Isaiah 3

A Charge against Corrupt Leadership

Isaiah now gives a picture of the end of a society characterized by human self-sufficiency and self-centredness. The government collapses, resulting in a shortage of basic necessities such as food and water. Judah had previously depended for leadership on a variety of people, good and bad - statesmen, soldiers, judges, prophets, magicians - but now no one can be found to lead the country.       - Don Fleming

Leaders Removed

Vs.1 - The Lord God of Armies is about to remove from Jerusalem and from Judah every kind of security:

The emphasis in this pericope is on the lack of qualified leaders and the consequent collapse of society that would result because God’s people put their trust in people rather than in Him.      - Thomas Constable

Vs. 4 - I will make youths their leaders, and unstable rulers will govern them.

With the removal of the leaders in whom the people trust comes the installation of inexperienced youths to replace them. The result will be social chaos and oppression.       - Tremper Longman III

David Guzik notes that the eventual fulfillment of this prophecy is found in 2 Kings.  The author described how “the Lord sent” raiders “against Judah to destroy it” at this time (2 Kings 24:2).  And eventually, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Judah, captured king Jehoiachin, and set up his own leadership. 

Leaders Corrupted

Vs. 9 - Woe to them, for they have brought disaster on themselves.

Vs. 12 - My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths.

Vs. 14 - The Lord brings this charge against the elders and leaders of his people: “You have devastated the vineyard.

Unqualified leaders were leading the people astray and giving them confusing directions concerning God’s will. God’s special gift to His people throughout history involved furnishing inspired leaders. Now He would withdraw them.        - Thomas Constable

Pride Abased

Vs. 17 - the Lord will put scabs on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will shave their foreheads bare.

The Lord’s condemnation of His people continues, but there is a change in focus. In Isaiah 3:1-5 it was the male leaders who received criticism, but in this section the female citizens are more prominent.  The point is that the whole nation of Judah was guilty, not just the men.       - Thomas Constable

Some commentators note that, though there were surely females who needed humbling, the description of prideful women is likely a personification for all the inhabitants of Jerusalem who had looked for their security in wealth and status rather than in God.