their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; headdressesThe Hebrew word for "headdresses" is "פְּאֵרִים" (pe'erim), which can also mean "ornaments" or "headbands." In ancient Israel, headdresses were often worn by women as a sign of beauty and status. They were intricately designed and could be made from various materials, including cloth, metal, or even precious stones. The use of headdresses in this context highlights the vanity and pride of the people, as they focused on outward adornment rather than inner righteousness. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God values the heart over external appearances, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. ankle chains
The term "ankle chains" refers to decorative bands or chains worn around the ankles, known in Hebrew as "עֲכָסִים" (achasim). These were often used to create a jingling sound as the wearer walked, drawing attention to their presence. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such adornments were associated with wealth and social status. However, in Isaiah's prophecy, they symbolize the people's misplaced priorities and the impending judgment due to their focus on materialism and self-indulgence. sashes
The word "sashes" comes from the Hebrew "קִשֻּׁרוֹת" (kishurim), which refers to decorative belts or girdles. Sashes were used to cinch garments and were often elaborately designed, signifying elegance and affluence. In the biblical narrative, sashes can also symbolize readiness and strength, as seen in the priestly garments described in Exodus. Here, however, they represent the superficiality of the people's devotion, as they prioritize fashion over faithfulness to God. perfume bottles
The phrase "perfume bottles" is translated from the Hebrew "בָּתֵּי הַנֶּפֶשׁ" (battei hanefesh), literally meaning "houses of the soul." These were small containers used to hold fragrant oils or perfumes, which were highly valued in ancient times for their aromatic properties. Perfume was often associated with luxury and sensuality, and its mention here underscores the indulgent lifestyle of the people. The use of perfume bottles in this context serves as a metaphor for the spiritual emptiness masked by external allure. amulets
The term "amulets" is derived from the Hebrew "לְחָשִׁים" (lechasim), which refers to charms or talismans believed to offer protection or bring good fortune. In the ancient Near East, amulets were commonly used in superstitious practices, reflecting a reliance on objects rather than on God. Isaiah's mention of amulets highlights the people's departure from true worship and their turn towards idolatry and false security. This serves as a caution against placing trust in anything other than the Lord, who alone is our refuge and strength. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah was experiencing social and spiritual decline. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, often symbolic of the nation's spiritual state. Isaiah's prophecies frequently targeted the leaders and people of Jerusalem. 4. Women of ZionThe specific group addressed in this passage, representing the affluent and prideful women of Jerusalem who were more concerned with outward adornment than inner righteousness. 5. JudgmentThe broader context of Isaiah 3 is a prophecy of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their pride and moral decay. Teaching Points The Danger of SuperficialityIsaiah 3:20 warns against the temptation to prioritize external beauty and material possessions over spiritual depth and moral integrity. True Beauty in God's EyesTrue beauty is found in a heart that seeks after God and reflects His character. This is a call to cultivate inner virtues rather than merely focusing on outward appearances. Cultural CritiqueThe passage serves as a critique of cultural norms that value material wealth and physical appearance over spiritual health and ethical living. Judgment and RepentanceThe context of judgment in Isaiah 3 reminds us of the need for repentance and turning back to God when we have strayed into pride and vanity. Role of Women in ScriptureThis passage, while addressing women, invites all believers to consider how they reflect God's values in their lives, challenging cultural stereotypes and expectations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Isaiah 3:20 reflect the cultural values of Judah at the time, and how do these values compare to those in our society today? 2. In what ways can we be tempted to focus on external appearances rather than cultivating inner beauty? How can we guard against this? 3. How do the additional scriptures (1 Peter 3:3-4, Proverbs 31:30, Matthew 23:27-28) reinforce the message of Isaiah 3:20? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our lives reflect God's values rather than societal pressures? 5. How can the church support individuals in developing a deeper understanding of true beauty and worth in God's eyes? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Peter 3:3-4This passage contrasts external adornment with the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight. It echoes the theme of Isaiah 3:20 by emphasizing the importance of inner character over outward appearance. Proverbs 31:30This verse highlights that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. It connects to the critique of superficial adornment in Isaiah 3:20. Matthew 23:27-28Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being like whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside but full of dead bones inside. This parallels the critique of focusing on external appearances rather than internal righteousness. People IsaiahPlaces Jerusalem, Sodom, ZionTopics Amulets, Ankle, Arm-chains, Armlets, Bands, Bonnets, Bottles, Boxes, Chains, Charms, Corselets, Earrings, Ear-rings, Girdles, Headbands, Head-bands, Headdresses, Head-dresses, Headtires, Jewels, Legs, Ornaments, Perfume, Perfume-boxes, Powers, Sashes, Scent-boxes, Secret, Stepping, Tablets, WorkedDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 3:20 4490 ointment
