[3] God is judging Jerusalem and Judah by taking away their bread, water, and leadership. Man rises against man and all are oppressed. This oppression and judgment are because, according to verse 8, “…they speak out against the Lord and refuse to obey him. They provoke him to his face… they display their sin like the people of Sodom and don’t even try to hide it. They are doomed! They have brought destruction against themselves.” They think they aren’t being hypocritical, but they are just as hypocritical as every other sinner because they are trying to convince themselves that what they are doing is good or okay. God reminds them in verses 10 & 11 that what they sow they will reap.
Verse 12 says, “Childish leaders oppress my people and women ruler over them. O, my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road.” They are in a time where there are no “Statesmen” or strong leaders and the nation is misled.
God gives the people in a warning in verse 16-26. He discusses how women dress and use their bodies to entice men. He warns that their beauty will be taken away. Not only will her beauty be taken away but verse 18 says, “… the Lord will take away everything that makes her beautiful…” Verse 24 says, “Instead 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.” The inner life of these women was haughty, while the men of the city died in battle by the sword.
