Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The people will be oppressed"
Text: Isaiah 3:5
THE PROBLEM OF OPPRESSION
Judah’s turning away from the LORD had grave consequences. The relative prosperity in the nation had beguiled both the leaders and the general public.
“I will give children to be their princes,
And babes shall rule over them.
The people will be oppressed,
Every one by another and every one by his neighbour;
The child will be insolent toward the elder,
And the base toward the honourable.”
Isaiah 3:4-5
1. The demise of rulers.
a) No matter how good rulers may be, they would die one day.
b) Princes would have to be installed as the ruler when the king dies.
c) The sad reality:
i) The power behind the throne may be evil and sinister.
ii) Children and babes ascend the throne at the risk of the whole nation.
2. The consequences are dire.
a) Oppression will be experienced.
i) In this context, not from conquering marauders.
ii) The oppressors would be those who are in power.
iii) Oppression can even come from an aggressive neighbour.
iv) The law cannot be relied upon for the child-ruler is unable to uphold justice.
b) Traditional relationships would be affected adversely.
i) Traditionally, a child is respectful towards his elder.
ii) In a poorly run state, children show disrespect to the elderly.
iii) They are not well-brought up to show proper respect.
c) Those who are base will show no respect toward the honourable.
i) Those who are subordinates were expected to respect their seniors.
ii) In a nation that is poorly ruled, subordinates will end up
being rude to those above them.