A Warning to the Women of Jerusalem (ISA 3:16-4:1)

[3:16] The Lord said, “Look how proud the women of Jerusalem are! They walk along with their noses in the air. They are always flirting. They take dainty little steps, and the bracelets on their ankles jingle.

[3:17] But I will punish them—I will shave their heads and leave them bald.”

[3:18] A day is coming when the Lord will take away from the women of Jerusalem everything they are so proud of—the ornaments they wear on their ankles, on their heads, on their necks,

[3:19] and on their wrists. He will take away their veils

[3:20] and their hats; the magic charms they wear on their arms and at their waists;

[3:21] the rings they wear on their fingers and in their noses;

[3:22] all their fine robes, gowns, cloaks, and purses;

[3:23] their revealing garments, their linen handkerchiefs, and the scarves and long veils they wear on their heads.

[3:24] Instead of using perfumes, they will stink; instead of fine belts, they will wear coarse ropes; instead of having beautiful hair, they will be bald; instead of fine clothes, they will be dressed in rags; their beauty will be turned to shame!

[3:25] The men of the city, yes, even the strongest men, will be killed in war.

[3:26] The city gates will mourn and cry, and the city itself will be like a woman sitting on the ground, stripped naked.

[4:1] When that time comes, seven women will grab hold of one man and say, “We can feed and clothe ourselves, but please let us say you are our husband, so that we won't have to endure the shame of being unmarried.”