Isaiah 3:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 3:1-8

The prophet, in the close of the foregoing chapter, had given a necessary caution to all not to put confidence in man, or any creature; he had also given a general reason for that caution, taken from the frailty of human life and the vanity and weakness of human powers. Here he gives a particular reason for it?God was now about to ruin all their creature-confidences, so that they should meet with nothing but disappointments in all their expectations from them (Isa. 3:1): The stay and the staff... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 3:3

The captain of fifty ,.... A semi-centurion, such an one as in 2 Kings 1:9 . So far should there be from being captains of thousands, and of hundreds, that there should not be one of fifty: and the honourable man ; by birth, breeding, and behaviour, through riches and greatness; and one of power and authority among the people, and in their favour and esteem: and the counsellor ; one able to give advice in matters of moment and difficulty, and in controversy between man and man; it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:1-7

GOD 'S JUDGMENT UPON JERUSALEM . The general denunciations against Israel of the two preceding chapters are here turned especially against Jerusalem. God will deprive her of all her superior and more honorable classes ( Isaiah 3:1-3 ); and will give her "children" for her rulers ( Isaiah 3:4 ). There will be continued oppression, and the rise of an insolent and undutiful spirit ( Isaiah 3:5 ). Those fit to bear rule will refuse to do so ( Isaiah 3:6 , Isaiah 3:7 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:1-7

Many steps in the decay of states. Ruin does not often come on states at once, even when God has determined on it. There are many steps in the fall of a great nation. I. CESSATION OF A SUCCESSION OF GREAT AND WISE MEN . ( Isaiah 3:2 , Isaiah 3:3 .) One of the first marks of decay is a falling off in this succession. When the intervals between one great man and another lengthen; when wise men, capable of giving the state good counsel, grow rare; when mediocrity... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:1-8

National and spiritual anarchy. We have a vivid picture here of— I. NATIONAL ANARCHY . 1. Its cause is found in national rebellion against its rightful Lord. "Their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory" ( Isaiah 3:8 ). Sin, both in word and deed, draws down the righteous indignation of God, and, under his just administration, the penalty of iniquity is paid. 2. Its signs are seen in: 3. Its issue . ( Isaiah 3:8 .)... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:3

The captain of fifty . "Captains of fifties" were scarcely at this period "civil officers" (Cheyne). They represent simply the lowest grade of officers in the army ( 2 Kings 1:9 , 2 Kings 1:11 , 2 Kings 1:13 ). Honorable . The same expression is used again in Isaiah 9:15 . It occurs also in 2 Kings 5:1-27 . I and Job 22:8 . The cunning artificer . "All the craftsmen and smiths" in Jerusalem were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar in the captivity of Jehoiachin ( 2 Kings 24:14 ;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 3:3

The captain of fifty - By this was probably denoted an officer in the army. The idea is, that the commanders of the various divisions of the army should be taken away.The honourable man - Hebrew פנים נשׂוּא nes'û' pânı̂ym. “The man of elevated countenance.” That is, the man high in office. He was so called from the aspect of dignity which a man in office would assume. In the previous chapter, the phrase is used to denote rather the “pride” which attended such officers, than the dignity of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 3:2-3

Isaiah 3:2-3. The mighty man, &c. Strong and valiant men. The judge The civil magistrates; and the prophet Either strictly so called, the want of whom is matter of grief, (Psalms 74:9,) or more largely taken, so as to include all skilful and faithful teachers; and the prudent Whose wisdom and conduct were necessary to preserve them from ruin; and the ancient Whose wisdom was increased by long experience. This likewise relates to the same times, particularly to Jehoiachin’s... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 3:1-26

Ungodly society (3:1-4:1)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 (3:1-3). Power falls into the hands of immature youths, and lawlessness results.... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 3:3

honourable man = eminent or highly respected man. cunning artificer = skilled in arts. eloquent orator = skilled in magnetism. read more

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