Everything Falls Apart
The Lord Almighty is about to strip Jerusalem and Judah of everything they depend on—every bit of food and every drop of water. He’ll take away their heroes and soldiers, their judges and prophets, their wise leaders and elders. He’ll remove their military commanders, their respected citizens, their advisors, their skilled craftsmen, and their smooth-talking politicians.
“I’ll give them children as their leaders. Immature people will rule over them.” The people will turn on each other. Neighbors will attack neighbors. Young people will defy the old. Nobody will respect anyone.
Things will get so bad that a man will grab his own brother and say, “At least you still have a coat on your back—you be our leader! Take charge of this mess!” But that same day his brother will protest: “Don’t look at me to fix this! I don’t have food or clothes in my own house. Don’t make me ruler of these people.”
The Reason for Judgment
Jerusalem has collapsed. Judah has fallen. Their words and actions have been a direct insult to the Lord, defying his very presence. The look on their faces gives them away. They parade their sin like Sodom—they don’t even try to hide it. How terrible for them! They’ve brought this disaster on themselves.
Tell the righteous it will go well for them. They’ll enjoy the fruit of their good choices. But disaster is coming for the wicked! They’ll get exactly what they deserve—the consequences of their own actions.
“My people are oppressed by foolish leaders and ruled by those who should not be in charge. My people, your guides are leading you down the wrong path—they’re destroying you.”
The Lord Takes His Stand
The Lord stands up to make his case. He’s ready to judge his people.
The Lord brings charges against the elders and leaders of his people: “You’ve stripped the vineyard bare. Your houses are full of what you’ve stolen from the poor. What gives you the right to crush my people and grind the faces of the poor into the dirt?” says the Lord Almighty.
Pride Comes Before the Fall
The Lord also says: “The women of Zion have become arrogant. They walk around with their noses in the air, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with tiny steps, jangling their ankle bracelets. So the Lord will cover their heads with sores and strip away their beauty.”
When that day comes, the Lord will strip away all their finery—the jingling 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 shawls, the purses, the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the long veils.
Instead of perfume, there will be rottenness. Instead of a sash, a rope. Instead of styled hair, baldness. Instead of fine clothes, sackcloth. Instead of beauty, the brand of shame.
Your men will die by the sword. Your warriors will fall in battle. The city gates will echo with weeping and mourning. Jerusalem will sit on the ground, empty and broken.