Oppression And Luxury Condemned

Isaiah 3:13–26
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Much the same as in our day, the women of Judah had placed their emphasis on clothing and jewelry rather than in God. It would seem from what we read in the last half of this chapter that they dressed to gain approval and to be fashionable. Instead of being concerned about the needs around them they were self-serving and self-centered. The Lord condemns the peoples oppression and luxury (vv. 13-15). The elders and princes were responsible to help people, but instead they stole from the poor. Because they were unjust, Isaiah said they would be first to receive God’s judgment.

After denouncing the men who are in leadership in the first half of this chapter Isaiah zeroes in on the proud women who seem to enjoy the profits from their husband’s crimes (vv. 16-26). He warns that the day is coming when the Lord will take away all of their adornments. He lists some of these as anklets, headbands, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, finger rings, nose rings, cloaks, money purses, etc. (vv. 18-23). He says that the day is coming that instead of the sweet smell of perfume there will be a stink and instead of their beautiful robes they will wear sackcloth and ashes.

These verses are not an indictment against clothing and jewelry, but a judgment on those who wear them lavishly while remaing blind to the needs of others. When God blesses us with money or position we should not flaunt them. Instead we should use what we have to help others.

Application

These verses are not an indictment against clothing and jewelry but a judgement on those who use them lavishly while remaining blind to the needs of others. I must spend more time and money on what I put into my heart and mind than I do in trying to dress up the outside of my body. The motives I have on the inside are much more important than whar I say or do.