138 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
138 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
The LORD's Case against Israel
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# Chapter 6
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1. Listen to what the LORD is saying:
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"Stand up and state your case against me.
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Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints.
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2. And now, O mountains,
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listen to the LORD's complaint!
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He has a case against his people.
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He will bring charges against Israel.
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3. "O my people, what have I done to you?
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What have I done to make you tired of me?
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Answer me!
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4. For I brought you out of Egypt
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and redeemed you from slavery.
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I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.
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5. Don't you remember, my people,
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how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed
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and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead?
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And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal,
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when I, the LORD, did everything I could
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to teach you about my faithfulness."
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6. What can we bring to the LORD?
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Should we bring him burnt offerings?
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Should we bow before God Most High
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with offerings of yearling calves?
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7. Should we offer him thousands of rams
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and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
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Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
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to pay for our sins?
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8. No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good,
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and this is what he requires of you:
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to do what is right, to love mercy,
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and to walk humbly with your God.
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Israel's Guilt and Punishment
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9. Fear the LORD if you are wise!
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His voice calls to everyone in Jerusalem:
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"The armies of destruction are coming;
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the LORD is sending them.
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10. What shall I say about the homes of the wicked
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filled with treasures gained by cheating?
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What about the disgusting practice
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of measuring out grain with dishonest measures?
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11. How can I tolerate your merchants
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who use dishonest scales and weights?
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12. The rich among you have become wealthy
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through extortion and violence.
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Your citizens are so used to lying
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that their tongues can no longer tell the truth.
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13. "Therefore, I will wound you!
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I will bring you to ruin for all your sins.
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14. You will eat but never have enough.
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Your hunger pangs and emptiness will remain.
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And though you try to save your money,
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it will come to nothing in the end.
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You will save a little,
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but I will give it to those who conquer you.
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15. You will plant crops
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but not harvest them.
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You will press your olives
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but not get enough oil to anoint yourselves.
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You will trample the grapes
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but get no juice to make your wine.
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16. You keep only the laws of evil King Omri;
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you follow only the example of wicked King Ahab!
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Therefore, I will make an example of you,
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bringing you to complete ruin.
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You will be treated with contempt,
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mocked by all who see you."
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