Isaiah 3-4

JC said, Mt 25:29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. In context, those who served Lord received far > ever imagined and one who didn’t came to realize too late that everything had was actually Lord’s, ultimately even his life. God is going to begin dismantling Israel, so that they might know this before it is too late. He is going to begin taking away everything they “think” theirs, that they might receive true riches (Lk 16:11).

3:3 Judgment #1—taking away the things which cause pride and false security. Again, if have God, promised far >imagine! (Mt 6:33) but if leave Him out and think have anything, wrong (Mt 16:26). Isa just told (2:22) humans not mighty! They add no hope…no security w/out God. Prophecy fulfilled in 2 Kg 24:14

 

3:4 Judgment #2—One way God brings judgment to nation is purposely put in place incompetent, ungodly leaders who’ll dismantle country. Rm 9:17-Pharoah raised up to lead ungodly, enslaving murderous nation to destruction by “stupidity” (Ex 10:7) For a nation, no >curse than foolish leader.

3:11 In nation increasing rebellion, immorality, see judgment coming, Isa commanded tell righteous…God knows how bless and protect His. Sometimes circumstances lead to fear, but God assures righteous never share same fate as wicked. Abraham knew when said Gen 18:25 God already divided earth two classes, not men/women, poor/rich, young/old, but same two in garden, same two Gen 4 (Cain/Abel), same two groups Gen 6-8, same two on night of Ex 12:29-30 (dying and feasting). It shall be well w/ righteous. Even when looking at day of trouble…Job 5:19-27! Spurgeon, “It is no wonder that it is well with the Believer when you consider that his greatest trouble is past. With regard to the Christian, he knows that his best things are safe. If the ship is wrecked, yet he never had his treasure on board this earthly vessel! If the thief should break through and steal, yet the thief cannot get at his jewels, for his jewels are hidden with Christ in God! If the moth should corrupt and fret his garments, yet his everlasting robe will never be moth-eaten, for that hangs up in the great House above ready for him that he may put it on after he has undressed himself and left his weekday garments in the tomb! His best things are all secure! Time cannot change them, nor death destroy them, or Satan rob him of them!”

Holy Bible says, God Himself (not angel) with us when others against, when accused and condemned. (Rm 8) He will never be separated from us in tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril...Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, can separate us. I must agree w/ Isa…

3:16 Unusual, with all going on, to spend >1/2 chptr rebuking obsession women w/ attractiveness. Women of Judah obsessed appearance and devoted far too much lives to image. Physical attractiveness their > goal and according LORD, indicated moral state country. The culture immoral and women reflected it. The degeneracy of women thru “liberation” one most fatal things occur U.S.. It has done exactly what said, “Transform political and cultural patterns”. Are women more at peace, healthier, happier? Families more stable? Children better prepared? This chapter proves, mom’s influence absolutely key to what happens in family and nation. Actually stated, Fall of Roman empire occurred because women joined men in immoral behavior, and empire began topple in corruption and debauchery. Pr 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Then why beauty industry a multi-billion dollar industry?

3:23 For emphasis, God declares a list of “accessories” that were important to the women. They should’ve shopped at 1 Pt mall: Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4)

3:26 W/out doubt, one reason daughters Zion loved luxury and finery was because made more attractive men. So, God took away men. Roman medal, struck after Jerusalem’s fall, shows Jewish woman desolate, sitting under a palm tree next to Roman soldier.

4:2 Beautiful word pictures given during terrible times. Against background corrupt beauty women which going away, God reveals true beauty. “Branch” used in Isa 11:1 and Jer 23:5, 33:15 and Zech 3:8. Messiah! Isa looking past all struggles Israel face to time when beauty and glory reign.

4:3 Ladies had been beautiful, delicate, attractive, fashionable, sexy. But now holy.

4:6 When Branch of Lord reigns, a tangible Presence Lord as Ex 13:21-22. Those who choose serve Lord will see amazing things. Pentecost! But, before this happy state first vs. 4…cleansing. Again, see Lord’s judgment is not to destroy us but reveal to remove from us the cheap rip offs we clinging to and give us true riches and beauty. JC refer as a wedding feast where given clean fresh garment, a white robe according Rev. Glory like Mt. Transfiguration. Try to get that w/ makeup and new outfit!