1. Thus says the Lord: Heaven is My throne,and the earth is My footstool.Where then is the house that you could build for Me?And where is the place of My rest?
2. For My hand made all those things,thus all those things have come to be,says the Lord. But to this man I will look,even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,and trembles at My word.
3. He who kills a bullis as if he kills a man;he who sacrifices a lamb,as if he breaks a dog’s neck;he who offers a grain offering,as if he offers swine’s blood;he who burns incense,as if he blesses an idol.They have chosen their own ways,and their soul delights in their abominations;
4. I also will choose their punishmentsand will bring their fears on them,because when I called, no one answered;when I spoke, they did not listen;but they did evil before 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 you,who cast you out for My name’s sake, said,“Let the Lord be glorifiedthat we may see your joy.”Yet they shall be ashamed.
6. A voice of noise from the city,a voice from the temple,the voice of the Lordwho renders recompense to His enemies.
7. Before she was in labor,she gave birth;before her pain came,she delivered a son.
8. Who has heard such a thing?Who has seen such things?Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?Shall a nation be born at once?For as soon as Zion was in labor,she brought forth her sons.
9. Shall I bring to the point of birthand not cause delivery? says the Lord.Shall I who cause deliveryshut the womb? says your God.