Isaiah 3:6-7

Things would become so bad that the possession of a mere coat (an outer garment) would lead others to thrust its owner into leadership despite his protestations. Any type of superiority will seem like an indication that the possessor can provide desperately needed authority and power. Yet the chosen leader will refuse to take responsibility, even lying about his resources, because what he would rule is only a ruin and because he knows he lacks the qualifications to lead.

"Isaiah is in reality describing a breakdown in national character and seriousness; the spirit which treats national welfare, politics and leadership as a joke." [Note: Motyer, p. 60.]

People should not try to compel a person who is unqualified to run for office.

Note the stages in Israel’s degradation that Isaiah 3:1-7 trace. Good leaders disappear (Isaiah 3:1-3), and immature, capricious leaders (Isaiah 3:4) who begin to oppress the populace (Isaiah 3:5) take their place. Society becomes divided as age gaps open up and respect for the respectable breaks down (Isaiah 3:5). Unqualified people get pressed into leadership, and a spirit of despair dominates elections (Isaiah 3:6-7). Even though Israel and Judah were monarchies, the people did have the opportunity and responsibility for choosing some of their leaders.