ISAIAH
Chapter 3:16 - 4:1


Isaiah 3:16 - 4:1

quote:

"Moreover, the LORD said, 'Because the daughters of Zion are proud and walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, and go along with mincing steps and tinkle the bangles on their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.' 18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, 19 dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, 20 headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, 21 finger rings, nose rings, 22 festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, 23 hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils. 24 Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men will fall by the sword and your mighty ones in battle. 26 And her gates will lament and mourn, and deserted she will sit on the ground. 4:1 For seven women will take hold of one man in that day, saying, 'We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach!'"

It would have been natural for the women of the world to have displayed arrogance in their beauty and wealth. But here are the daughters of Zion walking in pride and haughtiness! Their lofty attitude is demonstratively visible in their dress and walk. It was not their beautiful clothing or jewelry that Isaiah objected to per se. Although their crescent ornaments may have represented the popular moon-god and other items are believed to have been used in the worship of Ishtar, Isaiah's primary objection was to the condition of their hearts that demonstrated an air of superiority.

Soon, however, the nation would be in war and the women would come to outnumber the men disproportionally. This would leave the women with what in their society would be a double disgrace of being both widows and childless.

Peter expresses the same thoughts regarding inward purity in saying,

1 Peter 3:3-5b
"Your adornment must not be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves,"

Isaiah does not paint a pretty picture of what appears to be otherwise beautiful women. With a spirit of humility and gentleness women are to set an example of the beauty of holiness. If properly adorned and with a beautiful spirit, they will reflect the glory of God. It is a rare and precious gift God has given!