Isaiah 3 Actions.. choices..have consequences.  The Lord says, "For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their actions are against the Lord, to rebel against His glorious presence. The expressions of their faces bears witness against them. and they display their sin like Sodom; they do not even conceal it. Woe to them! for they have brought evil on themselves." ( v8-9)

"The Lord arises to contend. And stands to judge the people." v13

Because of their sin, the Lord would "remove from Jerusalem and Judah.. bread..water.. the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder... " etc.  Every segment of society would be removed. He would allow "capricious children to rule.." (immature;  impulsive..erratic.. rulers.. imagine that! ) All the people would be oppressed. Neighbor against neighbor.  Children against parents. "And the inferior against the honorable." 

"Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will earth the fruit of their actions." the Lord tells Isaiah.. but, "Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, for what he deserves will be done to him."  

Verse 12 is striking - "O My people! Their oppressors are children, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths."  The Lord holds the "elders and princes of His people"  responsible for the fall of Judah.  They "devoured the vineyard.." and plundered their own people.  They crushed the people of God and ground "the face of the poor." 

God also judged the proud women of Judah. They walked with their heads held high, showing off their "bangles" and their beauty.  But, their punishment would be severe - 

Their scalps would be affected with scabs and their hair plucked out.. They would no longer have their "anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes..". etc. ect.  Their men would be killed by the sword... and they would be left, "deserted she will sit on the ground."  What a picture of judgement!

This is what happened to Judah. This is what will happen to America. God will judge justly. He will hold those in leadership or in places of influence accountable for their actions.  Those who lead people into rebellion against God are "wicked" and it will go badly for them.  May we hear the warnings!

But, praise the Lord, our gracious God who will shelter His people who remain righteous, who walk in Truth, and who humble themselves before Him. The message of God's Word to us is always consistent and true.  God will raise up those who bow before Him. He will save.  "For Adonai, God, is a sun and a shield; Adonai bestows favor and honor. He will not withhold anything good from those whose lives are pure." ( Psalm 84:11 CJB). 

Father, we live in a day and age.. in a place.. where wicked choices are being made.. where rebellion against You is prevalent everywhere.  We see the devastation that those choices are bringing as "You arise to contend "with us.  People are being led astray, confused, and oppressed.  Sin is being displayed and there is no longer an attempt to conceal it. Lord, help us! Let Your Word be preached across our nation. Open ears to hear and hearts to receive.. before it is too late. You know those who are Yours, gracious Father, and we trust You to be" our sun and shield." We testify with the psalmist that "Better a day in your courtyards that a thousand days elsewhere."  When we seek You, we find You and we are so grateful for Your love and grace. May Your name be praised in all the earth! May many more turn from wickedness to Truth, to the glory of Jesus Christ the Redeemer and King.  In His name we ask this. Amen.