1. This is what the Lord says:Heaven is my throne.The earth is my footstool.Where can you build a house or resting place for me?
2. I have made all these things.“That is why all these things have come into being,”declares the Lord.I will pay attention to thosewho are humble and sorry ⌊for their sins⌋and who tremble at my word.
3. Whoever kills a bull is like someone who kills a person.Whoever sacrifices a lamb is like someone who breaks a dog’s neck.Whoever offers a grain sacrificeis like someone who ⌊offers⌋ pig’s blood.Whoever burns incense is like someone who worships an idol.People have certainly chosen their own ways,and their souls delight in detestable things.
4. So I will choose harsh treatment for themand bring on them what they fear.I called, but no one answered.I spoke, but they didn’t listen.They did what I consider evil.They chose what I don’t like.
5. Listen to the word of the Lord, all who tremble at his word.Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name’s sake, say,“Let the Lord show his glory; then we will see your joy.”But they will be put to shame.
6. Listen to the uproar from the city.Listen to the sound from the temple.It is the sound of the Lordpaying back his enemies as they deserve.
7. Before a woman goes into labor, she gives birth.Before she has labor pains, she delivers a child.
8. Who has heard of such a thing?Who has seen such things?Can a country be born in one day?Can a nation be born in a moment?When Zion went into labor,she also gave birth to her children.
9. “Do I bring a mother to the moment of birthand not let her deliver?” asks the Lord.“Do I cause a mother to deliverand then make her unable to have children?” asks your God.
10. All who love Jerusalem, be happy and rejoice with her.All who mourn for her, be glad with her.
11. You will nurse and be satisfied from her comforting breasts.You will nurse to your heart’s delight at her full breasts.