Isaiah 3:2
The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
Original Language Analysis
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and the man
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
of war
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
of war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
3 of 7
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
שׁוֹפֵ֥ט
the judge
H8199
שׁוֹפֵ֥ט
the judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
4 of 7
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
Historical Context
When Babylon conquered Judah, they systematically exiled the leadership class (2 Kings 24:14-16), leaving the 'poorest of the land.' Isaiah prophetically describes this leadership vacuum generations before its occurrence.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you recognize godly leadership as a divine blessing to be prayed for and supported?
- How should Christians respond when God removes wise leaders as judgment on a nation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's judgment includes removing competent leadership: mighty men, warriors, judges, prophets, prudent men, and elders. The comprehensive list shows social collapse affecting military, judicial, spiritual, and civic leadership. This reverses the leadership structure Moses established (Exodus 18) and fulfills covenant curses. Leaderless societies fall into chaos, demonstrating that good governance is God's gift, not human achievement.