Isaiah 3:8-15

Listen to Isaiah 3:8-15
8 For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. [a]
9 The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves.
10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.
11 Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
12 Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths.
13 The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.
14 The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses.
15 Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.

Isaiah 3:8-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 3

In this chapter the Jews are threatened with various calamities, on account of their sins, which would issue in their entire ruin and destruction. They are threatened with a famine, Isa 3:1 with a removal of useful men in church and state, and in common life, Isa 3:2,3 with ignorant and effeminate governors; the consequences of which would be oppression and insolence, Isa 3:4,5 yea, that such would be their state and condition, that men, though naturally ambitious of honour, would refuse to have the government of them, Isa 3:6,7 the reasons of these calamities, and of this ruin and fall of them, are their evil words and actions against the Lord, which were highly provoking to him; and their impudence in sinning like Sodom, which was to their own harm, Isa 3:8,9 yet, in the midst of all this, it is the will of God that the righteous should be told it shall be well with them, with the reason of it; when it shall be ill with the wicked, as a just recompence of reward, Isa 3:10,11 the errors and mistakes of the people are attributed to their childish and effeminate governors, Isa 3:12 wherefore the Lord determines to plead their cause, and contend with their elders and rulers, because they had spoiled and devoured the poor, Isa 3:13-15 and particularly the women are threatened, for their pride and luxury, to have their ornaments taken from them, which are particularly mentioned, Isa 3:16-24 and the chapter is concluded with a prophecy, that their mighty men should perish by the sword in war, and the city should be desolate, Isa 3:25,26.

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Footnotes 1

  • [a] Hebrew defying the eyes of His glory
The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially placed into the public domain