Isaiah 3 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

1. Stay and the staff] A prophecy of famine: cp. Isaiah 3:7, as the clause following explains. But if the latter clause is a gloss then 'stay and staff' would refer to the classes upon which the stability of the life of the community depends. 'Staff' in the Heb. is the fern, form of 'stay.'

The prudent] RV 'the diviner,' at this time in high estimation (Isaiah 2:6). The ancient] RM 'the elder,' who held offices in villages and towns (Ruth 4:2; Ruth 4:4; 2 Kings 10:1).

Artificer] cp. Jeremiah 24:1 but RM 'charmer.' Eloquent orator] 'skilful enchanter.'

Children.. babes] in character rather than in years.

6, 7. The meaning is, the state of society shall be such that a man who apparently has the bare necessaries of life shall be invited to be dictator, but in vain.

The shew of their countenance] i.e. their expression; the meaning being that their character may be read in their face. But RM has, 'Their respecting of persons doth witness,' etc.

Cp. Isaiah 3:4. They which lead thee] lit. 'they that set thee right,' i.e. they that should set thee aright. The reference is to king Ahaz and his counsellors, amongst whom the queen-mother was prominent.

People] RV 'peoples.'

Ancients] see Isaiah 3:2. For ye] the pronoun is emphatic: RV 'It is ye that have eaten up.'

16f. A protest against prevalent luxury as evidenced in the extravagant toilette of the ladies of Jerusalem.

Tinkling] caused by silver bells on the ankles.

Cauls] RM 'networks.' Round tires like the moon] RV 'crescents'; mentioned as Midianitish ornaments (Judges 8:21; Judges 8:26).

Chains] RV 'pendants,' or 'eardrops'; mentioned as Midianitish ornaments (Judges 8:26).

Bonnets] RV 'headtires.' The same word is used of a bridegroom's headdress (Isaiah 61:10).

Ornaments of the legs] RV 'ankle-chains.'

Headbands] RV 'sashes,' such as were worn by brides (Isaiah 49:18; Jeremiah 2:32). Tablets] RV 'perfume boxes.' Earrings] RV 'amulets.'

Nose jewels] fastened to the nostril: see Genesis 24:22.

Changeable suits of apparel] RV 'festival robes.' Wimples] RV 'shawls.' Crisping pins] RV 'satchels.'

Glasses] RV 'hand mirrors.' Hoods] RV 'turbans.'

Instead of, etc.] RV 'instead of sweet spices there shall be rottenness.' Rent] RV 'rope,' i.e. binding the captive. Burning] RV 'branding.' i.e. of a slave.

26. Thy, her] the pronouns refer to. Zion.

Sit upon the ground] a posture of mourning: cp. Lamentations 1:1.

Isaiah's Preaching early in the Reign of Ahaz

Isaiah 2-4 are closely connected, and Isaiah 5 is generally thought to belong to the same period, though it probably represents discourses delivered rather later. There are two points which serve as indications of date: (a) The influx of foreign fashions, both in religion (Isaiah 2:6; Isaiah 2:8) and in common life (Isaiah 3:16-23, where the difficulty of explaining the names for the various articles of female attire from the Hebrew suggests that the articles, like the names, were of foreign importation). (b) The weak and capricious character of the king and his advisers (Isaiah 3:12). These features point to the reign of Ahaz, who was an innovator in religion (2 Kings 16:2-4; 2 Kings 16:10), but in that case these Chapter s must be placed quite early in his reign, because we should gather from the mention of deep-sea ships (Isaiah 2:16) that Elath, the one seaport of the kingdom, was still in the possession of Judah, while we read in 2 Kings 16:6 that the Syrians captured it during the invasion by Rezin and Pekah.

Isaiah 2:2-4. Isaiah quotes a prophecy that the nations shall resort to Zion, and there learn true religion, with the result of universal peace.

5-9. Before this future can be realised, God's own people must trust in Him and forsake their idolatry.

10-22. The retributive judgment that is coming on the nation is described in detail.

Isaiah 3:1-15. The ruin of social order in Judah, traceable to the misconduct of the rulers, who shall be punished.

16-C. Isaiah 4:1. The sin and punishment of the ladies of Jerusalem.

2-6. The day of the Lord, though a day of judgment for the wicked, will prove a day of salvation for the faithful remnant.

Isaiah 5:1-7. Judah compared in a parable to an unfruitful vineyard.

8-24. The charge of bringing forth evil fruit is proved in detail.

[25-30. The coming invasion and dark prospect.]