation; rather, it is the remnant from Zion and those who remained in Jerusalem. These are the ones inscribed in the book of life in Jerusalem, to whom the Lord has declared, "Rejoice, for your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). This specifically refers to the apostles and those who came to believe through their witness.

The most effective purification is one that cleanses the spirit, known as the spiritual cleansing. The prophet clearly conveys this when he proclaims that the Lord will remove the impurities of the daughters of Zion and purify the blood of Jerusalem from among them, referring to the blood of sin and the slaying of the prophets. The Word also reveals the nature and method of this purification, stating it occurs through the spirit of judgment and the spirit of fire. In contrast, the cleansing of the physical body can happen through simple water, as frequently seen in regions lacking bathing facilities.

The Lord bestowed goodness (Psalm 84:13) with the intention of redeeming humanity from the burden of betrayal through His only Son. He imparted this goodness by entering the womb of the Virgin, sanctifying it by divine grace as a dwelling for the Holy Spirit. And the earth yielded its bounty (Psalm 84:13), for the Virgin, who bore flesh from the ground, brought forth a Son who is equal to God the Father in divinity, yet truly shares the same substance with Her in flesh. Isaiah also foretold this, envisioning the time of redemption: In that day the Branch of the Lord shall appear in splendor and glory, and the fruit of the earth in majesty.

Once the foretold tribulations have passed, Jerusalem will become the residence of the holy ones, free from idolatry and wrongdoing. The previous inhabitants of Jerusalem will have disappeared, replaced by a new lineage of individuals, distinct from their predecessors. They will be designated as saints, for they have not participated in the sins of their forebears.