Isaiah 3

New International Version

• 1. See now, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water,
• 2. the hero and warrior, the judge and prophet, the soothsayer and elder,
• 3. the captain of fifty and man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter.
• 4. I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them.
• 5. People will oppress each other- man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the base against the honorable.
• 6. A man will seize one of his brothers at his father's home, and say, "You have a cloak, you be our leader; take charge of this heap of ruins!"
• 7. But in that day he will cry out, "I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people."
• 8. Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence.
• 9. The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.
• 10. Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
• 11. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done.
• 12. Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.
• 13. The LORD takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people.
• 14. The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: "It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
• 15. What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.
• 16. The LORD says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
• 17. Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the LORD will make their scalps bald."
• 18. In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,
• 19. the earrings and bracelets and veils,
• 20. the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,
• 21. the signet rings and nose rings,
• 22. the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses
• 23. and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
• 24. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding.
• 25. Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.
• 26. The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.

New International Version