Isaiah 3:16–4:1

A Warning to Jerusalem

¹⁶The Lord says, “Beautiful Zion is haughty:

craning her elegant neck,

flirting with her eyes,

walking with dainty steps,

tinkling her ankle bracelets.

¹⁷So the Lord will send scabs on her head;

the Lord will make beautiful Zion bald.”

¹⁸On that day of judgment

the Lord will strip away everything that makes her beautiful:

ornaments, headbands, crescent necklaces,

¹⁹earrings, bracelets, and veils;

²⁰scarves, ankle bracelets, sashes,

perfumes, and charms;

²¹rings, jewels,

²²party clothes, gowns, capes, and purses;

²³mirrors, fine linen garments,

head ornaments, and shawls.

²⁴Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, she will stink.

She will wear a rope for a sash,

and her elegant hair will fall out.

She will wear rough burlap instead of rich robes.

Shame will replace her beauty.

²⁵The men of the city will be killed with the sword,

and her warriors will die in battle.

²⁶The gates of Zion will weep and mourn.

The city will be like a ravaged woman,

huddled on the ground.

Chapter 4

In that day so few men will be left that seven women will fight for each man, saying, “Let us all marry you! We will provide our own food and clothing. Only let us take your name so we won’t be mocked as old maids.”