The prophet Isaiah's prophetic ministry focused on the deep relationship between God and the people of Israel. His prophetic words had both a local and international perspective. Although he does not spend a lot of time talking about women in general, his prophetic ministry made some important comments about the women in his day. Women of this generation can also relate to some of these. As Isaiah's ministry was focused on bringing back the nation to God, we have popular verses such as “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18), that shows the heart of God for the people. As the prophet lived in the Southern kingdom also known as Judah, most of his messages were focused on them. The people of Judah forsook God and followed other gods. Isaiah 1:21 says this: "See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers!" The people's unfaithfulness to God ultimately led to their exile. However Isaiah saw this vision, that "In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." (Isaiah 2:2).
The women in Isaiah's days, just like their men, followed the same route of idolatry. They were self conceited and focused on their outer beauty instead of a godly character. The women living in Jerusalem were no different. Jerusalem is also known as Zion or the city of David. This is what the Lord said about the women in Zion: “The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles." (Isaiah 3:16). Because of the vile lifestyle, this was their judgement: "Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.” (Isaiah 3:17). As if this was not enough, their clothing and accessories were to be snatched away, signifying their captivity: "In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding. Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle. The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground." (Isaiah 3:18-26).
In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!” (Isaiah 4:1)
In the height of their agony, the establishment of marriage will be under attack as there will be more women and less men. Isaiah 4:1 states that "In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”" Why more women and less men? The attack on Zion will ultimately lead the fighting men to lose their lives, other healthy men would be carried away into captivity leaving behind a few men for the many women. The women of Zion will propose to the men that their need for marriage is just to have the names of the men to take away their disgrace. In this marriage of convenience, the men will just be caricatures as the women will basically provide for their own livelihood without any reliance on the men. Instead of the love in marriage, the women of Zion just want marriage to cover their shame. As this sounds very gloomy, the prophet also gives a hint of restoration and delight for the survivors. Isaiah 4:2 states that "In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel." In His mercy, "the Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgement and a spirit of fire" (Isaiah 4:4).
The atmosphere might have been gloomy for the women in Zion but they had hope in a glorious future. Many women are living in the lowest points of their lives. They have lost all hope but all is not lost. If only women will look unto the Lord and delight themselves in Him, instead of delighting in things that do not have eternal value. Instead of placing much value on clothing and accessories, women could focus on building a good relationship with God and developing their characters. You might not be chasing after a man for safety like the women in Zion, but whatever gives you sleeplessness, know that the Lord is gracious. The Psalmist said this: "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4).
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