Isaiah 3:1

Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah · Isaiah 3:1–15
Read Isaiah 3

Translations

Modern
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,
Traditional
For, behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,
Literal
For behold, the Lord YHWH of hosts is turning away from Jerusalem and from Judah the staff and support—the whole staff of bread, and the whole staff of water—
Latin
Ecce enim Dominator, Dominus exercituum, auferet a Jerusalem et a Juda validum et fortem, omne robur panis, et omne robor aquæ;

Original

Hebrew
English
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,

Notes

remove … food and water: Long ago, God warned of famine. It could lead to terrible conditions and desperate acts as a judgment for wickedness (Leviticus 26:26–29).

These verses continue discussing judgment against Israel's leaders (see Isaiah 1:23–25). Removing leaders at all levels would let the mob take over. Chaos and famine would turn Judah and Jerusalem into a social wasteland.

Isaiah condemned Israel and Judah for their pride and self-importance. He warned them that only God should be honored. All attempts by humans to lift themselves up will actually result in humiliation.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah Calling up the Dead Salvation in Isaiah

Events

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Isaiah, Book of

Topics

Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Famine: Expressed by Taking Away the Stay of Bread Famine: Sent As a Judgment Food: from God Isaiah: Prophecies, Reproofs, and Exhortations of Foretells the Destruction of the Jews Jerusalem: Prophecies Against Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity