As mentioned in previous posts, Isaiah’s list of ornaments and jewelry in 3:16-24 is reminiscent of the priestly garb. But it’s all being stripped off. The daughters of Zion are being de-ordained, de-consecrated.

Except: Isaiah says that those who survive the stripping of the altar-servants are “holy” (4:3). What looked like a de-consecration is actually the opposite.

And this is the meaning of exile: Stripped of temple, priesthood, and kingship, Israel enters more fully than ever into her calling as the kingdom of priests, as the temple of the living God.