Isaiah 3:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 3:22
22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
Chapter Context
Isaiah 3 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, righteousness, grace. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 3:22
22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
Analysis
The inventory shifts to clothing—changeable suits (festive robes), mantles, wimples (cloaks), and crisping pins (purses). The inclusion of multiple garment changes ('changeable suits') suggests excessive wardrobe far beyond necessity, indicating luxury and vanity. Jesus later contrasted Solomon's splendor with lilies that neither toil nor spin (Matthew 6:28-29), teaching that anxiety over clothing reveals misplaced trust.
Historical Context
Multiple changes of clothing were luxury items in the ancient world where most owned only one or two garments. This excess among Jerusalem's elite contrasted with the naked and poor (Isaiah 58:7).
Reflection
- How does our approach to clothing and appearance reflect contentment versus vanity?
- In what ways can wardrobe excess evidence misplaced values?