Isaiah 3:1-8 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

National and spiritual anarchy.

We have a vivid picture here of—

I. NATIONAL ANARCHY .

1. Its cause is found in national rebellion against its rightful Lord. "Their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory" ( Isaiah 3:8 ). Sin, both in word and deed, draws down the righteous indignation of God, and, under his just administration, the penalty of iniquity is paid.

2. Its signs are seen in:

3. Its issue . ( Isaiah 3:8 .) "Jerusalem is being ruined (is ruined); Judah is falling (is fallen)." Bad as things are, they are not at their very worst; there remains a darker and sadder catastrophe yet to complete the destruction; and that, viz. dreary exile for the people and depopulation for the land, will soon arrive.

II. SPIRITUAL ANARCHY . We trace the same cause here as in the case of the ruined nation.

1. Its cause is in rebellion against God, and his consequent high displeasure showing itself in just and appropriate penalty ( Isaiah 3:8 ).

2. Its signs are found in:

3. Its issue . ( Isaiah 3:8 .) A human spirit in such a state is hastening fast to utter and irretrievable ruin. It is in the very act of falling; it is coming to the ground, to be utterly humiliated and broken. It may be perhaps that on earth a soul is never in such complete ruin but that it may be repaired. Yet there are those who have fallen into such disorder that it may be said that the last destruction overhangs them. To such the Master's warning words may well be uttered (see Luke 17:31 , Luke 17:32 ); for they must flee for their life, not losing a moment in starting, nor looking behind them when on their way.—C.