1. The Lord says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house, then, could you build for me, what kind of place for me to live in?
2. I myself created the whole universe! I am pleased with those who are humble and repentant, who fear me and obey me.
3. “The people do as they please. It's all the same to them whether they kill a bull as a sacrifice or sacrifice a human being; whether they sacrifice a lamb or break a dog's neck; whether they present a grain offering or offer pigs' blood; whether they offer incense or pray to an idol. They take pleasure in disgusting ways of worship.
4. So I will bring disaster upon them — the very things they are afraid of — because no one answered when I called or listened when I spoke. They chose to disobey me and do evil.”
5. Listen to what the Lord says, you that fear him and obey him: “Because you are faithful to me, some of your own people hate you and will have nothing to do with you. They mock you and say, ‘Let the Lord show his greatness and save you, so that we may see you rejoice.’ But they themselves will be disgraced!
6. Listen! That loud noise in the city, that sound in the Temple, is the sound of the Lord punishing his enemies!
7. “My holy city is like a woman who suddenly gives birth to a child, without ever going into labour.
8. Has anyone ever seen or heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a day? Zion will not have to suffer long, before the nation is born.
9. Do not think that I will bring my people to the point of birth and not let them be born.” The Lord has spoken.
10. Rejoice with Jerusalem; be glad for her,all you that love this city!Rejoice with her now,all you that have mourned for her!
11. You will enjoy her prosperity,like a child at its mother's breast.
12. The Lord says, “I will bring you lasting prosperity; the wealth of the nations will flow to you like a river that never goes dry. You will be like a child that is nursed by its mother, carried in her arms, and treated with love.