8. Now come, write it on a tablet they can keep,inscribe it on a scroll;That in time to come it may bean eternal witness.
9. For this is a rebellious people,deceitful children,Children who refuseto listen to the instruction of the Lord;
10. Who say to the seers, “Do not see”;to the prophets, “Do not prophesy truth for us;speak smooth things to us, see visions that deceive!
11. Turn aside from the way! Get out of the path!Let us hear no moreof the Holy One of Israel!”
12. Therefore, thus says the Holy One of Israel:Because you reject this word,And put your trust in oppression and deceit,and depend on them,
13. This iniquity of yours shall belike a descending riftBulging out in a high wallwhose crash comes suddenly, in an instant,
14. Crashing like a potter’s jarsmashed beyond rescue,And among its fragments cannot be founda sherd to scoop fire from the hearthor dip water from the cistern.
15. For thus said the Lord God,the Holy One of Israel:By waiting and by calm you shall be saved,in quiet and in trust shall be your strength.But this you did not will.
16. “No,” you said,“Upon horses we will flee.”Very well, you shall flee!“Upon swift steeds we will ride.”Very well, swift shall be your pursuers!
17. A thousand shall tremble at the threat of one—if five threaten, you shall flee.You will then be left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,like a flag on a hill.
18. Truly, the Lord is waiting to be gracious to you,truly, he shall rise to show you mercy;For the Lord is a God of justice:happy are all who wait for him!
19. Yes, people of Zion, dwelling in Jerusalem,you shall no longer weep;He will be most gracious to you when you cry out;as soon as he hears he will answer you.
20. The Lord will give you bread in adversityand water in affliction.No longer will your Teacher hide himself,but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
21. And your ears shall hear a word behind you:“This is the way; walk in it,”when you would turn to the right or the left.