Isaiah 3:21

"the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms,"

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 3:21, these luxurious and ornamental items symbolize the superficiality and vanity of Jerusalem's women as judgment approaches. They represent the culture’s focus on outward appearance rather than spiritual integrity, highlighting the coming downfall through God’s impending punishment.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The rings -Usually worn on the fingers. And nose-jewels -The custom of wearing jewels in the “nose” has generally prevailed in savage tribes, and was common, and is still, in Eastern nations - among the Arabians, Persians, etc. Sir John Chardin says, ‘It is the custom in almost all the East for the women to wear rings in their noses, in the left nostril, which is bored low down in the middle. These rings are of gold, and have commonly two pearls and one ruby between, placed in the ring. I never saw a girl or young woman in Arabia, or in all Persia, who did not wear a ring in this manner in her nostrils.’ - Harmer’s “Obs.,” iv., p. 318.

More from Isaiah 3

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