Translations
Original
Notes
Your men will fall … in battle: Part of the city’s hopeless destitution (extreme poverty and loss) would be the deaths of the men.
take away their finery: In a reversal of fortune, the affluent (wealthy) and proud people of Jerusalem would suffer disgrace (public shame). Wealthy women often wore expensive and beautiful clothing or jewelry (Isaiah 3:18).
This finery probably included amulets (small objects people believed could protect them from evil). The people wore these items to keep harm away. But these objects could not prevent the disaster of judgment.
These beautiful items were also status symbols. They showed wealth, importance, and financial security. The people trusted in these outward signs of success.
TThis passage applies the prophet’s teaching on arrogance (see Isaiah 2:11–12) to the people of Jerusalem. An alternate understanding is that this passage applies specifically to the women of Jerusalem.
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.
Events
- Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC