Isaiah 3

Isaiah 3 speaks of God's judgment. First God speaks of capricious rulers. This brings a sort of judgment all its own. Isaiah lists people types: warrior, judge, elder, honorable man, artisan but if those who lead are not fair and cannot be relied upon then you are always insecure no matter how personally capable you are. Next God seems to be speaking of a lack of leadership, people desperately trying to find someone to lead them. Having a cloak is sufficient qualification for leadership. But people refuse to lead. This seems to be a sort of judgment from God as well. Perhaps people really refuse to be led, making anyone of any ability unwilling to take on such a thankless task.

Then there is a section where God describes how the rich abuse the poor and powerless. I always ask myself if I am fair and righteous in my business dealings? I try to be. But I'm never sure.

Then women are denounced. The young women (daughters) proudly strut their stuff for all to see. They use cheap jewelry to attract attention. Isaiah gives a long list of the types of ornamentation the women wear. Almost all of it seems to make noise as the women move. This shows a further effort to get attention. But God says judgment will come. Instead of well set hair they will have a plucked out scalp. OUCH! Instead of a beautiful belt they will wear a rope. Instead of fine clothes they will wear sackcloth. This makes me picture slavery, servitude. Also a judgment to them the young men will die in battle, even the strong men. So the women will be left alone, with no one to marry and give them children.

The survivors will be left to beg for a man. They will accept anyone who will call himself husband, even if he refuses to support them. These women, rather than be cursed with spinsterhood will be willing to live in their own place and get their own food if a man will call himself her husband. They are willing to share this man with other women. It is implied that most men do not find this arrangement satisfactory. They do not wish the responsibility and find it hard enough to survive. So probably many of these women do not find a husband under any condition.

All this is a judgment from God for the people's sin. It describes a commentary on the situation that Isaiah sees around him. He sees it through the eyes of God and shares it with those who will listen. And he writes it down for posterity.