Commentaries:
In his day Isaiah prophesied of a worrisome circumstance that would befall Judah. This prophecy certainly seems as if it is being fulfilled in the United States and Canada today: "I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them" (Isaiah 3:4). He means that their leaders would be people of immature minds, people without wisdom, self-centered, concerned mostly with "looking good" and being acceptable to the right people. Furthermore, these leaders would not really be concerned with principles or long-range effects of policies and decisions but very willing to pass on to the next generation the problems their policies create. When God gave this prophecy to Isaiah, He had more than governmental leaders in mind. The same types of people are influential in business, education, religion, the professions, and science.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Scourge of AIDS and the Sacrifice of Christ
This is not speaking of children with respect to age so much as skill in governing. This passage refers primarily to babes in experience, knowledge, and maturity, although in many cases today, children do seem to rule their parents.
Martin G. Collins
The Century of the Child
Related Topics:
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Isaiah 3:4
Library resources that contain this verse:
E-mail this page
