Isaiah 3

Isaiah 3:1-7

These miseries came upon them, by the Syrians and Israelites under Ahaz; by the Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syro-grecians, and Romans. See Introduction, chap iv. section xviii. By the sieges, and other judgments, they shall be deprived of the common necessaries of life, and all their men of ability, either for war, government, or trade, be cut off. Their governors shall be destitute of either sense or authority: every one shall behave in as unjust and insolent a manner as he pleases. And, when any person, that has any property left him, shall be solicited to take the charge of the state, in order to prevent or retrieve its ruin, he shall absolutely refuse. 8, 9. And, indeed, their insolent defiance of God and his Christ to his face, by their words and deeds, have rendered their case desperately ruinous. By their impudent practising, and even boasting, of the most horrid abominations, they have not only ruined their country, but entailed upon their souls everlasting damnation. 10, 11. For, as those who are righteous, by faith in Jesus Christ, shall have their conversation in him graciously rewarded with spiritual and eternal blessings, so those who are wicked in their heart and practice, shall, here and hereafter, be miserably provided, according to their deserts

Isaiah 3:12-15

So miserably is the condition of these Jews, whom I anciently took into covenant relation to myself, and who still profess to be my people, that the most foolish and weak govern and oppress them; their teachers and rulers decoy and lead them into wickedness and ruin. Therefore the Lord arises to avenge his oppressed poor ones, and to punish them who have ruined upon their property and cruelly abused and enslaved their persons

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—In the most diversified shapes can God punish him, and show the emptiness of creatures. And sins unrepented of certainly prove ruinous at him. But nations are evidently near to the most fearful 80 88* destruction when all ranks and sexes are abandoned to, and impudent in, sinning; or when folly and weakness are at the helm of government; when popular tumults dare to interrupt the administration of justice; and when those, who ought to be distinguished blessings in church or state, have become the principal plagues.—What a remarkable difference God puts between the righteous and the wicked! And who can either withstand or escape the vengeance which he appoints to them! With great faithfulness and courage ought ministers therefore to give both saints and sinners their portion. At what expence of money, care, and time, do many, especially women, hang out before the world the infallible tokens of their emptiness, pride, and whorish inclinations! And God often avenges their folly, by infamous usage, shocking disgrace, abominable appearances, loathsome diseases, pinching poverty, and desolating judgments