Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 3:19

"the pendants, and the bracelets, and the mufflers;" — Isaiah 3:19 (ASV)

The chains — The margin reads, 'sweet balls.' The word used here is derived from the verb נטף nâṭaph, which means 'to drop, to fall in drops, or to distill,' as juice from a plant. Therefore, it means that which 'resembles drops'—such as pearls or precious stones, used as ornaments for the neck or ears. We retain a similar word applicable to ear ornaments by calling them 'drops.' The Chaldee renders this 'chains,' and so does the Vulgate. The Septuagint understands it as a 'hanging' or 'pendant' ornament—and this is its undoubted meaning—an ornament pendant like gum distilling from a plant.

Roberts notes: "These consist, first, of one most beautifully worked, with a pendant ornament for the neck; there is also a profusion of others which go round the same part, and rest on the bosom. In making curious chains, the goldsmiths of England do not surpass those of the East."

And the bracelets — These were for the wrists. The Chaldee translates it as 'bracelets for the hands.' These ornaments were very ancient (Numbers 31:50). Muhammad promises gold and silver bracelets to those who will follow him. Roberts adds: "The bracelets are large ornaments for the wrists, in which are sometimes enclosed small bells."

Mufflers — The margin reads, 'spangled ornaments.' The word used here is derived from a verb meaning 'to tremble, to shake'—רעל râ‛al—and the name is given to the ornament, whatever it was, probably from its 'tremulous' motion. Perhaps it means a 'light, thin veil,' or possibly, as in the margin, spangled ornaments producing a tremulous, changing aspect. In Zechariah 7:2, the word is used to denote 'trembling'—giddiness or intoxication.

It was customary early on, and is still common in Oriental countries, for women to wear veils. No woman ventures abroad without her veil.

What is supposed to be intended here is described by the Arabian scholiast Safieri, as quoted by Gesenius. It is drawn tight over the upper part of the head, but the part around the eyes is open, leaving a space to see through. The lower part is left loose and flowing, thus producing the 'tremulous' appearance indicated in this passage (see the notes and illustrations at Isaiah 3:24).