Isaiah 3:16-24

Bible Text

[16] Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, Walking to trip as they go, Jingling ornaments on their feet; [17] Therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, And Yahweh will make their scalps bald." [18] In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, [19] the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, [20] the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, [21] the signet rings, the nose rings, [22] the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, [23] the hand-mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. [24] It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well set hair, baldness; Instead of a robe, a girding of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty.

Jerusalem was Judah’s capital, and Zion referred especially to its elevated fortress area and, by extension, the city and its covenant community. In this oracle, “the daughters of Zion” represent Jerusalem’s proud, affluent women, whose adornment contrasts with the humiliation God declares he will bring upon the city.

Places in this passage

Isaiah 3:16-24 mentions Jerusalem and Zion.

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