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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 3 - Verse 18

3:18
In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,

Meaning

This verse from the book of Isaiah in the Bible describes a prophecy in which the Lord will take away the pride and arrogance of the people, symbolized by their extravagant jewelry and decorations. "The bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet" refers to the pride and vanity associated with wearing jingling ankle bracelets and other flashy adornments. "Their cauls, and their round tires like the moon" likely represent elaborate head coverings and crescent-shaped headpieces, which were symbols of status and wealth in ancient times.

Essentially, this verse is warning against the dangers of materialism and excessive focus on outward appearances. The Lord is depicted as stripping away these symbols of vanity and pride, emphasizing the importance of humility, inner beauty, and spiritual values instead. By removing these ostentatious displays of wealth and status, the Lord is calling the people to focus on what truly matters - their relationship with Him and living in accordance with His teachings. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual riches over worldly possessions and to cultivate a heart of humility and genuine faith.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the idea of God's judgment on the vanity and pride of the people. The mention of 'tinkling ornaments,' 'cauls,' and 'round tires like the moon' alludes to the luxurious jewelry and accessories worn by the people of that time. In taking away these ornaments, the Lord is symbolically stripping away their pride and arrogance. The mention of these specific adornments highlights the emptiness of relying on material wealth and external beauty, rather than on the righteousness and humility that God values. It serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual growth and inner qualities over outward appearances. In a broader sense, this verse could also be seen as a warning against idolizing wealth and possessions, and a call to focus on cultivating a deeper relationship with God.

American Standard Version

In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, and the cauls, and the crescents;
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