Isaiah 3:6

When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:

When a man {H376} shall take hold {H8610} of his brother {H251} of the house {H1004} of his father {H1}, saying, Thou hast clothing {H8071}, be thou our ruler {H7101}, and let this ruin {H4384} be under thy hand {H3027}:

A man will take hold of his brother in his father's house and say, "You have a coat, so rule us! Take charge of this ruin!"

A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble.”

When a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand;

Commentary

Isaiah 3:6 paints a vivid and desperate picture of societal collapse in Judah, a direct consequence of their disobedience to God. This verse illustrates the profound leadership vacuum and widespread ruin that would plague the nation, leading people to grasp at any semblance of authority or stability.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic passage in Isaiah (chapters 3-5) that details God's judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their sin, idolatry, and social injustice. Leading up to verse 6, God declares His intention to remove all forms of capable leadership and provision from the land, leaving the nation vulnerable and chaotic. Isaiah 3:1-5 describes how God would take away the "stay and the staff," including mighty men, judges, prophets, and honorable counselors, leaving children and oppressors to rule. Verse 6 then shows the immediate, stark consequence of this removal: a desperate scramble for anyone who appears to possess even the most basic resources or stability.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Leadership Vacuum: The core message is the complete breakdown of established order. People are not seeking virtuous or wise leaders, but anyone who merely seems to have "clothing"—a symbol of provision and status—in a time of extreme scarcity and destitution. This reflects a society so broken that basic survival outweighs any concern for justice or righteousness in leadership.
  • Poverty and Ruin: The phrase "this ruin be under thy hand" powerfully conveys the extent of the nation's devastation. It's not just a lack of governance but a physical and social collapse. The "clothing" mentioned is not merely apparel but a sign of wealth or at least freedom from the widespread poverty and stripping that would accompany siege and judgment, as depicted in Isaiah 3:24.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Isaiah's prophecy consistently links Judah's suffering directly to their rebellion against God. The societal decay and leadership crisis are not random events but divine judgment for their pride, corruption, and abandonment of God's laws, echoing the warnings of consequences found in Deuteronomy 28:15 and following.

Linguistic Insights

The term "clothing" (Hebrew: שִׂמְלָה, *simlah*) in this context refers not just to a garment but to outer raiment, often signifying social standing, wealth, or the lack thereof. In a time of famine and war, having intact clothing would be a rare and valuable asset, distinguishing one from the impoverished and plundered masses. The word "ruin" (Hebrew: מַפָּלָה, *mappālāh*) denotes a fall, a collapse, or a heap of ruins, emphasizing the utter desolation of the land and its social structures.

Practical Application

Isaiah 3:6 serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of moral decay and the abandonment of God's principles in society. When a nation turns away from righteousness, it risks losing not only divine blessing but also competent and godly leadership, leading to chaos and ruin. This verse encourages us to:

  • Seek Righteous Leadership: Rather than settling for mere survival or outward appearances, we should pray for and support leaders who exhibit wisdom, integrity, and a fear of God, as highlighted in Proverbs 29:2.
  • Recognize True Stability: Material possessions ("clothing") are fleeting and can never provide true security or leadership. Our ultimate stability and hope must rest in God alone, who is the true and unchanging ruler.
  • Pray for Our Nations: The desperation depicted in Isaiah 3:6 reminds us of the critical importance of spiritual health for a nation's well-being. We are called to pray for our leaders and for our societies to turn back to God, so that we may avoid such widespread distress and ruin.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 4:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

  • John 6:15 (3 votes)

    ¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

  • Judges 11:6 (3 votes)

    And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.

  • Judges 11:8 (3 votes)

    And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.