Isaiah 3:23

Commentary on Isaiah 3:23 (KJV)

Isaiah 3:23 is part of a vivid prophetic passage (Isaiah 3:16-24) where the prophet Isaiah describes God's impending judgment on the proud and extravagant "daughters of Zion"—representing the women of Jerusalem and, by extension, the entire nation of Judah. This verse specifically lists some of the luxurious and ostentatious items of clothing and adornment that God promises to strip away as a sign of their humiliation and the nation's impending downfall.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BC, a time when the kingdom was experiencing a period of relative prosperity but also significant moral and spiritual decay. The "daughters of Zion" here are the wealthy women of Jerusalem, whose excessive focus on outward appearance, haughty demeanor, and materialistic pursuits symbolized the spiritual emptiness and rebellion of the nation. Their elaborate attire, as itemized in this chapter, was a stark contrast to the poverty and injustice prevalent in society, which God also condemned (Isaiah 1:17).

The stripping away of these symbols of status and beauty was a common biblical metaphor for divine judgment, signifying public shame and loss of dignity, as seen in other prophetic books like Ezekiel 16:39.

Key Themes and Messages

• Vanity and Pride: The verse highlights the sin of vanity and pride, particularly as expressed through an excessive focus on external appearance and material possessions. God condemns such haughtiness, reminding us that true worth comes from Him, not from outward show.
• Divine Judgment: This passage underscores God's sovereignty and His willingness to bring judgment upon His people when they persist in sin. The removal of their finery symbolizes the humiliation and suffering that would come upon Judah.
• Spiritual Decay: The obsession with luxury and outward adornment reflects an underlying spiritual sickness and a disregard for God's laws and justice. The outward display was symptomatic of an inward lack of devotion and righteousness.
• Consequences of Materialism: The passage serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of materialism and placing one's identity and security in worldly possessions rather than in God.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's translation of these items offers a glimpse into ancient fashion, though some terms might be better understood with the help of original Hebrew:

• "The glasses" (Hebrew: gilyonim - גִּלְיֹנִים): This term refers to hand-mirrors, typically made of polished bronze or other metals, not modern glass spectacles. These were valuable personal items used for adornment.
• "The fine linen" (Hebrew: tsiphoth - צִיפוֹת): This likely refers to some form of transparent or fine, delicate garments, possibly a type of veil or scarf, indicating luxurious material.
• "The hoods" (Hebrew: re'aloth - רְעָלוֹת): These were probably head-dresses or elaborate veils, perhaps adorned with bells or other ornaments that would jingle as the wearer walked.
• "The vails" (Hebrew: tishparoth - תִּשְׁפָּרֹת): This term points to large shawls, mantles, or elaborate wraps, another sign of wealth and fashion.

Practical Application

While specific to ancient Judah, the message of Isaiah 3:23 remains profoundly relevant today. It challenges us to reflect on our own priorities:

• Inner vs. Outer Beauty: The passage reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Our focus should be on cultivating inner spiritual beauty and character rather than excessive materialism or vanity, as also encouraged in 1 Peter 3:3-4.
• Humility: It serves as a call to humility, recognizing that all we have comes from God, and pride ultimately leads to a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
• Stewardship: We are called to be good stewards of our resources, using them for God's glory and to help others, rather than for self-indulgence and ostentation.