Woe to her that is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city [Jerusalem]! 2 She did not listen to and heed the voice [of God]; she accepted no correction or
instruction; she trusted not in the Lord [nor leaned on or was
confident in Him, but was confident in her own wealth]; she drew not
near to her God [but to the god of Baal or Molech].
3 Her
officials in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges are evening
wolves; they gnaw not the bones on the morrow, for nothing is left by
morning.
4 Her
prophets are light [lacking truth, gravity, and steadiness] and men of
treachery; her priests have profaned the sanctuary; [defrauding God and
man by pretending their own word is God’s word] they have done violence
to the law.
5 The
Lord in the midst of her is [uncompromisingly] righteous; He will not
do iniquity. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He fails not,
but the unjust [person] knows no shame.
6 I [the Lord] have cut off nations; their battlements and corner towers are desolate and
in ruins. I laid their streets waste so that none passes over them;
their cities are destroyed so that there is no man, there is no
inhabitant.
7 I
said, Only let her [reverently and worshipfully] fear Me, receive
correction and instruction, and [Jerusalem’s] dwelling shall not be cut
off. However, I have punished her [according to all that I have
appointed concerning her in the way of punishment], but all the more
they are eager to make all their doings corrupt and infamous.
8 Therefore
[earnestly] wait for Me, says the Lord, [waiting] for the day when I
rise up to the attack [as a witness, accuser, or judge, and a
testimony]. For My decision and determination and right it
is to gather the nations together, to assemble the kingdoms, to pour
upon them My indignation, even all [the heat of] My fierce anger; for
[in that day] all the earth shall be consumed with the fire of My zeal and jealousy.
9 For then [changing their impure language] I will give to the people a clear and pure speech from pure lips, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one unanimous consent and one united shoulder [bearing the yoke of the Lord].
10 From beyond the rivers of Cush or Ethiopia those who pray to Me, the daughter of My dispersed people, will bring and present My offering.
11 In that day you [the congregation of Israel] shall not be put to shame for all your deeds by which you have rebelled and transgressed against Me, for then I will take away out of your midst those who exult in your majesty and pride; and you shall no more be haughty [and carry yourselves arrogantly on or] because of My holy mountain.
12 For I will leave in the midst of you a people afflicted and poor, and they shall trust, seek refuge, and be confident in the name of the Lord.
13 What
is left of Israel shall not do iniquity or speak lies, neither shall a
deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they shall feed and lie
down and none shall make them afraid.
14 Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in that day].
15 [For
then it will be that] the Lord has taken away the judgments against
you; He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, even the Lord
[Himself], is in the midst of you; [and after He has come to you] you
shall not experience or fear evil any more.
16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not, O Zion. Let not your hands sink down or be slow and listless.
17 The
Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who
saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent
satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.
18 I will gather those belonging to you [those Israelites in captivity] who yearn and
grieve for the solemn assembly [and the festivals], on whom [their
exile and inability to attend services at Jerusalem have brought
derision and] the reproach of it is a burden.
19 Behold,
at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; I will save
the limping [ones] and gather the outcasts and will make them a praise
and a name in every land of their shame.
20 At
that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you, for
I will make you a name and a praise among all the nations of the earth
when I reverse your captivity before your eyes, says the Lord.
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