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In order to preface this post, I feel the need to explain how exactly I got here. You see, the Lord has put men on my heart and they have been a spiritual burden and calling for some time. Perhaps I’ll explain that further at a later time, but suffice it to say that men in modernity have labored under the reign of the spirit of Jezebel for far too long – and this permeates our cultures, our congregations and even invades our personal relationships. It’s a sickness that is long overdue in being addressed and dealt with.
Recently, I had been reviewing teachings concerning such matters and what scripture truly says regarding the roles of men and women – not only within the church – but within society as a whole. Many of the principles and precepts laid out plainly in scripture would certainly offend most modern-minded folk because it’s clear, and it’s pretty straight forward… but I digress.
During this time, I’d come across an old television interview with Voddie Baucham. If you’re interested you can watch the entire exchange here, though the portion which sparked this post begins at 3:16.
… and the fact that something happened, doesn’t mean that it’s normative for the church. In Isaiah chapter three for example, one of the signs that a culture is under judgement is that women are in leadership in their nations – so Deborah was actually a sign that things were very bad in Israel…
Voddie Baucham – CNN Interview, c.a. 2010
This statement got my attention and, being a Missouri boy (Missouri being the “Show Me” state), I immediately hopped up and went to Isaiah 3 to see for myself. Now, I have read Isaiah many times, but never through the lens of applying the principles of these judgments to my own culture… and what I saw, from that perspective, was eye-opening.
I am presenting the full text of chapter 3 from the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) as it is, without reservation, my favored translation. Having discussed the credentials of the CJB many time previously, I will not do so again in this article. Below is the text – you either have eyes to see it, or you simply do not.
For see! The Lord, Adonai-Tzva’ot, will remove from Yerushalayim and Y’hudah every kind of support — all reserves of food and water; heroes and warriors, judges and prophets, diviners and leaders, captains of fifty, men of rank and advisers, skillful magicians and expert enchanters.
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I will put children in authority; capriciousness will govern them. People will oppress each other — everyone his friend, everyone his neighbor. The young will be insolent toward their elders, the insignificant arrogant toward the respected.
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A man will take hold of his brother in his father’s house and say, “You have a coat, so rule us! Take charge of this ruin!” But on that day, he will protest, “I don’t have a remedy, I lack food and clothing for my own house; don’t put me in charge of people!”
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For Yerushalayim is ruined, and Y’hudah has fallen; because their words and deeds defy Adonai, in open provocation of his glory. Their very look witnesses against them! They parade their sin, like S’dom; they don’t even try to hide it — all the worse for them! — they bring evil on themselves.
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Say that it will go well with the righteous, that they will enjoy the fruit of their actions; but woe to the wicked, it will go badly with him; for what he has done will be done to him.
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My people — children oppress them, and women are ruling over them.
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My people! Your guides lead you astray and obliterate the paths you should follow.
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Adonai rises to accuse, he stands to judge the peoples. Adonai presents the indictment against the leaders and officers of his people: “It is you who devour the vineyard; in your houses is plunder taken from the poor. What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding down the faces of the poor?” says Adonai Elohim-Tzva’ot.
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Moreover Adonai says:
“Because Tziyon’s women are so proud, walking with their heads in the air and throwing seductive glances, moving with mincing steps and jingling their anklets — Adonai will strike the crown of the heads of Tziyon’s women with sores, and Adonai will expose their private parts.”
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On that day Adonai will take away their finery — their anklets, medallions and crescents, their pendants, bracelets and veils; their headbands, armlets, sashes, perfume bottles, amulets, rings and nose-jewels; their fine dresses, wraps, shawls, handbags, gauze scarves, linen underclothes, turbans and capes.
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Then, there will be instead of perfume, a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-set hair, a shaved scalp; instead of a rich robe, a sackcloth skirt; and a slave-brand instead of beauty.
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Your men will fall by the sword and your warriors in battle. Her gates will lament and mourn;
Isaiah Chapter 3 – CJB
ravaged, she will sit on the ground.
I am well aware that this was written to the Hebrew peoples over a millennia ago. I am likewise aware that the judgments throughout this text have already been exacted… more than a thousand years ago. On the other hand, if you can’t see the parallels here, then I’ve got nothing for you – because they are stark and obvious.
I hope you do see them. I pray that we are counted among the righteous that it may go well with us!
Until next time,
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You