5. I will remove those who worship all the stars in the sky on their rooftopsand those who worship by swearing loyalty to the Lordwhile also swearing loyalty to the god Milcom.
6. I will remove those who have turned away from following the Lordand those who no longer seek the Lord or ask him for help.”
7. Be silent in the presence of the Almighty Lord,because the day of the Lord is near.The Lord has prepared a sacrifice.He has invited his special guests.
8. “On the day of the Lord’s sacrifice I will punish the officials,the king’s sons, and all who dress in foreign clothing.
9. On that day I will punish all who jump over the doorwayand all who fill their master’s house with violence and deception.
10. On that day a loud cry will come from Fish Gate,a howling from the Second Part of the city,and a loud crashing sound from the hills,” declares the Lord.
11. “Howl, inhabitants of the Mortar,because all the merchants will be destroyedand all who handle money will be killed.
12. “At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish thosewho are satisfied with their hardened lifestyle,who think that the Lord won’t do anything—good or bad.
13. Their wealth will be looted.Their homes will be demolished.They will build houses, but they won’t live in them.They will plant vineyards, but they won’t drink their wine.”
14. The frightening day of the Lord is near.It is near and coming very quickly.Listen! Warriors will cry out bitterly on the day of the Lord.