5234 bottle
5251 chains Isaiah 3:16-24 5476 property
8308 modesty Isaiah 3:18-23 5139 bracelet Isaiah 3:18-24 5419 mourning Library A Paradox of Selling and Buying
'Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.'--ISAIAH iii. 3. THE first reference of these words is of course to the Captivity. They come in the midst of a grand prophecy of freedom, all full of leaping gladness and buoyant hope. The Seer speaks to the captives; they had 'sold themselves for nought.' What had they gained by their departure from God?--bondage. What had they won in exchange for their freedom?-- only the hard service of Babylon. As Deuteronomy puts it: …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMarching Orders
'Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. 12. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your reward.'--ISAIAH iii. 11, 12. These ringing notes are parts of a highly poetic picture of that great deliverance which inspired this prophet's most exalted strains. It is described with constant allusion to the first Exodus, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Christian view of Sorrow
"A man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief" Is. Iii. 3. There is one great distinction between the productions of Heathen and of Christian art. While the first exhibits the perfection of physical form and of intellectual beauty, the latter expresses, also, the majesty of sorrow, the grandeur of endurance, the idea of triumph refined from agony. In all those shapes of old there is nothing like the glory of the martyr; the sublimity of patience and resignation; the dignity of the thorn-crowned Jesus. …
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
It is an intensely painful history, [581] in the course of which Herod made his way to the throne. We look back nearly two and a half centuries to where, with the empire of Alexander, Palestine fell to his successors. For nearly a century and a half it continued the battle-field of the Egyptian and Syrian kings (the Ptolemies and the Seleucidæ). At last it was a corrupt High-Priesthood - with which virtually the government of the land had all along lain - that betrayed Israel's precious trust. …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah How those are to be Admonished who Praise the Unlawful Things of which they are Conscious, and those who While Condemning Them, in no Wise Guard
(Admonition 32.) Differently to be admonished are they who even praise the unlawful things which they do, and those who censure what is wrong, and yet avoid it not. For they who even praise the unlawful things which they do are to be admonished to consider how for the most part they offend more by the mouth than by deeds. For by deeds they perpetrate wrong things in their own persons only; but with the mouth they bring out wickedness in the persons of as many as there are souls of hearers, to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
Matth. xi. 16.--"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" When our Lord Jesus, who had the tongue of the learned, and spoke as never man spake, did now and then find a difficulty to express the matter herein contained. "What shall we do?" The matter indeed is of great importance, a soul matter, and therefore of great moment, a mystery, and therefore not easily expressed. No doubt he knows how to paint out this to the life, that we might rather behold it with our eyes, than hear it with our …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
Compiled by C. H. Spurgeon Thomas Watson's Body of Practical Divinity is one of the most precious of the peerless works of the Puritans; and those best acquainted with it prize it most. Watson was one of the most concise, racy, illustrative, and suggestive of those eminent divines who made the Puritan age the Augustan period of evangelical literature. There is a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom throughout all his works, and his Body of Divinity is, beyond …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
From this Commandment we learn that after the excellent works of the first three Commandments there are no better works than to obey and serve all those who are set over us as superiors. For this reason also disobedience is a greater sin than murder, unchastity, theft and dishonesty, and all that these may include. For we can in no better way learn how to distinguish between greater and lesser sins than by noting the order of the Commandments of God, although there are distinctions also within the …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 3:20 NIVIsaiah 3:20 NLTIsaiah 3:20 ESVIsaiah 3:20 NASBIsaiah 3:20 KJV
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