1 For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,
2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counseller, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.
4 And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.
6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:
7 In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house [is] neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.
8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings [are] against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
10 Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
11 Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
12 [As for] my people, children [are] their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
13 The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.
14 The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor [is] in your houses.
15 What mean ye [that] ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of [their] tinkling ornaments [about their feet], and [their] cauls, and [their] round tires like the moon,
19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
21 The rings, and nose jewels,
22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.
24 And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.
25 Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.
26 And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 3
Isaiah Chapter 3 is a prophetic declaration that addresses the impending judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah due to their moral decay and social injustices. The chapter highlights the consequences of their actions, particularly focusing on the leadership and societal structure of the people. It serves as a warning about the loss of stability and the resultant chaos that will ensue from their disobedience to God.
The Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah
The chapter begins with a proclamation of judgment against the leaders and people of Jerusalem and Judah. The Lord declares that He will remove the support and sustenance of the city, leading to a breakdown of societal order.
- Removal of Leaders: The chapter states that God will take away the leaders and influential figures, which will result in a lack of guidance.
- Social Disarray: The absence of capable leaders will lead to confusion and chaos among the people, as they will be left without direction.
Characteristics of the People
Isaiah highlights the characteristics of the people during this time, emphasizing their arrogance and pride. The chapter describes how the people have turned away from God and have become self-reliant, leading to their downfall.
- Pride and Arrogance: The people exhibit a sense of entitlement and disregard for the commandments of God.
- Social Injustice: There is a clear depiction of social injustice, where the poor and vulnerable are oppressed by the wealthy and powerful.
- Immorality: The chapter points out the moral decay that has seeped into the fabric of society, leading to widespread corruption.
The Role of Women
Isaiah Chapter 3 also addresses the role of women in society during this time. It critiques the vanity and materialism that have taken hold, particularly among the women of Jerusalem.
- Focus on Appearance: The women are described as being overly concerned with their outward appearance, adorning themselves with jewelry and fine clothing.
- Consequences of Vanity: The chapter warns that their focus on superficiality will lead to their downfall, as God will strip away their adornments and comforts.
The Consequences of Judgment
The chapter concludes with a vivid description of the consequences that will follow the judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah. The once-thriving city will experience desolation and humiliation.
- Destruction: The cities will be laid waste, and the people will be left in despair.
- Loss of Dignity: The people will suffer shame and loss of dignity as they face the repercussions of their actions.
- Call to Repentance: Implicitly, the chapter serves as a call for the people to repent and return to their faith in God to avoid such dire outcomes.
Theological Implications
Isaiah Chapter 3 presents significant theological themes that resonate throughout the Bible, including:
- Divine Judgment: The chapter emphasizes that God is just and will hold His people accountable for their actions.
- Social Responsibility: It highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable and maintaining justice within society.
- Call to Humility: The focus on pride and vanity serves as a reminder of the need for humility before God.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 3 serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of justice and humility in society. It challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the state of their communities, urging a return to righteousness and faithfulness to God.
