Ob and In:
1. The LORD will remove leaders and install incapable new leaders who were unable to rule people. People will treat each other harshly (v.1-5). A ridiculous example will explain this:
6 Indeed, a man will grab his brother
right in his father’s house and say,
‘You own a coat—
you be our leader!
This heap of ruins will be under your control.’
7 At that time the brother will shout,
‘I am no doctor,
I have no food or coat in my house;
don’t make me a leader of the people!’ ”
(BKC) Anybody who could be grabbed would be placed in charge of the people, his only qualification (v. 6) being that he owned a cloak. But the only thing over which he would rule anyway would be a heap of ruins...Isaiah was speaking of the coming devastation of Judah by the Babylonian army.
(NICOT) Unlike those self-confident rulers of another day who thought in their arrogance that they could do anything, this man, chastened by disaster, fears he can do nothing. As a leader, he could neither feed nor clothe his people and he will not accept the responsibility
Summary and reflection: Removing of leaders and installing incapable one. Society will be chaotic. God did that as a judgment to the people of Israel and He is doing that now in our country. Youth will easily become the leaders because of relativism and the promotion of expressing yourself. What will be left to Israel-heaps of ruins will happen here, too. Pray that the people will repent and turn back to God. The warning is given now for us to return now.
2. A sandwiches of speeches to the wicked-innocent-wicked.
The reason for the judgment: for their words, actions, faces, and boast. v.8-9
But the LORD also remembers those who were innocent among them v.10.
10 Tell the innocent it will go well with them,
for they will be rewarded for what they have done.
Woe to the wicked, especially the leaders and officials v.11-15
Summary and reflection: God judges fairly. He encourages those who were among the wicked to continue in their righteousness. Do not mix in with the wicked ones even in difficult times. Reason #2 for blessing passage among the judgment section.
3. The sin of being proud 3:16-4:1
4. Remain in Jerusalem and the LORD will come to judge v.2-4 and come to bring the glorious presence like the old time v.5-6.
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