4. Jerusalem's prophets are proudand not to be trusted.The priests have disgracedthe place of worshipand abused God's Law.
5. All who do evil are shameless,but the Lord does rightand is always fair.With the dawn of each day,God brings about justice.
6. The Lord wiped out nationsand left fortressescrumbling in the dust.Their streets and townswere reduced to ruinsand emptied of people.
7. God felt certain that Jerusalemwould learn to respectand obey him.Then he would hold backfrom punishing the cityand not wipe it out.But everyone there was eagerto start sinning again.
8. The Lord said:Just wait for the daywhen I accuse you nations.I have decided on a day,when I will bring togetherevery nation and kingdomand punish them allin my fiery anger.I will become furiousand destroy the earth.
9. I will purify each languageand make those languagesacceptable for praising me.Then, with hearts united,everyone will serveonly me, the Lord.
10. From across the riversof Ethiopia,my scattered people,my true worshippers,will bring offerings to me.
11. When that time comes,you won't rebel against meand be put to shame.I'll do away with thosewho are proud and arrogant.Never will any of themstrut aroundon my holy mountain.