Isaiah 3:16

Daughters of Zion. Having discussed the princes and elders of Israel, Isaiah now turns to their wives and daughters, who are fully as degenerate. Nowhere else in the Bible is there so detailed a denunciation of degenerate womanhood as here. The women of Isaiah’s time are pictured exactly as they were — vain, haughty, highminded, proud, interested in themselves rather than in the Lord and the needs of those about them. In striking contrast is the picture Peter gives of ideal Christian womanhood (Peter 3:1-5). Haughtiness was the outstanding characteristic of the “daughters of Zion,” whereas “a meek and quiet spirit” is the outstanding trait God would see reflected in their lives.

Walk. The women of Zion affected the gait of harlots in order to attract the attention of men. With outstretched necks and ogling eyes, with mincing steps and coy glances, the women walked the streets, seeking to attract attention to themselves and bring their victims within their power (see Prov. 7:6-21).

A tinkling. In certain Oriental countries small silver bells were fastened to the ankles, which gave out a tinkling sound as the wearers walked. Bracelets were worn on legs as well as arms, and these too made a tinkling sound as the girls walked the streets. The “daughters of Zion” followed the customs of the degenerate nations about them.