Isaiah 3:7

KJV

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house [is] neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall he swear {H5375}, saying {H559}, I will not be an healer {H2280}; for in my house {H1004} is neither bread {H3899} nor clothing {H8071}: make {H7760} me not a ruler {H7101} of the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But on that day, he will protest, "I don't have a remedy, I lack food and clothing for my own house; don't put me in charge of people!"

Berean Standard Bible

On that day he will cry aloud: “I am not a healer. I have no food or clothing in my house. Do not make me leader of the people!”

American Standard Version

in that day shall he lift up his voice, saying, I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: ye shall not make me ruler of the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:7 vividly portrays the profound societal collapse and desperation gripping Judah as a consequence of divine judgment. This verse depicts a scenario where the people, in their dire need for leadership, implore an individual to assume authority. However, this potential leader adamantly refuses, citing his personal destitution and inability to provide for himself, let alone govern a nation. His refusal underscores the depth of the crisis, revealing a complete vacuum of capable and willing leadership, a direct result of the nation's pervasive sin and God's impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:7 is embedded within a broader prophetic oracle (Isaiah 2-4) that condemns Judah and Jerusalem for their pride, idolatry, and social injustice. Following a vision of the glorious future of Zion (Isaiah 2:1-5), Isaiah abruptly shifts to a stark warning of impending judgment, often referred to as "the day of the Lord" (e.g., [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against the Proud")). Chapters 3 and 4 specifically detail the consequences of this judgment, focusing on the removal of all societal pillars—from military and civil leaders to wise counselors and even basic provisions ([Isaiah 3:1-3](/isaiah/3-1 "Isaiah 3:1-3 - Removal of Leaders and Supplies")). The preceding verses (Isaiah 3:4-6) describe the chaos of incompetent leadership and the people's desperate search for anyone to take charge, setting the stage for the individual's refusal in verse 7. This refusal marks the complete breakdown of social order, where even the most desperate pleas for leadership are met with rejection due to the overwhelming nature of the crisis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Isaiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 740-680 BC). This era was marked by increasing Assyrian imperial power, which threatened the stability of the smaller nations in the Levant. Internally, Judah experienced periods of prosperity but also significant moral and spiritual decay, characterized by social injustice, corruption, and the adoption of foreign religious practices. Leaders were often self-serving, and the rich oppressed the poor, as highlighted in passages like [Isaiah 1:21-23](/isaiah/1-21 "Isaiah 1:21-23 - The Unfaithful City"). The cultural expectation for a leader was to provide stability, justice, and provision for the people. The imagery of lacking "bread nor clothing" speaks to a fundamental failure of these societal structures and the leader's inability to fulfill even the most basic responsibilities, reflecting a widespread destitution and moral bankruptcy that had permeated all levels of society.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 3:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a direct consequence of national apostasy and moral corruption, where God removes the very supports the people relied upon. It highlights the **Breakdown of Leadership and Societal Order**, showing how the absence of righteous and capable governance leads to chaos and desperation, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 9:16](/isaiah/9-16 "Isaiah 9:16 - Leaders Mislead the People"). The verse also subtly underscores the theme of **Human Inability and Insufficiency**, demonstrating that without divine favor and guidance, human efforts to restore order are futile. Finally, it sets the stage for the ultimate need for God's perfect rule and the coming of the Messiah, the true and righteous King, who alone can bring lasting healing and order, a promise that begins to emerge more clearly in later chapters of Isaiah, such as [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Healer (Hebrew, _châbash'_ H2280):** While often meaning "to bind up" or "to heal" in a medical sense, this root also carries the figurative meaning "to govern" or "to rule." In the context of Isaiah 3:7, the refusal to be a "healer" extends beyond physical restoration to encompass the inability and unwillingness to mend, restore, or bring order to a broken nation. It implies a refusal to take on the role of a leader who would "bind up" the wounds of society and "govern" its affairs, highlighting the depth of the nation's spiritual and social sickness.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_ H1004):** This term broadly refers to a physical dwelling, but also encompasses the concept of a household, family, or personal domain, including one's resources and possessions. The declaration "in my house is neither bread nor clothing" signifies not just a lack of personal wealth or sustenance but a complete absence of the means to support oneself, let alone provide for or rule over a people. It speaks to a profound destitution that strips away any semblance of authority or capacity to lead.
* **Ruler (Hebrew, _qâtsîyn'_ H7101):** Derived from a root meaning "to determine" or "to decide," a _qâtsîyn_ is a magistrate, captain, or leader who makes decisions and guides the people. The individual's explicit refusal to be a "ruler of the people" directly addresses the plea for leadership. This refusal is not merely a personal choice but a stark commentary on the overwhelming nature of the national crisis, where even those approached for leadership recognize their utter inadequacy to bring order or justice to such a broken and divinely judged society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall he swear, saying":** This phrase sets the scene within the prophetic "day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment and reckoning. "He" refers to an individual among the people, approached by others to take on a leadership role. The act of "swearing" emphasizes the solemnity and finality of his refusal, indicating an absolute and unchangeable decision.
* **"I will not be an healer;":** This is the first part of the individual's refusal. As explored in the key word analysis, "healer" here means more than just physical mending; it refers to the ability to restore, repair, or govern a broken society. The individual explicitly states he cannot and will not undertake the monumental task of fixing the nation's deep-seated problems.
* **"for in my house [is] neither bread nor clothing:":** This clause provides the justification for his refusal. "Bread" and "clothing" represent the most basic necessities of life and, by extension, all forms of provision, wealth, and capacity. His declaration of personal destitution signifies that he lacks the fundamental resources, influence, or even moral standing required to sustain himself, let alone to provide for or lead a desperate people. It highlights the widespread poverty and lack of resources that have afflicted even those who might otherwise be considered for leadership.
* **"make me not a ruler of the people.":** This is the direct and emphatic rejection of the plea for leadership. It underscores the overwhelming nature of the crisis and the individual's recognition of his utter inability to bear such a heavy burden. The phrase "ruler of the people" emphasizes the comprehensive responsibility being declined, signifying a complete breakdown in the social contract and the absence of anyone willing or able to step into the leadership void.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of societal collapse and divine judgment. The primary device is **Irony**, as the people's desperate plea for a leader is met with an emphatic refusal, highlighting the tragic state where even those sought for help are unwilling or unable to provide it. The statement "in my house is neither bread nor clothing" serves as a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where these two basic necessities represent a complete lack of all resources, capacity, and perhaps even moral authority. This extreme destitution also borders on **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the catastrophic extent of the nation's poverty and the overwhelming nature of its problems. The entire exchange functions as a **Foreshadowing** of the complete breakdown of order and the dire consequences of God's judgment, painting a bleak picture of a society devoid of hope and capable leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:7 profoundly illustrates the consequences of a nation's rejection of God, leading to the withdrawal of divine blessing and the subsequent collapse of societal structures. When a people turn from righteousness, God, in His sovereignty, can remove wise and capable leadership, leaving a vacuum filled by the incompetent or the unwilling. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true national stability and prosperity are rooted not in human strength or resources, but in obedience and faithfulness to God. The inability of any human to "heal" or "rule" in such a broken state points to the ultimate need for divine intervention and the singular sufficiency of God to restore what is broken.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous vs. Wicked Rulers")
* [Hosea 4:1-6](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-6 - God's Case Against Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:7 offers a sobering reflection on the critical importance of righteous leadership and the devastating consequences when it is absent or refused. It challenges us to consider the spiritual health of our own communities and nations, recognizing that societal decay often stems from a deeper moral and spiritual decline. The verse compels us to pray for and support leaders who possess integrity, wisdom, and a willingness to serve, even in challenging times. It also reminds us that true healing and restoration come ultimately from God, and that human efforts, however well-intentioned, are insufficient without His guidance and blessing. In a world often desperate for solutions, this passage calls us to examine our own capacity and willingness to serve, but more importantly, to place our ultimate hope not in human leaders, but in the sovereign rule of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the refusal of leadership in Isaiah 3:7 challenge our understanding of what constitutes true leadership in times of crisis?**
* **In what ways might a lack of "bread nor clothing" (both literally and metaphorically) hinder effective leadership today?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to pray for or engage with the leadership in our own communities and nations?**
* **What is the spiritual lesson for us when human solutions and leaders utterly fail?**

