Isaiah 3 Commentary
The first section seems to give the impression that abundance is always a special gift from the LORD. Because of Judah’s sinfulness, the LORD threatens to withdraw both supply and support; justice and the means of justice; victory and the tools used to achieve victory; guidance and its providers; both leadership and the potential providers of leadership.
The mention of children leaders in place of competent adult leadership is meant to underline the curse of ungodliness. Yes, there will be leadership, but not the right kind. We can reflect on the loss of the blessing of dominion as a consequence of Adam’s sin in the Garden of peace and tranquility.
The chapter describes life without government of the Son.
But then the LORD makes an all-important statement: “Tell the righteous it will be well with them.” The LORD discriminates, and His own children are safe. It is a soothing message in the midst of wholesale judgment.
The women of Zion are haughty. But the time comes when the LORD brings it all to nothing. What we feel is great life isn’t great at all.
Isaiah is always a complex combination of the past, the present, and the future. All tenses are used!
Taking away both “stock and store” from Jerusalem is what the LORD does whenever there is wickedness. The LORD cannot stand wickedness! It’s always a present situation.
Looking ahead, the prophet sees wickedness in Jerusalem. The LORD will do what the LORD does to wickedness. It’s a future situation.
The residents of Jerusalem can also look at themselves. They are in bad shape because of past wickedness. The LORD moved in and punished wickedness. It’s a past situation.
The “Day of the LORD” could point to any moment the LORD intervenes. It could also point to a specific day of the greatest intervention. Of course, it does point to the day of the Messiah.
The day of the Messiah is packaged with everything. Accepting the Messiah means eternal life immediately. But you also stand condemned when you reject the Messiah.
Of course, prophecy is written as a warning against the rejection of the Messiah, highlighting the need for life as individuals say yes to the Messiah.
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