The wealth of these women is emphasized by the "laundry list" of their clothing and jewelry in Isaiah 3:18-23. While this list may or may not be an addition to the text, it reflects the high social standing and equally haughty attitudes of these women. Scholars vary on whether this list is an original part of Isaiah, or whether it is a marginal gloss. The change in the nature of the text, from a description of the punishment to the description of the attire, makes it seem likely that this is the work of a later redactor. This is further supported by the beginning phrase of v. 18, "In that day" which would seem to indicate that this is a later addition. There is; however, nothing that can confirm or deny the dating of this particular passage.
The attire of the daughters of Zion was fashionable and similar items may be found in Near Eastern tombs. Their jewelry and attire was foreign, and this in and of itself was objectionable to the prophets and writers of the Old Testament. The negativity associated with foreign women and foreign things is evident in Proverbs 7:10-27. In this passage, the woman is recognized as a prostitute. She has, in her possession, Egyptian linen and fine spices. These seem to be trademarks for the wealthy, spoiled, adulterous woman.
The jewelry of the daughters includes crescents and amulets, suggesting a possible link to superstition and magic. Their wealth is also symbolized by their anklets, earrings, bracelets, veils and diadems. The list of their clothing includes items, such as a robe and turban, usually worn by priests and the male elite. In this we see a further critique of the behavior of these women for they not only seek male power, but also wear male attire. Later in the list, there is a reference to diaphanous fabric, indicating that the women were wearing revealing clothing, most probably from Sparta. These women were clearly not falling within the constraints of expected behavior for women in Israel. Their attire was clearly neither modest nor demure. Jeremiah echoes similar sentiments and criticisms in regard to female dress. As we have seen in Isaiah, the woman is accused of using her sexuality in inappropriate ways; however, in this instance the woman is metaphoric rather than actual. She dresses in fine clothing, wears ornate jewelry and paints her eyes with kohl. The actual nature of this "laundry list" is not relevant for the purposes of this study, as our attention is focused on the text as it now stands. The detail that is provided by Isaiah 3:18 serves to remind us exactly how far the daughters of Zion will fall.
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