ISAIAH CHAPTER THREE, con't
OBSERVATIONS: & INVESTIGATIONS:
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3:16-26 & 4:1 - Haughtiness & Extravagance
V. 16-26, 4:1 – In this passage we have another “because” and a “therefore.” In verse 8 the consequence came “because their speech and deeds are against the LORD.” In verse 16, the coming consequence is “because the daughters of Zion are haughty.” Once again, the theme of haughtiness (pride, arrogance) is brought up as a reason for God’s anger.
Over and over, God is reminding His people that they are not remembering their proper place. They are considering themselves more highly than they ought (Romans 12:3), forgetting who has been the Provider of all they have, and arrogantly choosing for themselves right in their own eyes (main theme in Judges; cf Is. 5:21), instead of inquiring of the LORD (cf. Is. 8:19).
Their haughtiness specifically consisted of a posture that drew attention to themselves (outstretched necks, tinkling with the bells/ornaments on their feet), looking down on others (outstretched necks), highlighting their wealth (bells on feet), and the words “wantonly” and “mincing along” give a sense of sensuality.
Therefore, the consequence described in verse 17, strikes them with a scab on the heads and laying bare their secret parts. Thus, they would be in shame instead of haughty, and not want to show themselves, instead of mincing along with tinkling feet.
It is the LORD’s character to counter the sin of the proud - He brings low the haughty, he reverses their seeming self-exaltation (even from the tower of Babel, Gen. 11 - dispersing them as they are attempting to literally build themselves up to Heaven). This chapter 3 passage, echoes the false loftiness that the LORD was against in Is. 2:11-17).
The passage continues with a specific list of how the LORD will undo their haughty, self-exaltation. Verses 18-23, list everything from foot (finery of anklets) to head (veils) that the daughters of Zion use in drawing attention to their beauty and wealth - a list of 21 ( 3 x 7 ) excessive luxuries (jewelry, perfume, festal robes, handbags, mirrors, etc.) Items they flaunt as a symbol of their importance, rather than highlighting their Lord God as the glory over them. (Our only boast is Christ, 1 Cor. 1:31).
And thus God reverses their idolatry (v. 24):
Rotteness for perfume,
Rope instead of a belt,
Baldness for well-set hair,
Sackcloth for rich robe,
Branding instead of beauty (branding as sign of slave?)
Consequence continues (v. 24-26, 4:1):
Men shall fall by sword
Mighty men in battle
Her gates shall lament and mourn (not walk with outstretched neck)
Empty, she shall sit on the ground (not mincing along with tinkling feet)
And because so many men have fallen,
Seven women shall take hold of one man (4:1)
Begging to be called by his name, only that they would take away her reproach
She would eat her own bread and wear her own clothes, he would have no financial responsibility, if only she is not her own…to be single or widowed at that time, meant not having a protector or provider, which would leave her extra vulnerable. For some, it was a fate worse than death. These women wanting “only… to be called by his name” represents their desire for protection.
The problem is, so many men have be killed in judgment that there are seven women to one man. These women who were so haughty walking around in extravagant luxury are now begging for their well-being. Of course this is sad. And it makes sense that there are consequences for poor choices. People won’t want to be your friend if you walk around looking down on people. You may not get a job, if you don’t have a professional demeanor. Choices to enjoy the momentary pleasures of illicit drugs may lead to unpleasant consequences down the road.
Unfortunately, these people mistreated others (3:12, 14-15), misled them (3:12), and were arrogant with their wealth (3:16-23). This offends God and His command for justice and holiness. He desires that His people treat others rightly and seek to reflect his holiness by living lives of integrity. Sadly, people had to experience consequences for these misdeeds. But, thankfully, we know we have a just God, who we can trust to right the wrongs. And, ultimately, He sent a Righteous Redeemer to make all things right! We read more about Him in chapter 4!
SUMMARY
3:16-26 & 4:1
This passage concludes the chapter with yet another reason the LORD’s anger is kindled, this time their haughtiness and arrogant, luxurious living.
In light of the summary, I’d like to point out a couple of phrases that tie into the conclusion and the chapter theme.
We continue to have themes to tie sections together and point to different emphases…Here we have two themes (“take away” & “In that day”). What all is being taken away & what is happening in that day?:
3:1 - The LORD will take away support and supply
3:18 - In that day, the LORD will take away ornate luxuries
4:1 - They will beg the remaining men to take away their reproach
(And yet again, and still, they are turning to others, instead of turning to the Lord their God.)
3:18 - In that day…the Lord will take away from His prideful people, ornating themselves with beauty…AND…
4:2 - In that day…the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious (the true and lasting source of beauty)
We continue to read of the contrasts that God is laying before His people.
And Wow…4:1 seems to wrap up this section of “take away” and 4:2 is the contrasting verse with 3:18 of what will happen in that day –
3:18 - ruin of the rebellious
4:2 - the HOPE of the riches of the righteous remnant restored! The branch of the LORD…(this verse contrasts 3:18 and begins a new section of hope for the remnant describing the results of this branch of the LORD…but we have to wait until the next section to read more about this branch of the LORD!...)
PRAYER
LORD God, we praise You for being our Ultimate Protector and Provider. We confess that there are many luxuries and comforts that distract us from full dependence on and trust in You and lead us to put our hope and comfort in beauty and wealth. May You please convict us, Holy Spirit, refine us, and enable our true beauty and delight to be in glory and Hope of Christ!
NEXT
Combined IMPACT for Isaiah 2:22, 3:1-26, 4:1 - Click HERE to print IMPACT Study Guide
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