Skip to content
Scripture Mapping

Isaiah 3

World English Bible

WEB

1For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water; 2the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet, the diviner, the elder, 3the captain of fifty, the honorable man, the counselor, the skilled craftsman, and the clever enchanter. 4I will give boys to be their princes, and children shall rule over them. 5The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbor. The child will behave himself proudly against the old man, and the wicked against the honorable. 6Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, “You have clothing, you be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand.” 7In that day he will cry out, saying, “I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. You shall not make me ruler of the people.” 8For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of his glory. 9The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don’t hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves. 10Tell the righteous that it will be well with them, for they will eat the fruit of their deeds. 11Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them, for the deeds of their hands will be paid back to them. 12As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. 13Yahweh stands up to contend, and stands to judge the peoples. 14Yahweh will enter into judgment with the elders of his people and their leaders: “It is you who have eaten up the vineyard. The plunder of the poor is in your houses. 15What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?” says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies. 16Moreover Yahweh said, “Because the daughters of Zion are arrogant, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking daintily as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; 17therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald.” 18In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 19the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 20the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms, 21the signet rings, the nose rings, 22the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 23the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. 24It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war. 26Her gates shall lament and mourn. She shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Isaiah Chapter 3 presents a sobering picture of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah due to their rebellion against God. The chapter begins with a declaration that the Lord will remove the support and sustenance of the people, including their leaders, warriors, and even the basic provisions like bread and water. This removal signifies a divine response to the moral decay and social injustice prevalent in the society, as seen in verses 1-3. The absence of wise and honorable leaders will lead to chaos and confusion among the people, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in maintaining order and righteousness.

The chapter continues to describe the consequences of this judgment, where young people will rise against the elders, and the society will be marked by shame and disgrace. The people will be so desperate for leadership that they will appoint anyone, even those who are unqualified, to lead them (verses 4-5). The women of Zion are also addressed, as their pride and ostentation will lead to their downfall, with God promising to strip away their adornments and expose their true condition (verses 16-24). This serves as a reminder that true beauty and worth come from a humble and contrite heart before God. Ultimately, Isaiah 3 emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to righteousness, as the consequences of sin lead to societal collapse and divine judgment.

The chapter concludes with a vivid portrayal of the devastation that will come upon the proud and the haughty, reinforcing the message that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (verse 25-26). This chapter serves as a call to recognize the seriousness of sin and the importance of seeking God’s favor through humility and obedience. #Isaiah #Judgment #Leadership #Repentance

Study

13 of 14 dimensions

Referenced by

  1. Ezekiel 4:16-17v1Ezekiel 4:16-17 speaks of the breaking of the staff of bread, which is also mentioned in Isaiah 3:1 as a sign of God's judgment on Jerusalem.
  2. Amos 4:1v16Amos 4:1 addresses the wealthy women of Samaria, likening them to 'cows of Bashan' for their oppression of the poor. Similarly, Isaiah 3:16-24 condemns the haughty women of Zion for their pride and luxury, predicting their downfall.

Topics in this chapter

Your study

Take it with you

This chapter’s study as a Markdown file. The analysis was written for a notebook originally, so the hashtags arrive as hashtags and the passages as links.