When Men Are Poor Leaders And Women Are Proud (3:1-26)
Neal Pollard
The state of affairs outlined by Isaiah concerning Jerusalem and Judah is pretty grim and the people are seemingly ignorant of it. The Lord promises judgment because of it (1). He says that their words and deeds are against Him, defying His glorious presence (8). He says, “They have brought evil on themselves” (9). What was wrong?
The Men (1-15)
The male leaders misused their power and authority. It was a comprehensive problem, from “the mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor and the skillful magician and the expert in charms” (2-3). This was every facet of national life, including the military, political, religious, and business leaders. Wherever one turned, he was met with corrupt leadership. It was marked by oppression and disrespect (5), irresponsibility (6-7), immorality (8), and pride (9).
But God was not ignoring it. The message through Isaiah is that it will be well with the righteous (10), but the wicked would reap what they sowed (11). The sobering prospect is that the Lord was sitting in judgment against this, and He would act (12-15). That means they would get the leadership they earned, irresponsible and unqualified individuals (12). God would hold them accountable.
The Women (16-26)
The men had not cornered the market on pride. These women appear to be among the upper class of Judah. Some have suggested that these are the wives of the men condemned in the facets of leadership mentioned in the first half of the chapter. These women appear to be wealthy and influential, but they misused their position. They relied on their looks and their powers of seduction (16). They measured their worth and importance with their outward adornment, which Isaiah describes in detail (18-24). They would be replaced with scabs and nakedness (17), stench (24), baldness (24), and the indications of bondage–ropes, sackcloths, and branding (24). God would strip them of all the things they prided themselves in and would adorn them with humiliation. Sin is expensive!
Isaiah paints a picture of the fruit of sin, death, defeat, and desolation (25-26). While they presently lived each day with ease and pleasure, it did not draw them nearer to God. Their things became a substitute for their Lord, and they served themselves and their things in place of Him. That would not last. Notice throughout the chapter how many times Isaiah speaks of how the Lord will take action–“The Lord God of hosts is taking away” (1), “The Lord has taken His place to contend…to judge” (13), “The Lord will enter into judgment” (14), “The Lord God of hosts declares” (15), “The Lord said” (16), “The Lord will strike” (17), “The Lord will lay bare” (17), and “The Lord will take away” (18).
It is wonderful to think of God being active and involved in our lives, showing grace and mercy even as we stumble and struggle to do right despite our weaknesses and shortcomings. He does not punish and penalize when we humbly confess our faults and strive to walk in His path. Yet, as Isaiah points out, those who live as if He doesn’t exist and they do not need Him not only grow comfortable in their sins but they will face the consequences of them. God will be active and involved in their lives, too, but they will not enjoy it.
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