1. I, the Lord, was readyto answer even thosewho were not askingand to be found by thosewho were not searching.To a nation that refusedto worship me,I said, “Here I am!”
2. All day long I have reached outto stubborn and sinful peoplegoing their own way.
3. They keep making me angryby sneering at me,while offering sacrificesto idols in gardensand burning incenseto them on bricks.
4. They spend their nightshiding in burial caves;they eat the meat of pigs,cooked in saucesmade of stuff unfit to eat.
5. And then they say to others,“Don't come near us!We're dedicated to God.”Such people are like smoke,irritating my nose all day.
6. I have written this down;I won't keep silent.I'll pay them backjust as their sins deserve.
7. I, the Lord, will make them payfor their sins and for thoseof their ancestors—they have disgraced meby burning incenseon mountains.
8. Here is what the Lord says:A cluster of grapesthat produces wineis worth keeping!So, because of my servants,I won't destroy everyone.
9. I have chosen the peopleof Israel and Judah,and I will bless themwith many descendants.They will settle herein this land of mountains,and it will be theirs.
10. My people will worship me.Then the coastlands of Sharonand the land as faras Achor Valleywill turn into pasture landwhere cattle and sheepwill feed and rest.
11. What will I, the Lord, doif any of you reject meand my holy mountain?What will happen to youfor offering food and wineto the gods you call“Good Luck” and “Fate”?