3.1 KiB
Woe to Oppressive Jerusalem
Chapter 3
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Woe to the city that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressive city!
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She has not obeyed; she has not accepted discipline. She has not trusted in the Lord; she has not drawn near to her God.
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The princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves of the night, which leave nothing for the morning.
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Her prophets are reckless-- treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction.
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The righteous Lord is in her; he does no wrong. He applies his justice morning by morning; he does not fail at dawn, yet the one who does wrong knows no shame.
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I have cut off nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant.
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I said: You will certainly fear me and accept correction. Then her dwelling place would not be cut off based on all that I had allocated to her.
However, they became more corrupt in all their actions.
- Therefore, wait for me-- this is the Lord's declaration-- until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation on them, all my burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.
Final Restoration Promised
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For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with a single purpose.
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From beyond the rivers of Cush my supplicants, my dispersed people, will bring an offering to me.
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On that day you will not be put to shame because of everything you have done in rebelling against me.
For then I will remove from among you your jubilant, arrogant people, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain.
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I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord.
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The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid.
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Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.
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On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing."
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I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her.
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Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.
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At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you.
I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes.
The Lord has spoken.