ISAIAH 3 (NIV)
- See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is abut to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water,
- the hero and warrior, the judge and prophet, the soothsayer and elder,
- the captain of fifty and man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter.
- I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them.
- People will oppress each other - man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will raise up against the old, the base agaisnt the honorable.
- A man will seize one of his brothers at his father's home, and say, "You have a cloak, you be our ruler; take charge of this heap of ruins!"
- But in that day he will cry out, "I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people."
- Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence.
- 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.
- Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
- Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done.
- Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.
- The Lord takes his place in court; he rises to judge his people.
- 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.
- What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.
- The Lord says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
- Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald."
- In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,
- the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,
- the signet rings and nose rings,
- the fine robes and capes and cloaks, the purses
- and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
- 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.
- Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.
- The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.