Isaiah 3:14
The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט
into judgment
H4941
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט
into judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עַמּ֖וֹ
of his people
H5971
עַמּ֖וֹ
of his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Job 22:4Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?Isaiah 5:7For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.Psalms 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Psalms 14:4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.Job 24:9They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.Jeremiah 5:27As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.James 2:6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?Amos 4:1Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence from 8th century Judah reveals growing wealth disparity. Prophetic critique consistently targeted economic oppression (Amos 2:6-7; Micah 2:1-2), showing God's concern for justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern economic systems enable similar 'spoil of the poor' in our houses?
- What accountability do leaders bear for systemic injustice versus individual sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's judgment specifically targets 'the ancients' (elders) and 'princes' who exploited the poor, using the metaphor of vineyard consumption—devouring what they should have stewarded. The accusation 'the spoil of the poor is in your houses' indicts systemic economic injustice. Leaders enriched themselves through oppression, violating covenant obligations to protect the vulnerable (Exodus 22:21-27). This anticipates James 5:1-6's woe against rich oppressors and Jesus' teaching that judgment weighs heavily on those given greater responsibility (Luke 12:48).