Fashion Statement
Read Isaiah 1:1–6:13
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14. The Lord comes forward to pronounce judgment on the elders and rulers of his people: “You have ruined Israel, my vineyard. Your houses are filled with things stolen from the poor.
15. How dare you crush my people, grinding the faces of the poor into the dust?” demands the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
16. The Lord says, “Beautiful Zion is haughty: craning her elegant neck, flirting with her eyes, walking with dainty steps, tinkling her ankle bracelets.
17. So the Lord will send scabs on her head; the Lord will make beautiful Zion bald.”
18. On that day of judgment the Lord will strip away everything that makes her beautiful. . . .
25. The men of the city will be killed with the sword, and her warriors will die in battle.
26. The gates of Zion will weep and mourn. The city will be like a ravaged woman, huddled on the ground. Isaiah 3:14-18, 25-26
Although the latest style is supposedly always new, fashion and the fashion conscious have been around for a long time. The Judean women of Isaiah’s time were no different than many women today—they were slaves to fashion. So much so that they angered God, who sent Isaiah to straighten them out.
The women of Judah aren’t the only ones who need to set their priorities straight in this reading. Isaiah has a lot to say to the Judeans and to us about the importance we place (or don’t place) on what God wants. As you read, notice the loving proposal God makes to his people; the good reasons to respect God; some bad mistakes to avoid; and how Isaiah became God’s servant.
Isaiah’s prophecies were not condemning the women for buying nice clothing, jewelry, and makeup. Rather he was condemning their prideful attitudes and self-centered concerns. Looking good is not wrong in and of itself. But when we become engrossed in our appearance while we neglect God’s commands and others’ needs, we’ve gone too far.
Strive for a balance between maintaining a well-groomed appearance and keeping your priorities and responsibilities straight. Remember that God is more concerned with your character than your looks (see 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:25-28). Use what you have to help others, not impress them.
