3. “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man;he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck;he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig’s blood;he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol. These have chosen their own ways,and their soul delights in their abominations;
4. I also will choose harsh treatment for themand bring their fears upon them, because when I called, no one answered,when I spoke, they did not listen; but they did what was evil in my eyesand chose that in which I did not delight.”
5. Hear the word of the Lord,you who tremble at his word:“Your brothers who hate youand cast you out for my name’s sakehave said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified,that we may see your joy’;but it is they who shall be put to shame.
6. “The sound of an uproar from the city!A sound from the temple!The sound of the Lord, rendering recompense to his enemies!
7. “Before she was in laborshe gave birth;before her pain came upon hershe delivered a son.
8. Who has heard such a thing?Who has seen such things?Shall a land be born in one day?Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?For as soon as Zion was in laborshe brought forth her children.
9. Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?”says the Lord;“shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?”says your God.
10. “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her,all you who love her;rejoice with her in joy,all you who mourn over her;
11. that you may nurse and be satisfiedfrom her consoling breast;that you may drink deeply with delightfrom her glorious abundance.”
12. For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip,and bounced upon her knees.
13. As one whom his mother comforts,so I will comfort you;you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
14. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass;and the hand of the Lord shall be known to his servants,and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.
15. “For behold, the Lord will come in fire,and his chariots like the whirlwind,to render his anger in fury,and his rebuke with flames of fire.