### FAQ
**What does "healer" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 3:7, the term "healer" (Hebrew: *châbash*) extends beyond physical healing. While it can mean "to bind up" or "to mend," here it metaphorically refers to someone who can restore, repair, or bring order to a broken and chaotic society. The individual's refusal to be a "healer" signifies his unwillingness and inability to "govern" or "rule" the nation, to "bind up" its wounds, and to remedy its deep-seated social and spiritual problems. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the national crisis, which no human can fix.

**Why is the lack of "bread nor clothing" significant?**

Answer: The phrase "neither bread nor clothing" (Hebrew: *lechem* and *simlâh*) is highly significant because bread represents basic sustenance and food security, while clothing represents dignity, protection, and often, a measure of wealth or social standing. For the potential leader to declare he has neither indicates extreme personal destitution and a complete lack of resources. This signifies that he cannot even provide for himself, let alone fulfill the traditional role of a leader, which included providing for and protecting the people. It underscores the widespread poverty and the profound inability of anyone to take on the immense responsibility of governing a broken nation, reflecting the depth of God's judgment upon Judah.

**Who is "he" in this verse?**

Answer: The "he" in Isaiah 3:7 refers to an unnamed individual, likely someone of some standing or potential influence, whom the desperate people approach to take on the mantle of leadership. The context of [Isaiah 3:6](/isaiah/3-6 "Isaiah 3:6 - The Plea for a Ruler") suggests that the people are so desperate they would grab anyone "who has a coat" (a sign of some means) and beg him to be their ruler. This "he" is not a designated leader, but an ordinary person who, when confronted with the overwhelming task of leading a divinely judged and collapsing society, emphatically refuses due to his own perceived inadequacy and lack of resources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:7, with its bleak portrayal of failed human leadership and societal collapse, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate necessity and glory of Christ's perfect rule. In a world where human leaders prove insufficient, unwilling, or incapable of healing and governing, Jesus emerges as the only true and eternal King. Unlike the man in Isaiah who declares "I will not be an healer," Jesus is the Great Physician, who came not only to heal physical infirmities but to bind up the brokenhearted and restore the spiritually sick ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). While the man in Isaiah lacked "bread nor clothing," Jesus declares Himself the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who fully satisfies spiritual hunger, and He offers to clothe us in His righteousness, covering our spiritual nakedness ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Counsel to the Laodiceans")). The refusal of human leadership in Isaiah 3:7 highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect ruler, a role perfectly fulfilled by Jesus, the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth and Reign")), who alone can govern with justice and righteousness, establishing an everlasting kingdom that will never fail ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). He is the ultimate answer to humanity's cry for a true leader and healer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 5:13

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah [saw] his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.

Genesis 14:22

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Ezekiel 34:4

The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Revelation 10:5

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

Revelation 10:6

And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: