Isaiah 3
BSB1 For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, 2 the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, 3 the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter. 4 “I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them." 5 The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable. 6 A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble." 7 On that day he will cry aloud: “I am not a healer. I have no food or clothing in my house. Do not make me leader of the people!" 8 For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. 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. 16 The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty— walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— 17 the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare. “ 18 In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; 19 their pendants, bracelets, and veils; 20 their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; 21 their signet rings and nose rings; 22 their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; 23 and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. 24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame. 25 Your men will fall by the sword, and your warriors in battle. 26 And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.
Study Notes — Isaiah 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 3
- Themes from Isaiah 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah chapter 3 begins with a description of the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, where He will remove the strong and the mighty, including the warriors, judges, and prophets (Isaiah 3:1-3). The chapter then explains how the Lord will give children to be their princes, and babes will rule over them (Isaiah 3:4). The people will be oppressed, and everyone will be against his neighbor (Isaiah 3:5). The chapter also describes the sinful state of the daughters of Zion, who are proud and haughty, and will be humbled by the Lord (Isaiah 3:16-26). The chapter concludes with a description of the desolation and mourning that will come upon Jerusalem (Isaiah 3:26).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 3 is part of the larger context of Isaiah's prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem, which were given during the reign of King Uzziah (Isaiah 1:1). The chapter is closely related to the previous chapter, which described the Lord's judgment on the wicked and the redemption of His people. The chapter also looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will bring true justice and righteousness.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility and the consequences of sin. We are called to examine our own hearts and lives, and to seek the Lord's forgiveness and redemption. We are also encouraged to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about true righteousness and redemption.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah chapter 3 describes the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, where He will remove the strong and the mighty, and humble the proud daughters of Zion. The chapter teaches us about the importance of humility and the consequences of sin. As seen in Isaiah 3:10, the righteous will be rewarded, and in Isaiah 3:16-26, the proud will be humbled.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's judgment on Jerusalem is a solemn reminder of the consequences of sin, and the importance of seeking His forgiveness and redemption.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The removal of the strong and the mighty is a symbol of the Lord's sovereignty and power, and a reminder that true strength and wisdom come from Him alone.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Judgment (Isaiah 3:1-3) — The Lord will take away the stock and the store, the whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water, symbolizing the removal of the strong and the mighty.
- Description of Judgment (Isaiah 3:4-9) — The Lord will give children to be their princes, and babes will rule over them, resulting in oppression and strife.
- The Sinful State of the Daughters of Zion (Isaiah 3:16-26) — The daughters of Zion are proud and haughty, and will be humbled by the Lord, who will take away their finery and leave them exposed and ashamed.
- The Desolation of Jerusalem (Isaiah 3:26) — The city will be left desolate and mourning, a result of the Lord's judgment and the people's sin.
- Conclusion (Isaiah 3:1-26) — The chapter concludes with a description of the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of humility and the consequences of sin.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter teaches us about the Lord's sovereignty and power, as seen in His judgment on Jerusalem and the removal of the strong and the mighty.
- Consequences of Sin
- The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the removal of leaders, the oppression of the people, and the desolation of the city.
- Importance of Humility
- The chapter highlights the importance of humility, as seen in the humbling of the proud daughters of Zion, and the reward of the righteous.
- Redemption and Forgiveness
- The chapter looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will bring true justice and righteousness, and offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek Him.
Lessons from Isaiah 3
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches us about the importance of humility, as seen in the humbling of the proud daughters of Zion, and the reward of the righteous.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the removal of leaders, the oppression of the people, and the desolation of the city.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about the Lord's sovereignty and power, as seen in His judgment on Jerusalem and the removal of the strong and the mighty.
- The Importance of Seeking Forgiveness and Redemption — The chapter looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will bring true justice and righteousness, and offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek Him.
- The Practical Application of the Chapter — The chapter teaches us about the importance of seeking the Lord's forgiveness and redemption, and applying the lessons of humility, sovereignty, and consequences of sin to our own lives.
Themes from Isaiah 3
- Judgment and Consequences — The chapter describes the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the removal of the strong and the mighty.
- Humility and Pride — The chapter highlights the importance of humility, as seen in the humbling of the proud daughters of Zion, and the reward of the righteous.
- Sovereignty and Power — The chapter teaches us about the Lord's sovereignty and power, as seen in His judgment on Jerusalem and the removal of the strong and the mighty.
- Redemption and Forgiveness — The chapter looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will bring true justice and righteousness, and offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek Him.
- Application and Practical Lessons — The chapter teaches us about the importance of seeking the Lord's forgiveness and redemption, and applying the lessons of humility, sovereignty, and consequences of sin to our own lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem teach us about the consequences of sin?
- How does the chapter describe the sinful state of the daughters of Zion, and what does this teach us about pride and humility?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of seeking the Lord's forgiveness and redemption?
- How does the chapter look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, and what does this teach us about true justice and righteousness?
- What practical applications can we take from this chapter, and how can we apply them to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Judgment (Isaiah 3:1-3)
| Isaiah 3:1 | The Lord will take away the stock and the store, the whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water, symbolizing the removal of the strong and the mighty. |
| Isaiah 3:2 | The Lord will take away the mighty man and the man of war, the judge and the prophet, and the diviner and the elder. |
2. Description of Judgment (Isaiah 3:4-9)
| Isaiah 3:4 | The Lord will give children to be their princes, and babes will rule over them, resulting in oppression and strife. |
| Isaiah 3:5 | The people will be oppressed, and everyone will be against his neighbor. |
3. The Sinful State of the Daughters of Zion (Isaiah 3:16-26)
| Isaiah 3:16 | The daughters of Zion are proud and haughty, and will be humbled by the Lord, who will take away their finery and leave them exposed and ashamed. |
| Isaiah 3:17 | The Lord will make their secret parts stink and their smell will rise, for they have not remembered the Lord their God. |
4. The Desolation of Jerusalem (Isaiah 3:26)
| Isaiah 3:26 | The city will be left desolate and mourning, a result of the Lord's judgment and the people's sin. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah chapter 3?
The main theme of Isaiah chapter 3 is the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, emphasizing the removal of the strong and the mighty, and the consequences of sin. As seen in Isaiah 3:1-3, the Lord will take away the stock and the store, and give children to be their princes.
What does the chapter teach us about humility and pride?
The chapter highlights the importance of humility, as seen in the humbling of the proud daughters of Zion, and the reward of the righteous. In Isaiah 3:16-26, the proud daughters of Zion are described as being proud and haughty, and will be humbled by the Lord.
How does the chapter look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ?
The chapter looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will bring true justice and righteousness, and offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek Him. As seen in Isaiah 3:10, the righteous will be rewarded, which points to the ultimate reward that believers will receive in Christ.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 3:1 → Leviticus 26:26 | The removal of the stock and the store is reminiscent of the covenant curses in Leviticus 26:26, which describes the consequences of disobedience to the Lord's commands. |
| 2 | Isaiah 3:4 → 1 Samuel 8:5 | The giving of children to be princes is similar to the request of the Israelites for a king in 1 Samuel 8:5, which resulted in the Lord giving them a king, but also warning them of the consequences of their request. |
| 3 | Isaiah 3:10 → Psalm 37:11 | The reward of the righteous is similar to the promise in Psalm 37:11, which describes the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord and wait for Him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 3:16 → Proverbs 16:18 | The pride and haughtiness of the daughters of Zion is similar to the description of pride in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. |
| 5 | Isaiah 3:17 → Isaiah 2:11 | The Lord's humiliation of the daughters of Zion is reminiscent of the humiliation of the proud in Isaiah 2:11, which describes the Lord's judgment on the proud and the lofty. |
| 6 | Isaiah 3:26 → Lamentations 1:1 | The desolation of Jerusalem is similar to the description of the desolation of Jerusalem in Lamentations 1:1, which mourns the loss of the city and the people. |
| 7 | Isaiah 3:1 → Matthew 24:7 | The removal of the stock and the store is reminiscent of the description of the end times in Matthew 24:7, which describes the famines and earthquakes that will occur before the Lord's return. |
| 8 | Isaiah 3:10 → Romans 2:7 | The reward of the righteous is similar to the promise in Romans 2:7, which describes the glory and honor that will be given to those who patiently continue in doing good. |
| 9 | Isaiah 3:16 → 1 Peter 5:5 | The humiliation of the proud daughters of Zion is reminiscent of the warning in 1 Peter 5:5, which warns against pride and exhorts believers to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. |
| 10 | Isaiah 3:26 → Revelation 18:2 | The desolation of Jerusalem is similar to the description of the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:2, which describes the city as a dwelling place for demons and a prison for every unclean spirit. |
Sermons on Isaiah 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don’t Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. The Israelites are faced with a fortified city that they don't have the weaponry to fight agai |
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Marriage and the Gospel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a holistic life that encompasses the intellect, soul, and body. He encourages listeners to use their God-given abili |
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Where Were the Men? by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Barak and Deborah from the book of Judges. The sermon highlights the potential and heart of God that is revealed in this story. |
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The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the decline of the nation of Judah during the time of Isaiah's prophecies. He emphasizes the importance of righteousness and moral valu |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:8 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the consequences of turning away from God and embracing sinful behavior. He emphasizes that when we engage in unnatural and sinful acti |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel |
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(Men God Made) Isaiah by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Jesus was rejected by the world but acknowledged by a few. He emphasizes that although Jesus came in glory, many people failed to truly u |
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24. Where Are the Men by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of men rising up to lead their families and churches with spiritual authority and wisdom. It calls for men to command their households after t |
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Children of Light in a Fading Society by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being a witness for God in a society that is rapidly degenerating. He emphasizes that people will be drawn to God when they |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 3
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 3 describes the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, emphasizing the removal of the strong and the mighty, and the consequences of sin. The commentary highlights the importance of humility, as seen in the humbling of the proud daughters of Zion, and the reward of the righteous. Henry also notes the sovereignty of God, as seen in His judgment on Jerusalem and the removal of the strong and the mighty. The commentary concludes by noting the practical applications of the chapter, including the importance of seeking the Lord's forgiveness and redemption, and applying the lessons of humility, sovereignty, and consequences of sin to our own lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Judgment
The Lord's judgment on Jerusalem follows a pattern of removal and humiliation, emphasizing the consequences of sin and rebellion.
Importance of Humility
The chapter highlights the importance of humility, as seen in the humbling of the proud daughters of Zion, and the reward of the righteous.
Consequences of Sin
The chapter describes the consequences of sin, including the removal of leaders, the oppression of the people, and the desolation of the city.