When a nation forgets God, there is a shortage of necessities. In the last little study, we saw that there was a shortage of food. In the verses we look at today, we see that there was also a shortage of material provisions. Isaiah 3:6 says, “When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand.” A people that has forgotten God will grasp at anything to lessen their trouble and loss. If someone has more than they do, the people will seek to that person to be their ruler. They look for someone to provide for them, but they look in the wrong places.
The person who has more material goods and a slightly higher position in society will refuse to rule over the others. “In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.” (Isaiah 3:7) Why would that person not want to be a ruler over the people? Because they know the hope of future gain is gone. The country and economy are ruined, and they will not be able to provide either for themselves or others. “For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen….” (verse 8) Those who have a little more than others will not have it long.
Why did the nation fall? Why did it become ruined? “…because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.” (Isaiah 3:8) The people that forget God sin against Him with both their tongue and their deeds. This provokes the Lord to anger. The sad result of this sin is seen in verse nine, “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.” Evil comes upon the nation in two ways – 1.) from the Lord who is provoked to anger; 2.) from the consequences of their own actions. The people make no attempt to hide their sins. They sin openly and unashamedly before Almighty God, and they reap the consequences of that sin. “They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” (See Hosea 8:7)
In the midst of all this turmoil, want, and oppression, God does not forget those who fear Him. God’s hand is still on those who do right, and He will watch over them and do them good. “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” (Isaiah 3:10) Those who sow the wind, will reap the whirlwind; but those who sow righteousness will eat the fruit of righteousness. And what is the blessing that comes from righteousness, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
In the midst of a people that has forgotten God, it may be hard to do right. But those who do right will be blessed, and they will reap the effects of those blessings forever. May God help us to shine as lights in this dark world. The night is very dark, but not dark enough to swallow up the Light. “1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) The same was in the beginning with God. 3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5) May God, help us to be good reflectors of that Light so that God will be glorified. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)