Come Bible Study with me (Isaiah Chapter 3)

Welcome back. As we continue in the book of Isaiah, let us consider if we are truly following the LORD with our whole heart or the ways of man. This week, we are taking a look at Isaiah chapter 3. Remember, our theme for the year  is "wholeness." See the previous posts for definitions and commentary on the theme. 


Between chapters 1-3, we see a pattern of those who had turned from the LORD and followed others. As a result, they would lose resources and provision from the LORD. Let’s jump into the specifics of chapter 3. 

We will start with summarizing the chapter. This chapter starts out with God removing food and leadership from Jerusalem and Judah because they were not ashamed of their sin. Prophet Isaiah then began to give the specifics of those who would be removed.

Next, he explained to them that God would replace them with “boys and infants,” which is a metaphor for those who are not responsible or mature. This would bring about chaos and unrest. It would also cause the people to oppress one another. Finally, he explains that the LORD would take away the wealthy garments of the prideful women because they flaunted their pride and sin. Everyone would mourn.


The verse that stood out to me was verse 24, “Instead of perfume there will be rottenness; and instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-set hair, baldness; instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.” This verse spoke to my heart. The word "instead" continued to leap from the page. This was a great warning for the women of the land. Although, God addresses the entire nation as a whole, the pride in the women stood out like a brightly lit billboard on a long dark road.

What happens to a society when even the women, the nurturers get to such a stage of sin? 

It collapses.

Being a woman, a wife, and a mother, these verses about the women make me think about the conditions of the children’s hearts during that time. If those who were called to train up the children (the men and women alike) had turned from God, there is no one else to lead the young people. I imagined the children following their wickedness and their idol worship. 

In addition to verse 24, verse 4 also stood out to me, “And I will make boys their princes, and infants shall rule over them.”

As stated in the summary, God even spoke through Prophet Isaiah that he would replace their leaders with children. I saw this not as God being harsh toward children, but that He was revealing to them how far they had fallen, no one was leading in the way of the LORD anymore, so to make them aware of this He would give them those who were not fit to not just lead them but also to Lord over them. I believe this was to open their eyes in hopes that they would come to know that they needed to return to the LORD’s truth, guidance and direction, and away from the evil guides they followed. 

 This was all a result of their great pride and becoming rich by taking from the poor. They flaunted their sin before God, not realizing that they were barren, seeking greatness and riches, but they were empty without the LORD. The evil in their society had come to a head, and God would deal with it and cause them to experience humiliation in the process. 

Some would probably not see the consequences of their sin as the grace of God, but that’s exactly what it was. 

Next, let’s take a look at the truth about God revealed in chapter 3. A truth about God in this chapter is He will hold us accountable for our sin against Him unless we repent and turn back. This accountability is not just on this side but into eternity.

What universal lesson does this truth teach all of us? This teaches us that our souls belong to the one who created them. We were created to walk in His righteousness and truth. This can only be done in a relationship with Him. In addition, God is concerned with the way we treat others and how we view His creation. We should never see ourselves as more valuable than others created by God. We were all made in His image and likeness. 

How does this truth and universal lesson connect to our own lives? I would say this connects to my life as a believer in Christ. I must keep in mind that He will hold me accountable for my life on this side and in eternity. I know that I can’t do this on my own but in Christ alone. 

Finally, let’s kneel and pray. Ask God to help you with steps to assist you with honoring Him with your life. Ask Him to help you evaluate your relationships in this current society that is similar to the society in Isaiah’s day. Be specific. Be honest. 

Leave a comment below with your answers to “What STUCK with you?” Also, leave any questions or commentary. 


Be Blessed & Keep Studying with "HOPE in CHRIST” 

Denise M. Walker
Founder of Hope in Christ