18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; 19 the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; 20 the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; 21 the signet rings and nose rings; 22 the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; 23 the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils. Comment: Peter writing in his first letter ch3:v3&4 says, ‘Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.’ I think that this is what God is saying through the mouth of Isaiah!
24 Instead of perfume there will be rottenness;
and instead of a belt, a rope; Comment: ‘A rope’ can either be worn because of poverty or mean that they are led away as captives!
and instead of well-set hair, baldness;
and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth;
and branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword
and your mighty men in battle.
26 And her gates shall lament and mourn;
empty, she shall sit on the ground. Comment: the ‘her’ and ‘she’ here is not referring to the female sex but to the city/country of Jerusalem/Judea!
1 And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.” Comment: Because so many men have died and because singleness was not looked upon with favour in Jewish custom at that time there would be many women seeking to persuade men to marry them. This was against the normal way that marriages were arranged, and expresses desperation!
Proverbs 16: 11-12 – A just balance and scales are the LORD’S; all the weights in the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. In this age we for ‘kings’ should read leaders and governments!
Prayer: Our Father we hate war and its consequences. Please help us to choose wise leaders who will turn to You for real wisdom and answers!
As I read it! 