Lesson on Isaiah 3:24-4:1

In the previous lesson, we discovered that God's correction often brings pain. In this lesson, we will see that it also brings sorrow and shame for the women of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 3:24-4:1.(NIV)(NASB)(NKJV)(NCV)

In the previous verses of Isaiah 3, we perused a full list of fashion items which God will "snatch away" from the women of Jerusalem (Isaiah 3:18). Now, in these next verses, we actually notice a divine exchange system entering into play. In verse 24, Isaiah repeats the phrase "instead of" five times.

By the nature of the phrase "instead of," we understand that items mentioned in this verse contrast one another. Whereas the women of Jerusalem once sought perfume, fancy accessories, fashionable hair, fine clothing, and beauty, they will find themselves with terrible odor, ropes for belts, bald heads, sackcloth for clothing, and brands marring their skin.

Naturally, this exchange will horrify the women. Their sense of shame and loss will overwhelm them to the point that seven women, perhaps bereaved of their husbands or fathers in battle (see verse 25), will all plead with one man to marry them. In fact, these women will become so desperate that they will even offer to waive their rights toward financial support. Sue and Larry Richards, in their guide Every Woman in the Bible, describe the situation: "Isaiah is describing the disastrous effects on the haughty women of Jerusalem of the coming enemy invasion made certain by their sins. In that day men will be so scarce that women will be desperate for marriage and children. Rather than asking the man to provide the customary bride price, the women will offer to provide the money needed to feed and clothe themselves if only the man will accept them into his household." ¹

This passage ends with great sorrow consuming the women. But sorrow is never God's final aim. He intends it to bring repentance. Earlier in our study, we referenced Paul's teaching about godly sorrow versus worldly sorrow. He writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Sometimes it takes a tragedy for God to break through our stubbornness. When God shows us who we really are, the experience is not pleasurable. In fact, it's downright miserable. But the experience is critical if we are to understand the central message of the Bible. "'For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven,'" Jesus teaches (Matthew 5:20). Jesus then explains what these standards of righteousness are. Here are just a few samples:

"You have heard it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, . . . anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell" (Matthew 5:21-22).

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27).

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:38-42).

No matter how many times we might fulfill these standards, one instance of failure equals total failure. Because God is completely holy (perfectly good) in everything He does at all times, His standards for us are high. We all fail to meet those standards. The Bible teaches, however, that a remedy exists.

God has given us His law so that we might understand our complete inability to actually live completely good (or "righteous") lives. Paul says that "through the law we become conscious of sin" (Romans 3:20b). The Bible teaches that Jesus, through His death, received the punishment for our sins. His righteousness is transferred to our account. The only thing we must do is accept this offer that God makes us. "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (Romans 3:22a).

Any sorrow that doesn't lead to repentance is a futile, if not deadly, exercise. But if your sorrow is leading you to repentance, stay on that path. The greatest treasure awaits you on the other side of your sorrow.

¹ Sue and Larry Richards, Every Woman in the Bible. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1999) 254.

To read the previous Isaiah article, click here.
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.