The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

Isaiah “the nations,” “the peoples,” is used. Context, context, context! The MT is not inerrant! Contextmust be the final guide!NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:16-2616Moreover, the LORD said, "Because the daughters of Zion are proudAnd walk with heads held high and seductive eyes,And go along with mincing stepsAnd tinkle the bangles on their feet,17Therefore the LORD will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs,And the LORD will make their foreheads bare."18In that day the LORD will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescentornaments, 19 dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, 20 headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfumeboxes, amulets, 21 finger rings, nose rings, 22 festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, 23 handmirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils.24Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction;Instead of a belt, a rope;Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp;Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth;And branding instead of beauty.25Your men will fall by the swordAnd your mighty ones in battle.26And her gates will lament and mourn,And deserted she will sit on the ground.3:16-26 YHWH condemns the wives and daughters of the wealthy, elite leadership.1. prideful walk (“head high” or “outstretched neck”)2. seductive (i.e., painted eyes)3. flirtatious steps (i.e., quick, small steps, like a child)4. attractive, musical ankle jewelryYHWH will (typical biblical reversal)1. afflict the scalp with scabs (only here, BDB 705, KB 764)2. strip away their jewelry3. strip away their festive clothes4. take away their cosmetics and perfumes5. kill their husbands and loversThe Jewish Study Bible, using the JPSOA translation and footnotes, mentions that many of the items invv. 18-24 are uncertain. They may refer to specific items of beauty or idolatrous symbols. They wereworn by men and women.3:16NASB, NJB “tinkle the bangles”NKJV, Peshitta “making a jingling”NRSV“tinkling”TEV“bracelets on their ankles jingle”The VERB (BDB 747, KB 824, Piel IMPERFECT) denotes the sound made by ankle bracelets as aperson walks (i.e., to draw attention). The root is found only here and Pro. 7:22.60