16. “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight.Stop doing evil.
17. Learn to do what is good.Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless.Plead the widow’s cause.
18. “Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet,they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson,they will be like wool.
19. If you are willing and obedient,you will eat the good things of the land.
20. But if you refuse and rebel,you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
21. The faithful city —what an adulteress she has become!She was once full of justice.Righteousness once dwelt in her —but now, murderers!
22. Your silver has become dross, your beer is diluted with water.
23. Your rulers are rebels,friends of thieves. They all love graftand chase after bribes. They do not defend the rights of the fatherless,and the widow’s case never comes before them.
24. Therefore the Lord God of Hosts,the Mighty One of Israel, declares:“Ah, I will gain satisfaction from My foes;I will take revenge against My enemies.
25. I will turn My hand against you and will burn away your dross completely; I will remove all your impurities.
26. I will restore your judges to what they once were, and your advisers to their former state. Afterward you will be called the Righteous City, a Faithful City.”
27. Zion will be redeemed by justice,her repentant ones by righteousness.
28. But both rebels and sinners will be destroyed,and those who abandon the Lord will perish.
29. Indeed, they will be ashamed of the sacred treesyou desired, and you will be embarrassed because of the gardensyou have chosen.