Isaiah 4: 16-23 Thought/Prayer: Haughty and Flirty Uses. Topics: 2 at end.
“’Moreover, Yahweh said, ‘Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald.’ In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, the signet rings, the nose rings, the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.” WEB (Read these scriptures and more at http://prayerpivot.com.)
In God speaking to Isaiah, we are adjured to live holy lives. Isaiah does speak beautiful words of the glory of God’s coming kingdom; but he also addresses the doom of God’s punishment for unrighteousness. Here perhaps is a striking list of beauty lost to the daughters of Zion (of his people) because of their haughtiness and flirtatiousness.
Just look at the list of where God will take away beauty:
Anklets
Headbands
Crescent necklaces
Earrings
Bracelets
Veils
Headdresses
Ankle chains
Sashes
Perfume bottles
Charms
Signet rings
Nose rings
Fine robes
Capes
Cloaks
Purses
Hand mirrors
Fine linen garments
Tiaras, and
Shawls!
The list was eye-catching. We’re saying, “What”!? Purses? Shawls? These are bad?
The list catches the eye because many women today have most of these items in their retinue of dressing, or dressing up. Take earrings for example. Purses.
No, practically speaking, these are not bad things. Women and girls can wear a cape without incrimination. It was the usage of these items that is being denounced. The women accused were haughty and certainly not demure. And the Lord went to some lengths to put all of this down in scripture. He really didn’t like what they were doing with these things. These ladies were being judged, for sure.
But there is always forgiveness in the Lord when we repent; and Isaiah was inspired to write that our sins will become as white as snow or like wool.
Lord, help us to know that it is how we use the things You give us that matters. Even common-usage items that women have used for thousands of years are mentioned here in scripture . . . but for wrong usage. Help us to be aware that it’s our attitude that matters, and help us to always adopt a correct attitude when serving in Your pro-LIFE work.
Topics: Pray for a humble heart and a right attitude toward Earthly possessions and their use.
Kansas Coalition for LIFE and in other states