Slices
Prepare
‘… And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). Reflect on this verse.
Bible passage
Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the Lord,
defying his glorious presence.
9 The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.
10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
11 Woe to the wicked!
Disaster is upon them!
They will be paid back
for what their hands have done.
12 Youths oppress my people,
women rule over them.
My people, your guides lead you astray;
they turn you from the path.
13 The Lord takes his place in court;
he rises to judge the people.
14 The Lord enters into judgment
against the elders and leaders of his people:
‘It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
15 What do you mean by crushing my people
and grinding the faces of the poor?’
declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.
16 The Lord says,
‘The women of Zion are haughty,
walking along with outstretched necks,
flirting with their eyes,
strutting along with swaying hips,
with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion;
the Lord will make their scalps bald.’
18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings and bracelets and veils, 20 the head-dresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 the signet rings and nose rings, 22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses 23 and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench;
instead of a sash, a rope;
instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;
instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;
instead of beauty, branding.
25 Your men will fall by the sword,
your warriors in battle.
26 The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;
destitute, she will sit on the ground.
4 In that day seven women
will take hold of one man
and say, ‘We will eat our own food
and provide our own clothes;
only let us be called by your name.
Take away our disgrace!’
Explore
In these verses, Isaiah pictures a court room, with God as judge. God’s people have sinned in what they have said and what they have done (v 8). Even their facial expressions (v 9) and their posture (v 16) reveal their arrogance and selfishness. They not only have disregard for the poor; they have robbed them to enrich themselves (vs 14,15).
God’s judgement is to replace all their finery with humiliation, defeat and captivity (3:17 – 4:1). Notice the contrast in verse 24 as Isaiah repeats ‘instead of …’ (Annie Vallotton’s illustration in the Good News Bible shows this graphically.)
Two categories of people are singled out for God’s judgement: the leaders and the women. Women are particularly castigated, perhaps because of the impact mothers have on their children. If they are living for false values, what hope is there for the next generation?
While God pronounces judgement on the wicked, he promises blessing and protection to the righteous (v 10). However, Daniel, Nehemiah, Mordecai (from Esther’s story) and many other God-followers were taken into captivity with all the rest. How did God keep his promise to them?
Respond
Listen to or read the lyrics of Tim Hughes’ song ‘God of Justice’ (www.worshiptogether.com/songs/god-of-justice/). Turn the words into a prayer for yourself, your church and your society.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 26–28; Psalm 74
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for all the Mission Partners running transition events for children moving from primary to secondary schools. Pray for wisdom and energy for the workers and volunteers as they offer children helpful information and advice encouraging them to move to secondary schools with confidence.
