1 sn The seven to one ratio emphasizes the great disparity that will exist in the population due to the death of so many men in battle. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 sn The imagery of the cloud by day and fire by night recalls the days of Moses, when a cloud and fire were tangible reminders that the Lord was guiding and protecting his people (Exod 13:21-22; 14:19, 24). In the future age envisioned in Isa 4, the Lord’s protective presence will be a reality. 20 21