Isaiah 3:23 - Exposition

The glasses ; rather, the mirrors . In ancient times these were not made of glass, but of some metal which took a high polish. Most commonly, the material seems to have been bronze. Many such mirrors have been found in Egypt, a few in Assyria, in Etruria a considerable number. They are of small size, intended to be carried in the hand, and have for that purpose a metal or a wooden handle, which is sometimes highly artistic. The fine linen ; rather, the muslin robes . Sedin , the Hebrew word used, is probably a corruption or analogue of sin- don, the Greek name for Indian fabrics. It is only used here and in 14:12 , 14:13 ; Proverbs 31:24 . The hoods, and the vails ; or, the turbans and the scarfs . The word translated" hood" is nearly the same as that which designates the head-dress of the high priest in Exodus ( Exodus 28:4 , Exodus 28:37 , Exodus 28:39 ; Exodus 29:6 , etc.) and Leviticus (Le Leviticus 8:9 ; Leviticus 16:4 ), which seems to have been a "turban" (see note on Exodus 28:4 ). The other word, here translated "vail," occurs only in this place and So Leviticus 5:7 . Its exact meaning is uncertain; but it can scarcely be a veil; since "veils" have been already mentioned ( Leviticus 5:19 ).