Bible Verse Synopsis 7-19-25
Isaiah 3:
This entire chapter is on the judgment of Israel. Verse 1 starts the judgement off, saying: “For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, does take away, and the staff and the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water.” God in His judgement of Israel takes away their food and their water. Verses 2 through 4 tell us of who not to have faith in, for the Lord has power over all of these groups. The people shall oppress each other and the aged will lose respect. Respect for our elders is something God has told us to do in other books. Do we disrespect the elders thinking we are wiser than they? Are we like Israel and set to lose our food and water?
None will want to run the country or be in positions of power. Verse 8 says: “For Jerusalem Is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of His glory.” The people do not hide their behavior but show their sin against God, as Sodom did. The ways of God no longer are a priority in the lives of Israel. Are we similar in our struggles? How can we prioritize the Lord’s order instead of our own? Verse 12 and 13 emphasize this point oh so well: “As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people, they which lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths.” “The LORD stands up to plead, and stand to judge the people.” Are we led by the Lord or led by man?
The people of Israel have abused their power and accumulated their own wealth at the cost to the rest of the people. Verse 14 says: “The Lord will enter into judgement with the ancients of His people, and the princes thereof: for you have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.” The vineyard refers to the great Kingdom God has created with Israel in the vineyard where His blessings lie. The poor are not here for us to take advantage of. We are to reach out to them and help them. The modern world casts down the poor and disadvantaged. How can we separate ourselves from the rest of the world?
The Lord will take away our possessions and ornaments. The things we have accumulated that give Him no honor will be stripped from our hands. Verse 24 says: “And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.” This is the Lord telling Israel of its coming destruction. Where they now have beauty and sweet smells, He will bring for burning and stink. The coming of the Lord is meant to be joyful. However, there will be much suffering that goes alongside the joy. Which side will you be on: the joyful or the suffering? How are you any different from Israel?